Wool felt products are a beautiful blend of softness, durability, and artisanal charm. At Luma Treasures, our felt pieces are lovingly handcrafted, and with the right care they will stay just as enchanting as the day they arrived. This guide will help you clean, maintain, and store your wool felt items so they can be treasured for years to come.

Why Wool Felt?

Wool felt is a wonderful natural material for toys and home décor because it is:

• Antimicrobial – It naturally resists bacteria and mould, making it a safe choice for little hands.
• Durable – With gentle care, wool felt pieces can last for many years and even be passed down.
• Eco-friendly – Wool is a renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable fibre.

Why Wool Felt Needs Gentle Care

Because wool felt is made from natural fibres and each of our pieces is handmade, every item is unique and a little more delicate than mass-produced synthetic products. Harsh washing, hot water, or machine drying can cause felt to shrink, distort, or pill. The good news: caring for felt is simple once you know how.

Spot Cleaning (For Minor Marks & Stains)

For small spots and everyday marks, spot cleaning is the easiest and safest method:

1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need a clean, soft cloth, a mild soap (wool wash or baby shampoo works well), and cool water.
2. Blot the stain:  Gently blot the marked area with a damp cloth to lift surface dirt. Never rub or scrub.
3. Apply soap:  Mix a small amount of mild soap into cool water, dip your cloth, and gently dab the stain.
4. Rinse and blot:  Use a clean, damp cloth to lift away the soap, then blot with a dry towel to remove excess moisture.
5. Air dry:  Let the felt air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can shrink or distort the fibres.

Deep Cleaning (For Larger Areas)

If your felt item needs a more thorough clean, follow these steps. Please note that some colour may run during deep cleaning, especially with vibrant or dark shades, this is normal for felt coloured with azo-free dyes and nothing to worry about.

1. Test for colourfastness:  Dab a small, hidden area with soapy water first to check whether the colour runs.
2. Prepare a soap solution:  Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild soap.
3. Submerge the felt:  Gently place the item in the water and let it soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt.
4. Gently agitate: Swish the water softly with your hands. Never scrub, twist, or wring the felt.
5. Rinse thoroughly:  Rinse in clean, cool water until all soap is removed.
6. Press out water:  Press the item between two clean towels to absorb excess water – no twisting or wringing.
7. Reshape and air dry:  Lay the felt flat on a dry towel, reshape it if needed, and allow it to dry completely.

Everyday Maintenance Tips

• Regular dusting:  Use a lint roller or soft brush to remove dust and loose dirt from time to time.
• Avoid excess moisture:  Keep felt away from high humidity to prevent mould and mildew.
• Gentle de-pilling:  Small pills can be gently removed by hand or with a fabric comb.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning:

• Avoid humidity:  Store felt items in a cool, dry place.
• Use dust covers:  Use breathable fabric bags or containers to protect pieces from dust – avoid sealed plastic, which traps moisture.
• Keep away from pests:  Make sure the storage area is free from moths and other pests that can damage wool.

A Few Things to Avoid

• Machine washing or tumble drying
• Hot water, bleach, or harsh detergents
• Rubbing, scrubbing, twisting, or wringing
• Drying in direct sunlight or on heaters

Final Thoughts

Handmade felt pieces carry a little bit of magic, and gentle, regular care is all it takes to keep them beautiful. If you notice a little colour running during cleaning, don’t be alarmed, it’s a natural characteristic of azo-free dyed wool felt.

If you have any questions or need further help caring for your pieces, we’re always happy to assist.

Luma Treasures

Email: sales@lumatreasures.com

335 South Gippsland Highway, Dandenong South VIC 3175, Australia