Introduction
Faux fur is a wonderful addition to any home or wardrobe. It gives the luxurious feel of real fur without harming animals and brings warmth, comfort, and style to coats, blankets, cushions, and more. But as soft and inviting as it is, faux fur needs extra care to keep it looking plush and feeling velvety. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean faux fur properly without shedding, or losing its natural fluff, this gentle guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to wash faux fur by hand or in the machine, how to dry it the right way, how to brush and fluff it back to life while you’re deep cleaning your home. We’ll also discuss a few do’s and don’ts that will protect your precious fluffy items for years.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, always remember the benefits of hiring professionals, they have the expertise and tools to handle deep cleaning tasks safely and efficiently.
Let’s dive in and make sure your faux fur stays as soft and beautiful as the day you bought it.
What is Faux Fur and Where Might You Have It in Your Home?
Faux fur, also known as synthetic fur, is a fabric made from synthetic fibers designed to look and feel like real animal fur without harming any animals in the process. It’s a popular choice for people who love the luxurious softness of real fur but prefer a cruelty-free, more affordable, and easier-to-maintain alternative.
You may find faux fur in many forms around the home, including:
- Blankets and Throws: Perfect for adding warmth and style to your living room or bedroom.
- Cushions and Decorative Pillows: Faux fur pillows can make any couch or bed look extra cozy and inviting.
- Rugs: Faux fur area rugs or accent rugs add texture and comfort underfoot.
- Furniture Covers: Some accent chairs are upholstered with faux fur for a touch of glam.
- Clothing and Accessories: Beyond the home, you may own faux fur coats, jackets, scarves, hats, or trim on hoods and boots.
Faux fur’s versatility and softness make it a favorite for both fashion and home decor but no matter where you have it, gentle care is key to keeping it fluffy and fabulous.
Why Proper Faux Fur Cleaning Matters
Faux fur is made from synthetic fibers like acrylic and polyester. Unlike natural fur, these fibers can break down, lose their softness, or get tangles if handled harshly. Incorrect washing can cause:
- Shedding: Fibers loosen and fall out.
- Matting: Fur clumps together and looks rough.
- Shape loss: Throws or coats lose their structure.
- Odors: Leftover moisture can lead to unpleasant smells.
By following a gentle cleaning routine, you’ll extend the life of your faux fur and maintain its luxurious look and feel.
How to Clean Faux Fur: Step-by-Step Guide
Unlike house cleaning is important, cleaning your faux fur is the real task. You can follow these steps for the utmost clean-
Check the Care Label First
Before doing anything, read the care label. Some faux fur items are dry-clean-only, while others allow gentle hand or machine washing. If the tag says dry clean only, don’t risk it, take it to a trusted dry cleaner.
Hand Washing Faux Fur – The Safest Way to Keep It Soft
Hand washing is often the best and gentle method for cleaning faux fur items. Unlike machine washing, which can sometimes agitate the delicate fibers too much, hand washing gives you full control. It helps protect the texture, prevents matting, and keeps the fur looking fluffy and fresh.
What You’ll Need
- A clean tub
- Mild clothes detergent (free of bleach and harsh chemicals)
- A large towel
Steps
- Fill the Tub: Use lukewarm water (never hot!).
- Add Detergent: Add a small amount of gentle detergent and mix.
- Submerge the Faux Fur: Gently swish it through the water. Avoid rubbing or wringing.
- Soak: Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and rinse with clean lukewarm water until all detergent is gone.
- Press Out Water: Gently press (never wring) the item to remove excess water. Lay it flat on a large towel, roll it up, and press again to soak up moisture.
When you wash faux fur by hand, you’re using mild water movement and minimal friction, which means less risk of damaging the fibers or causing shedding. This method is ideal for faux fur blankets, throws, cushion covers, and clothing that aren’t labeled dry clean only.
Machine Washing Faux Fur
If the care label says machine washing is safe, you can clean your faux fur in the washer—but it must be done with extra caution. Washing with a machine can be quicker and more convenient than hand washing, but the wrong settings or too much agitation can damage the delicate fibers and leave your faux fur looking flat or clumpy.
What You’ll Need
- Washing machine (semi/ top-loaded/ front-loaded)
- Mild detergent
- Mesh laundry bag (optional, but protects the fibers)
Steps
- Wash It Alone: Always wash faux fur by itself. Mixing it with other clothes can cause friction and shedding.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: If possible, place your faux fur item in a large mesh laundry bag. This adds an extra layer of protection.
- Choose a Gentle Cycle: Select the most delicate cycle your machine offers, using cold or lukewarm water.
- Mild Detergent Only: Use just a small amount of gentle detergent—no bleach or harsh chemicals.
- No Spin, No Heat: Skip the spin cycle if you can, and never use a dryer. Heat and vigorous spinning can damage faux fur fibers beyond repair.
- Remove Promptly: Take the faux fur out of the machine as soon as the cycle finishes to prevent matting and creases.
Machine washing faux fur can be safe when done with care but when in doubt, hand washing is always the gentlest choice.
How to Dry Faux Fur
Proper drying is just as important as washing when it comes to keeping faux fur soft and fluffy. Faux fur should never go in the dryer-high heat and tumbling can melt or damage the synthetic fibers, causing them to clump together and lose their beautiful texture.
Follow these gentle steps instead:
Lay Flat to Dry
After washing, carefully lay your faux fur item flat on a clean, dry towel. Smooth it out with your hands to return it to its natural shape. Avoid hanging it up to dry, as the weight of the water can stretch the fabric and distort its shape.
Air Dry Naturally
Leave your faux fur to air dry in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight, radiators, or heaters. Direct heat can damage the fibers and make the fur feel coarse instead of soft.
