Care Instructions for Every Product made by Lee Family Crafts

We believe the best items aren't just beautiful—they’re meant to be used, loved, and lived in. Whether it’s a daily favorite or a special keepsake, we know that life can get a little messy sometimes. To help your handmade purchases withstand the test of time (and the occasional spill), we’ve gathered everything you need to know about caring for your purchase.

Find your specific product below for detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions.

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Beanie

  • Washing: Hand wash in cold water using a mild detergent. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can cause the yarn to frizz or pill.
  • Drying: Do not wring or twist. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay the beanie flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry.
  • The Pom-Pom: To keep the yarn pom-pom looking full, avoid submerging it in water if possible. If it gets flattened, a gentle shake or a light "fluff" with your fingers will bring back its shape.
  • Avoid Heat: Do not put this item in the dryer or use an iron, as high heat can "melt" or permanently damage acrylic fibers.

Bookmarks

  • Dusting & Maintenance: Occasionally give the flower a gentle shake to remove dust. If the petals begin to curl, you can lightly steam them with an iron or press the bookmark inside a heavy book overnight to flatten it.
  • Spot Cleaning: This is the safest way to clean yarn bookmarks. Use a clean cloth with cold water and a drop of mild soap to blot away any stains. Do not rub, as this can cause the yarn to "fuzz."
  • Deep Cleaning: If necessary, hand wash in cold water. Do not wring or twist the stem, as this can stretch the stitches.
  • Drying: Lay flat to dry on a clean towel. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent the vibrant yellow and green colors from fading.
  • Safety Note: If your design includes small beads or buttons in the center of the flower, ensure they are securely fastened and keep them away from very small children.

Crocheted Home Decor

  • Dusting: For regular maintenance, use a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller to gently remove dust from the stitches. You can also use a vacuum with a hose attachment on the lowest suction setting.
  • Spot Cleaning: This is the safest method for decor. Mix a drop of mild detergent with cool water. Use a clean cloth to blot the area—never rub, as this can cause the yarn to "pill" or fuzz up.
  • Deep Cleaning: If the item is heavily soiled and does not have a wooden/cinnamon element, you can hand wash it in cool water. Note: For your pumpkins, do not submerge the cinnamon stick, as moisture can cause wood to rot or lose its scent.
  • Drying: Always air dry flat. Never put crocheted decor in the dryer, as the heat can damage synthetic fibers and the tumbling can distort the stuffing.

Stuffies, Plushies, or Snugglers

Polyester chenille is loved for its softness, but it requires specific care to prevent the "worming" (loops pulling out) or shedding that can happen with high-agitation washing.

  • Washing: Hand washing in lukewarm water with a mild detergent is the gold standard. If you must use a machine, place the item in a mesh laundry bag and use the delicate cycle with cold water.
  • Drying: Air dry only. Lay the item flat on a clean towel to maintain its shape. Never put chenille in the dryer on high heat, as the synthetic fibers can melt or lose their velvety texture.
  • Safety Check: Periodically check the safety eyes (if used) and seam strength, especially after washing, to ensure everything remains secure for small children.

Cotton: Pot Holders & Dish Cloths

  • Washing: Machine wash cold or warm with like colors. Using cold water is preferred to help maintain the vibrant colors and minimize shrinkage.
  • Detergent: Use a mild laundry detergent. Avoid bleach, as it can weaken the natural cotton fibers over time.
  • Drying: For best results, reshape and lay flat to dry. If you must use a dryer, use a low heat setting; be aware that some minor shrinkage is natural for 100% cotton.
  • Reshaping: If the corners curl after washing, a quick steam from an iron will flatten them back out perfectly.

Nylon Dish Scrubbie

  • Sanitizing: For a deep clean, place your scrubbie on the top rack of the dishwasher or drop it into a pot of boiling water for 1–2 minutes to kill bacteria.
  • Daily Use: After each use, rinse thoroughly and give it a quick squeeze. The nylon fibers dry in minutes, preventing the "sour sponge" smell common with traditional sponges.
  • Stain Removal: If the scrubbie becomes discolored from tomato sauce or grease, soak it in a mix of warm water and a little dish soap or oxygen bleach to restore its color.

Pint Ice Cream Cozy

  • Washing: Machine wash in cold water on a delicate cycle. We recommend using a mesh laundry bag to protect the boho stitch work.
  • Drying: Lay flat to dry to maintain the "memory" of the nylon-cotton fibers. Avoid high heat to prevent any shrinkage.
  • Safety Note: Since this is a nylon blend, it is NOT microwave safe. Always heat your food first, then place the bowl into the cozy.

Baby Headband

  • Machine Washing: This item is machine washable, but must be placed inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent the flower from stretching and breaking off or the button from snagging on other clothes.
  • Cycle: Use the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water.
  • Detergent: Use a mild, baby-safe detergent. Avoid bleach or harsh fabric softeners.
  • Drying: Do not machine dry. High heat can damage the sparkly button and the elasticity of the headband. Instead, lay flat to dry on a clean towel.
  • Safety First: Because the button is hand-sewn, always inspect the stitching after every wash to ensure it remains tight and secure before placing it back on your baby. Never leave a baby unattended or sleeping while wearing the headband.

