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The felted Fleece Collective Rug Care Guide
Ways of keeping your felted fleece rug in tip top condition.
Felted Fleece Care Instructions
Before felting I spend a great amount of time removing bits of hay and straw from each fleece. However, please expect to find some remaining 'bits' such as bits of straw etc. After all this is made from a living sheep and is handmade.
Because these are hand-made and natural the felted fleece responds differently to a sheepskin rug. Each fleece has its own individual characteristics in texture, sheen, lock length and density. Some fleeces will shed more than others.
If you find the need to clean your rug, you have two options: hand-washing or machine-washing. However, before diving into either method, begin by taking your rug outside and giving it a good shake to remove any accumulated dust and dirt. I recommend making this a weekly routine and also spraying your rug with moth repellent if your home is susceptible to moth infestations (see details below). Do not use a vacuum cleaner on these rugs.
Hand Washing:
Fill a tub with lukewarm water (not exceeding 30°C).
Add a wool or silk detergent.
Carefully immerse the rug face down.
Gently swish it around and let it soak for about an hour.
Rinse with cold water but do not swish it this time
Spin it quickly to remove excess water.
Hang on the line to dry
Machine Washing:
Set your machine to the handwash/wool & silk cycle with a cold wash. Make sure to choose a very gentle machine wash, as machines can vary.
After removing the rug from the machine, shake it vigorously and use your fingers to gently fluff up any flattened or clumped locks.Hang to dry. We do not recommend brushing your rug.
You can also give your fleece a snow bath. This is the old Nordic method of washing wool. You’ll be surprised at how good it works.
Moths are attracted to any wool products in your home due to the keratin in the fibres. To prevent moth damage, here are some helpful tips:
When creating rugs, I wash them thoroughly multiple times. Additionally, I soak rugs in a Unicorn Fibre Scour solution at temperatures above 60°C to ensure any moth eggs in the wool are killed by the high heat.
When selling a rug I apply Clothes Doctor Moth Repellent, a highly recommended product for protecting woollen items in your home.
In my experience of nearly a decade, I've successfully kept moths at bay using these methods. If you happen to spot moths or their larvae in your woollen products, it's essential to take action promptly. Moths often lay eggs, so if you see adult moths, there's a good chance eggs and larvae are present. Also, if you notice small holes in your rug, it's a sign of moth larvae infestation.
To address this issue: Freeze the affected item if possible, to kill any eggs.
Then, follow the washing instructions mentioned above.
If your rug sustains damage, please contact me, as I may be able to assist with repairs. However, it's always best to prevent such issues by regularly airing out your rug and using Clothes Doctor spray.
