Your handmade item is made from natural fibres and should last a long time if taken care of.
If you need to wash your item, please hand wash in warm water and a gentle wool detergent. Leave to soak, turning a few times, but do not agitate the item or water at all.
When it comes to rinsing out, make sure the rinse water is about the same temperature as the wash water, as a change from hot to cold can 'shock' the item and cause it to shrink or felt.
Gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry. You can roll the item up in a towel to get more water out, but don't wring or twist the item.