Baby Booties

  • Washing: Hand wash only is recommended to protect the vinyl adhesive. If you must use a machine, turn them inside out and place them in a mesh laundry bag on the delicate cycle with cold water.
  • Drying: Air dry only. Never put them in the dryer, as the high heat can melt the vinyl or cause it to peel away from the yarn.
  • No Vinyl?: Look at the "Crocheted Baby Outfit Care Instructions"
  • Maintenance: If the edge of a letter starts to lift, you can place a piece of parchment paper over the design and briefly press with a warm (not hot) iron for 2-3 seconds to re-adhere it.

Removable Vinyl Labels: Care & Application

Care & Application Instructions

  • Application: Apply only to smooth, clean surfaces (glass, plastic, or polished wood). Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol first for the best grip!
  • Removability: These are designed to be peeled off cleanly. If a label has been on for a long time, a quick 10-second blast with a hair dryer will soften the adhesive for even easier removal.
  • Washing: We recommend hand-washing only. Do not soak the labeled containers in hot water, as the heat can eventually lift the edges of the vinyl.
  • Non-Reusable: While they are removable, they are generally one-time use and cannot be reapplied once stretched during removal.

Removable Vinyl Labels

Care & Application Instructions

  • Application: Apply only to smooth, clean surfaces (glass, plastic, or polished wood). Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol first for the best grip!
  • Removability: These are designed to be peeled off cleanly. If a label has been on for a long time, a quick 10-second blast with a hair dryer will soften the adhesive for even easier removal.
  • Washing: We recommend hand-washing only. Do not soak the labeled containers in hot water, as the heat can eventually lift the edges of the vinyl.
  • Non-Reusable: While they are removable, they are generally one-time use and cannot be reapplied once stretched during removal.

Wooden Kitchen Utensil

  • Washing: Hand wash only with warm, soapy water. Do not soak in the sink, as this can cause the wood to swell or crack.
  • Dishwasher Warning: Never put in the dishwasher. The high heat and intense water pressure will strip the protective oil and damage the hand-burned details.
  • Drying: Wipe dry immediately after washing and allow to air dry completely before putting away.
  • Maintenance: To keep the wood and the floral design looking vibrant, rub with a food-grade mineral oil or "spoon butter" every few months (or when the wood starts to look dry).

Crocheted Baby Outfit

Hand-crocheted with soft, durable acrylic yarn to keep your little one cozy.

  • Washing: Turn the outfit inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag. Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle with a mild, baby-safe detergent.
  • Drying: To prevent stretching and keep the stitches perfect, lay flat to dry on a clean towel.
  • Quick Refresh: If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat/air dry setting for 10 minutes, then finish by laying it flat.
  • Avoid: Never use bleach, fabric softeners (which can build up on acrylic), or high heat, as these can damage the fibers and cause "frizzing."

Pro-Tip: If the outfit has buttons or ties, ensure they are fastened before washing to prevent snagging the crochet work!

Crocheted Blankets

To keep your blanket soft, cuddly, and in tip-top shape for years to come, we recommend the following:

  • Washing: Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle using a mild detergent. To protect the hand-crocheted stitches, we highly recommend placing the blanket inside a large mesh laundry bag.
  • Drying: For best results, lay flat to dry. If you’re in a pinch, you can tumble dry on the lowest heat setting (Air Dry is best), but remove it while slightly damp to prevent frizzing.
  • Any Blanket Embellishments: Give the yarn detail a gentle fluff with your fingers once dry to restore.

Pro-Tip: Never use bleach or high heat, as extreme temperatures can "kill" acrylic yarn, causing it to lose its bounce and softness.

Facial Rounds

  • Routine Wash: After each use, rinse with warm water and a dab of facial cleanser to remove makeup residue.
  • Deep Clean: Once a week, place all rounds in your mesh laundry bag and machine wash on warm or cold gentle cycle.
  • Drying: Air dry flat for the best shape retention. Because they are antimicrobial, they are designed to resist "sour" smells while damp!
  • Avoid: Do not use fabric softener, as it can coat the fibers and reduce their effectiveness at absorbing toner or cleansing skin.

Hanging Dish Towel

  • Prep for Wash: Before tossing in the machine, tie the crochet strings into a loose bow. This prevents them from wrapping around the agitator or tangling with other clothes.
  • Washing: Machine wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. For the absolute best protection of the hand-stitched topper, place the towel inside a large mesh laundry bag.
  • Detergent: Use your standard detergent, but skip the fabric softener on the towel portion to maintain maximum absorbency.
  • Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or hang to air dry.

Pro-Tip: If the crochet ties become twisted over time, simply pull them gently between your fingers while damp to straighten the stitches back out.

Winter Accessories

For beanies, scarves, gloves, and ear warmers.

  • Washing: Machine wash in cold water on a delicate/gentle cycle. To prevent your accessories from snagging on zippers or hooks from other laundry, we highly recommend using a mesh laundry bag.
  • Detergent: Use a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can sometimes weigh down the "fluff" of the crochet stitches.
  • Drying: Lay flat to dry is the best way to maintain the shape and "stretch" of your item. If you’re in a hurry, tumble dry on low heat/air fluff for just a few minutes, then lay flat to finish.
  • Reshaping: While the item is damp, gently pat it into its original shape. For beanies, you can lightly "stuff" the inside with a dry towel to help it keep its round form while drying.

Pro-Tip: If your accessory has a faux fur pom-pom, do not machine wash it! Remove the pom-pom if possible, or hand-wash the hat only. You can "fluff" a flattened pom-pom with a quick blast from a hair dryer on a cool setting.

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