wool mats and starch?
 

I need help figuring out how to set up my ironing station. My husband has agreed to build me something that has storage under it. I found this wool mat that is 22x60 which would be the perfect size for covering the top, I’m just worried about starch and flatter spray ruining the wool mat. What do those with wool mats do to protect from starch or are they washable?

What do the package instructions say about care?

I don’t know if it would ruin it, I’m with Peckish about checking instructions. I like my wool pad, but it smells like wet dog when I use steam or a misting bottle. It’s wool, so of course it would, but people tend to not think about that when they’re buying.

I really like the workbench table at Harbor Freight. I think it runs 159 but goes on sale for $129. It has 2 drawers underneath and a shelf. You could put more shelves under it or put those plastic storage units in it. I think it would
hold a roll of batting if you put a bracket on each end. I am in the market and this one is on my list.

I wouldn't use the wool mat for starching or anything wet. Agree with
Onetomatoplant that it will smell. The wool mat is good when you
are pressing your blocks. You don't need steam. It creates its own
steam when you press on that mat. I put a piece of muslin fabric
over it before pressing. I followed Sharon Schamber's method for
my pressing board. I have two sizes. I covered my regular ironing
board with a big board. Works well. Here's her video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LGbXou_u4c

I have a wool mat covering my ironing board--it does smell like wet wool when I use water spray on a block, but no more than any wet wool. It did come with a spay bottle that gave directions on what to add (baking soda and essential oil??) to use if you don't like that smell. I don't use starch on it, but when I need to use Best Press or Starch I do put some muslin on it to protect it.

You have reminder me it is time to recover the ironing board. I use a layer insulbrite and the gray iron fabric on top to cover the board. On the back, there is a piece of the cabinet cushion to prevent the board from sliding.

The big box stores have plywood already cut to size or there are helpers that will cut it there for you.

Good topic,Pamela. I just got one and there are no care instructions. I'm going to contact the place where I got mine.

The mat I have came with directions to cover it if I was going to spray anything. I made a pillowcase for it.

I keep mine next to my sewing machine for when I do paper piecing. Seems my kitty has found it too and uses it to sleep on when I'm not around so when not in use I keep my thread trash box, a ruler and my little iron on top of it to keep her off of it. She has plenty of beds to sleep in but likes my box of fleece, batting scraps under the cutting table and even the quilt on my frame. Slowly she has figured out those areas she should stay away from. I also keep a spray bottle full of water for those times she thinks she knows better than me. Now she's taken to sleeping on my dining chairs as I can't see her unless I bend down and pull up the table cloth. Found her 1st spot and vacumned it up, now she sleeps at the farthest chair thinking I won't be able to see her from the opposite end when I'm searching for her. Silly kitty!!!!