Maintenance techniques

General Care Principles

Daily Handling & Prevention

• Hands First: Always handle wool felt items with clean, dry hands. Natural oils and dirt from hands can accumulate on the surface over time, causing discoloration.
• Avoid Overhandling: Excessive squeezing or pulling may distort the shape, especially for detailed areas like ears, tails, or small accessories on pet figurines.
• Keep Away from Pets & Sharp Objects: Store your wool felt pieces in areas where they won’t be chewed by pets or snagged by sharp items, which can damage the fibers.

Cleaning Guidelines

Surface Cleaning

• Use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean makeup brush) to gently sweep away dust in the direction of the wool fibers.
• For small stains, dip a clean cloth in cold water with a drop of mild, unscented soap, wring it thoroughly to remove excess moisture, and dab the stain lightly. Avoid rubbing, which can mat the fibers.
• Immediately blot the cleaned area with a dry cloth to absorb moisture, then air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Deep Cleaning

• Spot Cleaning Only: Most wool felt items should not be fully submerged in water. Complete immersion may cause shrinkage or shape loss.
• Professional Cleaning: For valuable custom pieces or severe stains, consult a professional cleaner experienced in handling wool textiles. Always inform them the item is handmade needle-felted.

Storage Recommendations

• Dry Environment: Store wool felt in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew. Avoid humid areas like basements or bathrooms.
• Proper Positioning: Lay flat or display on a soft surface to maintain shape. For 3D figurines, use a sturdy display shelf with enough space to prevent crushing.
• Protection from Elements: Keep away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time. Use acid-free tissue paper to wrap delicate pieces when storing long-term, and avoid plastic bags that trap moisture.
• Pest Prevention: Store with natural cedar sachets (avoid direct contact with felt) to deter moths and other pests that may damage wool fibers.

Shape Restoration

• Gently reshape with your hands while the piece is dry. Apply light pressure to restore contours.
• For more stubborn misshaping, hold a steam iron (on low setting) a few inches above the item and allow the steam to penetrate the fibers, then gently reshape while the wool is warm. Never touch the iron directly to the felt.

Special Care for Custom Pet Portraits

• Avoid exposing custom pet figurines to excessive moisture, as this can affect facial details and colorfastness.
• If displaying near windows, rotate periodically to ensure even exposure to light and prevent uneven fading.
• For pieces with accessories (like collars or small props), check periodically to ensure they remain securely attached, and contact us if you need repair advice for handmade details.