Key Reasons Why Cleaning of Wet Felts Is Essential in the Tanning Process

In sammying and setting-out machines, the felt plays a far more important role than most people realize. It’s not just a passive layer — it’s the core of the process, responsible for transferring, absorbing, and cushioning every hide that passes through.

A healthy, clean felt means more than dry hides. It means better leather, longer-lasting mechanical parts, and greater production stability. Because when the felt does its job, it also protects the bearings, shafts, and rollers from unnecessary strain, keeping your machines performing smoothly for years.

Let’s look at why keeping felts clean and efficient is one of the smartest maintenance habits in any tannery.

1. Removing Fats, Oils, and Chemical Residues

Animal fats, oils, and tanning residues gradually build up inside the felt’s fibers, clogging them. This limits the felt’s ability to absorb moisture and forces the machine to work harder.

2. Maintaining Drying Efficiency

The drying step starts right here. A clean felt has open pores that quickly absorb water from the leather surface. When clogged, drying slows down, wrinkles form, and hides risk losing value.

3. Preventing Stains and Surface Defects

Dirty felts can transfer unwanted residues onto the hides, leaving halos, spots, or marks. Keeping felts clean means ensuring that every leather surface stays clean and uniformed.

4. Avoiding Odors and Microbial Growth

Felts that remain damp and contaminated become perfect habitats for mold and bacteria. Regular cleaning — ideally with antibacterial and antifungal treatments — prevents odors, contamination, and hygiene problems in the tannery.

5. Extending Felt Life

Residue buildup causes premature wear. Routine cleaning reduces abrasion, chemical stress, and hardening of the felt. Adding a small percentage of softener during cleaning helps maintain elasticity and prolong service life.

6. Guaranteeing Uniform Pressure and Contact

Felts that harden or lose flexibility cause uneven pressure distribution, leading to inconsistent thickness and finish. Clean felts ensure smooth, balanced contact across every hide.

7. Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Clogged felts slow the process and require more pressure and power. Clean felts dry faster and more evenly, reducing energy use and improving throughput.

8. Meeting Quality Certifications

Tanneries working with LWG or ISO systems know that proper maintenance isn’t just good practice — it’s a requirement. Regular cleaning ensures compliance and supports consistent, traceable production quality.

9. Reducing Downtime and Protecting the Machine

When the felt is in good condition, it doesn’t just improve the hides — it protects the machine’s heart. A soft, responsive felt absorbs impact and reduces vibration when thick or folded hides pass through. This prevents excessive stress on bearings, shafts, and rollers, extending their life and minimizing downtime.

Clean Felts, Smart Tannery

Felts are the heart of the sammying and setting out machines in a tannery. The right felt and its maintenance, makes the difference between a stable, efficient process and an expensive headache.

Looking to improve performance and protect your equipment?If you’re interested in:

• High-quality felts for sammying or setting-out machines

• Cleaning and maintenance products for sammying felts

• Special cleaners and decoloring products for setting-out machines

👉 Get in touch with Kymera Group — our team will guide you toward the right solutions for your tannery’s needs.

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