How to Clean a Wool Pressing Mat

Wool pressing mats have become an essential tool for quilters. They help you press more efficiently and achieve flatter seams! However, like any tool, you need to care for your wool pressing mat to keep it clean and to maintain its longevity.

Over time, wool mats can start to turn yellow and accumulate lint and dirt. This is especially true if you use spray starch or adhesives near your mat. However, because wool pressing mats are grey, so you might not notice how dirty they get! In this post, I’ll show you how to clean your wool pressing mat to keep it in prime condition.

Remove Loose Fibers and Lint

You’ll notice that loose threads easily stick to your wool pressing mat. Lint, pet hair, and dirt can also accumulate on your mat over time. You can try to remove this debris with a lint roller, but sometimes the fibers get embedded deep into your wool mat and require a little more effort to remove them. A wool mat cleaning tool is the best way to pick up stubborn lint and fibers.

A wool mat cleaning tool has little blades or coils that’s scrape things off your mat. Simply drag the tool across the surface of your wool mat to remove all the debris. If you have scorch marks on your mat, a wool mat cleaning tool can even help shave them away.

Hand Wash Your Wool Pressing Mat

After you’ve removed all the lint and loose threads from your wool pressing mat, you can hand wash your mat to remove any stubborn dirt. You don’t need to do this very often—only when your wool pressing mat is visibly dirty or has a bad smell.

How to wash a wool pressing mat:

Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a small amount of rinse-free or low-sudsing detergent.
Gently submerge your wool pressing mat in the water and agitate it lightly to help release any dirt or residue trapped in the fibers.
Allow the mat to soak for 10-15 minutes.
Drain the dirty water and rinse the mat with clean water.
Use a towel to pat dry your wool pressing mat.
Stand the mat up in the sink or let it sit flat for 24 hours to completely dry. Do not place it in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

Wool Pressing Mat Maintenance Between Cleanings

Wool pressing mats naturally have a strong odor. This is not something you can remove, but the smell generally fades over time.

To keep your wool pressing mat fresh between cleanings, you can spot clean the surface. To do this, soak a cloth in water and a gentle cleanser and rub the surface of your wool pressing mat. There are also wool-specific cleaning and deodorizing sprays you can use.

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for preserving the performance and longevity of your wool pressing mat. How often do you clean your wool pressing mat? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments below.