Handwashing is always the best and safest method for washing felt blankets, ensuring their longevity and preserving their texture. Felt is sensitive to water temperature and agitation, and it can shrink if not treated properly.
Washing a felt blanket requires a gentle approach to prevent shrinking, stretching, or damaging the fibers. While machine washing is generally discouraged, careful handwashing will keep your felt blanket soft and vibrant for years.
Preparing Your Felt Blanket for Washing
Before diving into the wash, a little preparation goes a long way:
- Shake out Loose Debris: Take your blanket outside and give it a good shake to remove any dust, pet hair, or crumbs.
- Spot Clean Stains: For minor spills or marks, target them before a full wash.
- Blot (don't rub) the stain with a clean cloth.
- Apply a small amount of mild, diluted detergent directly to the stain.
- Gently dab until the stain lifts, then rinse with a damp cloth.
- Test for Colorfastness: If your blanket has multiple colors, test a small, inconspicuous area with a damp cloth and a tiny bit of detergent to ensure colors won't bleed.
The Gentle Art of Handwashing Felt
Handwashing is the gold standard for felt blankets. It gives you control over the water temperature and agitation, which are critical for preventing damage.
- Gather Your Supplies:
- A large basin, clean sink, or bathtub.
- Cool water.
- A mild, pH-neutral detergent (e.g., wool wash, baby shampoo, or a detergent specifically for delicates).
- Several clean, dry towels.
- Fill with Cool Water: Fill your basin or sink with cool water. This is crucial as hot water can cause felt to shrink or felt further (a process called felting, which makes the fabric denser and smaller).
- Add Detergent: Mix a small amount of your mild detergent into the water. Ensure it's fully dissolved before adding the blanket.
- Submerge the Blanket: Carefully place the felt blanket into the water. Allow it to soak completely, absorbing the water. Do not forcefully push or agitate it.
- Gentle Washing: Gently squeeze the blanket repeatedly to allow the soapy water to penetrate and clean the fibers. Avoid rubbing, twisting, or stretching the felt, as this can distort its shape. Focus on a gentle compression and release.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Once you feel the blanket is clean, drain the soapy water. Refill the basin with cool, clean water and gently squeeze the blanket again to rinse out the detergent. Repeat this process until the water runs clear and all detergent residue is gone. Rinse water should also be cool.
Drying Your Felt Blanket Safely
Drying felt blankets requires patience and a hands-off approach to maintain their shape and prevent shrinkage.
- Remove Excess Water: Gently press down on the blanket to squeeze out as much water as possible. Do not wring or twist, as this will stretch and distort the felt.
- Towel Roll: Lay a large, clean, dry towel flat. Place the felt blanket on top of it. Roll the blanket and towel together tightly, pressing firmly to absorb more moisture. You may need to repeat this with several dry towels.
- Lay Flat to Dry: Unroll the blanket and lay it flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a drying rack or a fresh, dry towel. Ensure it's in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources (like radiators), which can cause shrinkage or damage.
- Reshape: As the blanket dries, gently reshape it to its original form, if necessary.
- Flip Periodically: Flip the blanket occasionally to ensure even drying and prevent moisture from lingering underneath.
- Be Patient: Drying felt can take a day or two, depending on its thickness and humidity levels. Ensure it's completely dry before storing or using to prevent mildew.
Understanding Felt's Sensitivity
| Characteristic | Why it matters | How to Handle |
|---|---|---|
| Water Temperature | Hot water causes wool fibers (common in felt) to shrink and felt more aggressively, leading to a smaller, denser item. | Always use cool or lukewarm water for washing and rinsing. |
| Agitation | Vigorous rubbing, twisting, or machine cycles can cause felting, pilling, and distortion of the fabric. | Use gentle squeezing motions; avoid scrubbing or wringing. Handwashing is preferred over machine washing. |
| Harsh Chemicals | Strong detergents or bleaches can damage felt fibers, causing them to break down or lose their color and softness. | Opt for mild, pH-neutral detergents designed for delicates or wool. Avoid bleach and harsh stain removers. |
| Direct Heat | High heat from dryers, radiators, or direct sunlight can cause rapid shrinkage and weaken the felt fibers over time. | Always air dry flat, away from direct heat sources. |
Maintaining Your Felt Blanket Between Washes
- Regular Shaking: Give your blanket a good shake outdoors regularly to remove dust and maintain its fluffiness.
- Spot Cleaning: Address spills immediately with a damp cloth and mild soap to avoid a full wash.
- Storage: When not in use, store your felt blanket in a breathable bag in a cool, dry place to protect it from dust and pests.
By following these gentle washing and drying techniques, your felt blanket will remain a cozy and beautiful addition to your home for many years.
