If you have a Wobbel Board or you are looking to get one you will have noticed that there are different options you can go for including a felted version that adds colour to the board as well as protecting your floors, the board and your ears if you don’t have carpet in your home.
Not all Wobbel Boards are felted. You can get a plain wooden version and they also do a version with cork instead of felt. The plain version is great if you have carpeted floors, and it makes a slightly more slippery slide.
But if you have wooden or other hard floors most people go for the option of a felt covering as this protects both the Wobbel and your floors.
The felt backing stops the board getting scratched when you are wobbling, and it’s also really good at deadening the noise. It’s a very hardy material and lasts well.
It can, of course, get dusty and dirty and we all know that spills happen where children are involved. So if it gets dirty what’s the best option for cleaning it.
Cleaning the felt on your Wobbel
The Wobbel is a pretty low maintenance toy all round and a damp cloth is really all you need when it comes to cleaning.
If you have a felt backed Wobbel gently hoovering the felt is a great way to keep it clean and in good condition or you can use a soft brush to gently get rid of dust and pet hair.
Felt is quite good at repelling most dirt and stains. Using a damp cloth, possibly with a mild detergent if required is the recommended way to clean.
You do need to be careful not to get the felt too wet as this can affect the adhesive.
It’s worth noting that there are two different types of felt used by Wobbel. Natural wool felt that is used as the standard and a pro felt that is made from recycled plastic bottles that is used on the Pro boards.
This pressed felt is more hardwearing and easier to clean than the natural felt and a popular choice for child care settings for this reason but it isn’t as soft.
If your felt gets really grubby and wiping with a damp cloth really isn’t cutting it there are a few other options you can try although these are not manufacturer recommended. People have had success with carpet cleaner designed for woollen carpets. And masking tape or similar is great for pulling of pet hair as are the sticky rollers designed for getting hair off your clothes.
And finally remember that it’s a toy. It will certainly pick up some bumps and scrapes along the way but this doesn’t stop it from wobbling.
How to clean wool felt
Cleaning wool felt requires a gentle approach to maintain its texture and appearance. Wool felt is sensitive to temperature changes and agitation, which can cause it to shrink or become misshapen.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Spot Cleaning | – Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with cold water. – Gently dab the stained area without rubbing. – If needed, use a mild soap or detergent and gently work it into the stain. Rinse the area with cold water. |
| 2. Hand Washing | – Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent or baby shampoo. – Submerge the wool felt item in the water and gently agitate it with your hands. – Let it soak for a few minutes. – Rinse thoroughly with cold water, ensuring all soap is removed. |
| 3. Drying | – Gently press the wool felt between two towels to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist. – Reshape the item, if needed, and lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. – Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause shrinkage or fading. |
| 4. Steaming | – If the wool felt becomes wrinkled, you can use a steamer to smooth it out. – Hold the steamer a few inches away from the item and gently steam the wrinkles. – Use your hands to reshape the wool felt as you steam. |
| 5. Storage | – Store wool felt items in a cool, dry place. – To prevent moths or pests, consider using cedar balls or sachets of lavender. – Avoid storing in plastic, which can trap moisture and cause damage. |
Additional Tips:
- Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area of the wool felt first.
- If you’re unsure about cleaning a particular wool felt item, especially if it’s an heirloom or expensive piece, consider consulting a professional or specialty cleaner.
- Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals on wool felt, as these can damage the fibers.
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your wool felt items remain clean, fresh, and in good condition for years to come.
