Caring for Your Wreath the Easy Way
Wool felt care comes down to four easy moments: refreshing your attachment when it comes out of storage, a little dusting and spot cleaning while it's on display, an occasional fix if a flower ever comes loose, and a quick once-over before it goes back into storage. None of it takes more than a few minutes, and none of it requires anything you don't already have around the house.
Bringing Your Wreath Out of Storage
Most of the time, your attachment comes out of storage ready to go straight onto the base and out the door. If a flower or petal picked up a slight crease while tucked away, it's an easy fix: lightly spritz it with water to get it a little damp, then gently reshape the petal with your fingers until it looks right again. Give the whole attachment a little shake once it's on the base, and it's ready to hang. Here's how to hang it if you need a refresher on hooks and placement.
Spot Cleaning by Mark Type
| Type of Mark | How to Treat It |
|---|---|
| Dust or pollen | Dry brush or low-suction vacuum |
| Small water spot | Let air dry, then gently brush once dry |
| Grease or oil mark | Cornstarch pressed on a few hours, then brushed off |
| General grime | Damp cloth with a drop of mild soap, dabbed not rubbed |
| Musty smell | Baking soda, left a few hours, then brushed or vacuumed off |
Fixing a Loose Flower
Every once in a while, especially after a lot of heat or a few seasons of wear, a flower can come loose from its felt backing. It's a simple fix: dab a fingernail-sized amount of hot glue on the back of the flower, press it back onto the felt half-moon backing piece, and hold it in place for a few seconds. Give it a few minutes to fully set before hanging or handling it again, and it'll be as sturdy as new.
Before You Store It Again
Give the attachment a light shake to knock off any dust or debris before it goes back into its bin, closet, or ottoman. This is also the easiest time to check for any flowers that feel loose, a quick check now means you won't be dealing with it later when you're ready to hang it. If you need a refresher on where it's headed next, here's how to store your wreath between seasons.
Why Wool Felt Holds Up So Well
Wool felt doesn't need harsh chemicals, a dry cleaner, or any special tools, just occasional dusting, an easy spot clean here and there, and a dab of hot glue if a flower ever comes loose. The one thing worth watching for, like with any wreath, is direct sunlight, which will fade and break down felt over time the same way it does any decor. Keep it out of constant direct light and store it properly between seasons, and a well-cared-for attachment should give you many years and many holidays of use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if a flower comes loose from my wreath?
Add a fingernail-sized dot of hot glue to the back of the flower, press it back onto the felt half-moon backing, and hold it for a few seconds. Let it set for a few minutes before hanging or handling it again.
How do I refresh my wreath attachment after it's been in storage?
Most attachments are ready to hang right out of storage. If a flower or petal has a slight crease, lightly spritz it with water and gently reshape it with your fingers, then give the whole piece a shake before hanging.
Does sunlight fade wool felt?
Yes, like most wreaths and decor, constant direct sunlight will fade the color and break down the material faster over time. Keeping your wreath somewhere with indirect light helps it last much longer.
Can you get wool felt wet?
Yes, wool felt can handle getting wet but best to be avoided if you can. Should it get really wet make sure you lay it flat and let it air dry before you hang it back up. Wool does better with light dampness during a spot clean or when reshaping a petal, but it should never be soaked, hosed off, or machine washed. Water combined with heat or agitation is what causes wool felt to shrink or lose its shape.
How often should I clean a felt wreath?
A light dusting every few weeks during the season it's displayed is usually enough. Spot cleaning is only needed if there's a visible mark, stain, or odor, not on a routine schedule.
How do I get a musty smell out of a felt wreath?
Sprinkle baking soda over the felt, let it sit for a few hours to absorb odor, then brush or vacuum it off. Making sure felt is completely dry before storage in the first place is the best way to prevent the smell from starting.