Whoops, missed this posting, I found these answers on the Knitter's review forum:
"There's always the "toilet plunger in the sink basin" technique. You might buy a "fresh" plumber's helper for this job, and poke some holes in it with an ice pick, to reduce the drag though the water and make it easier on the arms that are powering your special hand felting agitator knitting tool.
If there's any danger a family member would take your special hand felting agitator and attempt to use it for its original purpose, you mght want to write something in permanent marker on the rubber part so it doesn't get inadvertently contaminated."
And this:
"Here are some things I have found helpful for felting in a front loader:
Use very hot water.
Since a front loader does not use much water, after the tub is filled, I add more very hot water with a large container. Also, the items to be felted generally soak up much of the water, so this helps tremendously.
Use 2 pairs of jeans to speed up the process.
Add a tiny bit of Eucalan soap.
When the water cools, remove the items to be felted (do not spin them or they might get creases which could be permanent),let the water spin out, and begin again.
My machine does not lock until halfway through the cycle, so I keep moving the dial to the beginning of the wash. That way, I can keep checking the progress.
Happy felting!
Sharon"
Here is the whole thread,
Knitter's Review Hope this helps, I've never felted anything so I had to go elsewhere!
