The Complete Guide to Caring for Acrylic Felt Fabric
Acrylic felt fabric is low-maintenance compared to most textiles, but proper care keeps your felt projects looking great for years. Whether you're caring for raw fabric yardage, finished crafts, or classroom supplies, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Can You Wash Acrylic Felt?
Yes, but with care. Acrylic felt can be washed, but the method depends on the project:
| Item Type | Wash Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Raw fabric (before use) | Not needed (pre-shrunk) | N/A |
| Sewn items (pillow, toy) | Hand wash cold | As needed |
| Glued crafts | Spot clean only | Gently |
| Ornaments / decor | Dust or spot clean | Seasonally |
| Kids' items | Hand wash cold | Weekly |
How to Hand Wash Felt
- Fill a basin with cold water (never hot — heat can distort acrylic fibers)
- Add a small amount of mild detergent (baby shampoo works well)
- Submerge the felt item and gently press — don't rub, wring, or twist
- Let soak for 5–10 minutes
- Drain and refill with clean cold water to rinse
- Press excess water out gently between towels (don't wring)
- Lay flat to dry on a clean towel, reshaping as needed
How to Spot Clean Felt
For small stains or marks:
- Dampen a clean white cloth with cold water
- Add a tiny drop of mild soap
- Gently dab (don't rub) the stained area
- Dab with a clean damp cloth to remove soap
- Air dry completely
Common stain solutions:
- Glue residue: Let dry completely, then peel or pick off
- Marker/ink: Rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab (test on scrap first)
- Food/drink: Cold water + mild soap, dab gently
- Paint: Water-based paint washes out when wet; acrylic paint is permanent
Drying Acrylic Felt
- Best: Lay flat on a towel and air dry
- OK: Hang on a line (may stretch if heavy)
- Avoid: Tumble dryer (heat can melt or shrink fibers)
- Never: Direct sunlight for extended periods (fades colors)
How to Remove Wrinkles from Felt
Felt can develop creases from folding or storage. Here's how to fix them:
Method 1: Steam (safest)
Hold a garment steamer 6–8 inches from the felt surface. The steam relaxes the fibers without direct heat contact. Gently smooth with your hands while warm.
Method 2: Low heat iron with pressing cloth
Place a damp cotton cloth over the felt. Iron on the lowest setting with no steam. Never touch the iron directly to acrylic felt — it will melt or scorch.
Method 3: Damp towel method
Lay the felt flat, place a damp towel on top, and leave overnight. The moisture slowly releases creases without any heat risk.
How to Store Acrylic Felt
Raw fabric / yardage
- Roll, don't fold — Rolling prevents creases. Wrap around a cardboard tube.
- Store vertically — Like bolts in a fabric store. Saves space and prevents crushing.
- Cool, dry, dark place — Avoid direct sunlight, humidity, and heat sources.
- No plastic bags — Use cotton bags or acid-free tissue paper. Plastic traps moisture.
Finished projects
- Flat storage: Layer projects between acid-free tissue paper in flat boxes
- Ornaments: Wrap individually in tissue, store in compartmented boxes
- 3D items: Stuff lightly with tissue to hold shape during storage
- Moth protection: Cedar blocks nearby (not touching) repel moths
Things to Avoid with Acrylic Felt
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Hot water | Can shrink or distort the fibers |
| Machine washing | Agitation can pill, distort, or separate fibers |
| Tumble drying | Heat melts acrylic; friction causes pilling |
| Direct iron contact | Acrylic melts at low temperatures |
| Bleach | Damages fibers and strips color |
| Wringing/twisting | Stretches and deforms the fabric permanently |
| Prolonged sun exposure | UV fades colors over time |
Care Tips by Felt Thickness
| Feature | 1.6mm Felt | 3.2mm Thick Felt |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Hand wash OK, dries quickly | Spot clean preferred (takes longer to dry) |
| Wrinkles | Steamer works quickly | Less prone to wrinkling |
| Storage | Roll or fold (bounces back easily) | Roll recommended (heavy folds crease) |
| Pilling | May pill with friction | More resistant to pilling |
How Long Does Acrylic Felt Last?
With proper care, acrylic felt projects last 3–10 years depending on use:
- Display items (wall art, ornaments): 10+ years
- Light-use items (bookmarks, coasters): 5–8 years
- Regular-use items (bags, toys): 3–5 years
- Heavy-use items (kids' toys, play food): 1–3 years
Ready to start your felt project? Browse our full selection of acrylic felt fabric and thick felt 3.2mm at EOVEA — 40+ colors, 72" wide, fast USA shipping.
Also check out our related guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acrylic felt go in the washing machine?
It's not recommended. Machine washing can cause pilling, distortion, and fiber separation. Hand washing in cold water is much safer. If you must machine wash, use a mesh laundry bag, cold water, and gentle cycle — but hand washing is always preferred.
Does acrylic felt pill?
Acrylic felt can pill with repeated friction. To minimize pilling, avoid rubbing the surface, wash gently, and store without heavy items pressing on it. If pills form, carefully shave them off with a fabric shaver or razor.
Can you waterproof acrylic felt?
You can make felt water-resistant (not fully waterproof) by spraying with a fabric waterproofing spray like Scotchgard. This helps outdoor decorations and coasters resist moisture. Reapply after washing.
Does felt fade in sunlight?
Yes, prolonged direct sunlight will gradually fade acrylic felt colors. For window displays or outdoor decorations, use UV-resistant spray or rotate items periodically. Store unused felt away from light.
Related Fabric Guides
- Acrylic Felt Fabric by the Yard
- Acrylic Felt vs Wool Felt
- How to Work with Felt Fabric
- Wholesale Fabric
Shop all fabrics at EOVEA Fabric — premium craft fabric by the yard with fast USA shipping.