Felt Pom Pom Trivet Care: Cleaning and Storage Tips

Quick answer

Spot clean your felt trivet first with a damp cloth and mild soap, hand wash only when it is truly soiled, and always air-dry it flat. Skip the washing machine and dryer, because agitation and heat are what mat wool felt and loosen pom poms.

Step-by-step felt trivet care

1. Shake and brush off loose debris: Take the trivet outside or over a bin and shake it gently. Use a soft brush or your fingers to lift crumbs and pet hair from the felt surface and around the pom poms. Do this before any moisture touches the wool. Never rub hard in one spot; that friction starts the felting process before you even wash.
2. Spot clean with cool water and mild soap: Dampen a clean cloth with cool water and a drop of mild dish soap. Blot the stain from the outside in, then wipe with a clean damp cloth to rinse. Do not soak the whole trivet for a single spot. Check that the cloth is damp, not dripping, so water does not wick into the pom pom knots.
3. Hand wash only when needed: Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild soap. Submerge the trivet, press it gently with your palms, and let it sit for a few minutes. Do not wring, twist, or scrub it against itself. If the water turns dark with dye, stop and rinse immediately rather than letting it soak longer.
4. Rinse and press out water: Rinse in clean cool water until the soap is gone. Lay the trivet on a clean towel, fold the towel over it, and press down to absorb water. Never twist or wring it to speed drying. Skipping the towel press leaves the felt heavy and slow to dry, which encourages a musty smell.
5. Air-dry flat, away from heat: Reshape the trivet with your hands and lay it flat on a drying rack. Keep it out of direct sun and away from radiators, ovens, or vents. Let it dry completely before using it again. Hanging a damp felt trivet can stretch it out of shape; flat drying is the only safe option.
6. Fix light pilling with a fabric comb: Once the trivet is fully dry, lay it flat and use a fabric comb or a fine-tooth pet comb to lift pills with short, light strokes. Work in one direction and stop when the surface looks even. Do not pull pills off with your fingers; that yanks healthy fibers and creates a thin spot.
7. Store flat and protected: Store the trivet flat in a drawer or on a shelf, away from damp and direct light. If you stack several trivets, put a cloth or paper sheet between them so the pom poms do not snag on each other. Avoid hanging the trivet by one pom pom for long periods; the weight can distort the trim.

Product facts

• Artisan Felt Pom Pom Trivet - Natural & Moss: Handcrafted in Nepal from soft, durable wool and Fair Trade Certified. Natural wool responds well to cool hand washing but mats under heat and agitation, so the care steps below stay deliberately gentle.