What is the best way to clean felt?

Question

After my husbands grandfather died, we found a felt Christmas tree skirt that his grandmother had made. Unfortunately it is off white and is dirty. I had put it away to clean later. (when I figured out how to). Then last weekend I found a very old santa suit at an estate sale. It also needs cleaned.
Can you dry clean felt? or are there other ways to get felt clean?
I don't want to ruin either of these items. Help!

Answer 1

I use a dry wash for felt things that the kids make and it works well. Use 1 cup salt and 1 cup baking soda. Sprinkle the mix over the piece to cover it well. Let it sit for a week, then shake out the piece and vacuum it with a little hand vac or the drapery attachment to your vacuum cleaner.

As for the Santa suit, it would need to go to a dry cleaner who specializes in heirlooms (not all do...and make sure you ask). I used to use Lake Cleaners in Chicago because they did all of the costumes for the Lyric Opera. If you can find a similar theatre group, call their costume person and ask who s/he uses and trusts for such a thing.

Answer 2

Clean Felt

Answer 3

You can dry clean them or handwash them. I've not had success washing them in the machine even on the delicate cycle because the spin cycle is just too hard on the fibers. I've safely used Woolite in lukewarm water and I've even soaked felt in a solution of Woolite with Biz Activated Non-chlorine bleach for really dirty items. Don't wring out the felt once you are done washing it. Press out excess water, roll up the item in a terry towel and gently squeeze out the water. I did once put a felt snowman my granny made me in the dryer on the rack with the air dry cycle without damaging it. But, I mostly lay them out on top of the dryer while I have other loads drying inside.

Answer 4

I would suggest you have it dry cleaned