Care Instructions for Wool Felt

How to care for your handmade wool felt

I make my felt from natural sheep’s wool, shaped by hand with warm water and soap. Wool is naturally dirt- and odour-resistant, so it needs far less washing than most materials. With a little care, a felt piece will stay soft and keep its shape for many years.

Everyday care

  • Brush with a soft clothes brush or go over it with a lint roller to remove hair and dust.
  • Vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment (rugs, mats and cat caves).
  • Air the piece from time to time in a well-ventilated place, out of direct sun.

Spot cleaning

  1. Remove any solid dirt first, without rubbing it in.
  2. Dab the spot with a damp sponge, lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap or wool detergent.
  3. Blot with a clean cloth. Do not scrub, because rubbing can make the surface fuzzy.
  4. Let it dry naturally.

Deeper cleaning

If a piece really needs washing, hand wash it in lukewarm water with a little wool detergent. Press the water through the felt gently, rinse in water of the same temperature and squeeze out the water without wringing or twisting. Reshape the piece while it is still damp and let it dry flat or on its natural form, away from heat and direct sun.

Please avoid

  • Washing machines and tumble dryers: heat and movement can shrink and distort felt.
  • Hot water, bleach and strong detergents.
  • Drying on radiators or with a hairdryer.
  • Rubbing or scratching the surface when wet.

Good to know about wool felt

  • Small fibres on the surface are normal for natural wool, especially in the first weeks. Brush them off and they will settle.
  • Each piece is handmade, so size and shape can differ slightly from the photos.
  • Colours can look a little different on different screens.
  • Storage: keep felt clean and dry, in a breathable bag or box, not in sealed plastic. Clean wool is less attractive to moths, and a cedar block or lavender sachet helps.

For cat caves and pet beds

Remove hair regularly with a lint roller or brush. If your cat has an accident, blot (do not rub) as soon as you can and then spot clean as above. Let the piece dry completely before your cat uses it again.

Questions?

If you are not sure how to clean a particular piece, send me a message with a photo and I will gladly advise.