How to Wash & Store Acrylic Felt Fabric (Care Guide)

Q: Can you dry clean acrylic felt?

It is not necessary or recommended. Acrylic felt cleans up with cold hand washing or spot cleaning; dry-cleaning solvents can dull or mat the fibers. Save professional cleaning for wool felt.

Q: Can acrylic felt go in the washing machine?

Not recommended. Machine washing can cause pilling and distortion. Hand wash in cold water instead. If you must machine wash, use a mesh bag and gentle cycle.

Q: Does acrylic felt pill?

Acrylic felt can pill with repeated friction. Minimize by avoiding rubbing, washing gently, and storing without pressure. Use a fabric shaver to remove pills.

Q: Can you waterproof acrylic felt?

You can make felt water-resistant with fabric waterproofing spray like Scotchgard. Good for outdoor decorations and coasters. Reapply after washing.

Q: Does felt fade in sunlight?

Yes, prolonged direct sunlight gradually fades acrylic felt. Use UV-resistant spray for outdoor items or rotate periodically. Store unused felt away from light.

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

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

Reviving Flattened or Pilled Felt

Felt that has been stored folded or handled a lot can look tired — here is how to bring it back:

Restore loft with steam. Hold a steamer 6–8 inches away and gently lift the fibers with your fingers as they warm; the pile plumps back up.
Remove pills with a fabric shaver or a disposable razor, working in one direction with light pressure so you shave the pills without gouging the felt.
Brush lightly with a soft brush to lift crushed fibers and even out the surface.
Reshape while damp. If a piece has lost its shape, mist lightly, reshape by hand, and let it dry flat.

Ready to start your felt project? Browse our full selection of acrylic felt fabric at EOVEA — 24 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.

How do you fluff up flattened felt?

Hold a garment steamer a few inches from the surface and gently lift the fibers as they warm — the steam relaxes and re-lofts the pile without direct heat. A light brush afterward evens it out.

Can you dry clean acrylic felt?

It is not necessary and not recommended. Acrylic felt cleans up with cold hand washing or spot cleaning; dry-cleaning solvents can dull or mat the fibers. Save professional cleaning for wool felt.