Fluff It Back to Life
When your faux fur is mostly dry but still slightly damp, pick it up and give it a gentle shake to help separate the fibers. Once it’s fully dry, use your hands or a wide-tooth comb to lightly fluff and brush the fur back into its natural, fluffy state.
Taking the time to dry faux fur properly will help maintain its softness, shape, and luxurious look for years to come.
How to Restore Fluffiness
After washing and drying, you might notice your faux fur looks a little flat or limp. This is normal and easy to fix! Restoring faux fur’s fluffiness is all about gentle brushing and patience. With the right tools and technique, you can revive the soft, voluminous texture that makes faux fur so inviting.
Brushing Faux Fur the Right Way
Brushing helps separate the fibers, remove any tangles, and lift the fur so it looks as good as new.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb or Pet Brush:
Choose a brush with wide, flexible bristles or a wide-tooth comb designed for pets or delicate fabrics. This helps prevent pulling or snagging the fibers.
Comb Gently in the Right Direction:
Always brush in the same direction as the fur’s natural grain. Avoid rough back-and-forth motions that can break or fray the fibers.
Work in Small Sections:
Take your time and brush small sections at a time, especially if your faux fur is long-pile or extra fluffy. This ensures you detangle thoroughly without causing mats.
Shake and Fluff:
Once you’ve finished brushing, give the faux fur a gentle shake to help the fibers settle naturally. Use your hands to pat and fluff any areas that still look flat.
Regular brushing isn’t just for post-wash care—it’s a good habit to maintain your faux fur’s softness and prevent mats or clumps from forming in everyday use.
Dos and Don’ts of Faux Fur Care
Here are some golden rules to remember to protect your faux fur:
DOs:
- Spot clean small stains quickly.
- Store faux fur in a cool, dry place.
- Use breathable garment bags for storage.
- Brush it occasionally to prevent matting.
DON’Ts:
- Use bleach or fabric softeners.
- Iron or steam faux fur.
- Expose it to high heat.
- Hang wet faux fur, it can stretch and lose shape.
Quick Spot Cleaning for Faux Fur — Tackle Small Stains the Gentle Way
Sometimes, your faux fur might pick up a small stain or spill, maybe a splash of coffee on a throw blanket or a makeup smudge on a faux fur collar. You don’t have to wash the entire item every time.
A quick, careful spot clean can keep your faux fur looking fresh without putting the whole piece through a wash cycle.
Here’s how to handle minor stains the right way:
How to Spot Clean Faux Fur
- Mix a Gentle Cleaning Solution:
Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add just a drop or two of mild detergent. Make sure the detergent is free from bleach or harsh chemicals that could damage the fibers.
- Blot, Don’t Rub:
Dip a clean, soft cloth into the soapy solution and gently blot the stained area. Avoid rubbing back and forth—this can push the stain deeper into the fibers or cause matting.
- Rinse Carefully:
Once the stain lifts, dampen another cloth with plain lukewarm water and blot the same spot to remove any leftover soap.
- Pat Dry and Air Dry:
Gently pat the cleaned area with a dry towel to soak up excess moisture. Lay the faux fur flat and allow it to air dry naturally—never use a hairdryer or direct heat.
Spot cleaning faux fur as soon as spills happen will help prevent stains from setting, keeping your blankets, cushions, and clothing looking flawless and fluffy for longer.
How to Clean Faux Fur at Home — Care Tips for Rugs, Throws, Sofas & More
Faux fur isn’t just for coats and jackets, it brings softness and style to many home essentials too. But each type of item needs slightly different care to stay fluffy, clean, and beautiful. Here’s how to clean your faux fur pieces at home, room by room.
How to Clean Faux Fur Rugs
Faux fur rugs add cozy texture to any space but can quickly collect dust, dirt, and pet hair.
Tips:
- Shake Regularly: Take your rug outside and shake it gently to remove loose dirt.
- Vacuum Carefully: Use a hand vacuum with a brush attachment on the lowest setting. Always vacuum in the direction of the fur to avoid tangling.
- Spot Clean Spills: Dab small spills with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid soaking the rug.
- Deep Clean Occasionally: Hand wash small faux fur rugs in a bathtub with lukewarm water and gentle detergent. Lay flat to dry and brush afterward.
How to Clean Faux Fur Throws and Blankets
Faux fur throws and blankets make any sofa or bed feel extra inviting but need gentle care to stay soft.
Tips:
- Shake Out Dust: Give your throw a good shake outside every week.
- Wash Gently: Hand wash or machine wash on a delicate cycle in cold water with mild detergent.
- Air Dry Flat: Lay flat on a clean towel and reshape while drying. Never use a dryer.
- Brush After Drying: Use a wide-tooth comb to revive fluffiness.
How to Clean Faux Fur Cushion Covers
Accent cushions with faux fur covers add a stylish touch but can trap crumbs and oils.
Tips:
- Remove Covers if Possible: Wash removable covers separately.
- Hand Wash or Gentle Cycle: Use cold water and mild detergent.
- Air Dry: Lay flat to dry to maintain shape.
- Fluff: Brush gently to keep the fibers looking smooth and plush.
How to Clean Faux Fur on Furniture
Some furniture, like ottomans or accent chairs, is upholstered with faux fur fabric.
Tips:
- Vacuum Weekly: Use a soft brush attachment to remove dust and pet hair.
- Spot Clean Spills Promptly: Dab stains with a damp cloth and gentle soap solution. Blot—don’t rub.
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: Never soak faux fur upholstery. Use minimal water.
- Brush Occasionally: A gentle brushing helps keep the fibers fluffy and prevents matting.
How to Freshen Up Faux Fur Clothing & Accessories
Coats, scarves, hats, or hoods with faux fur trim need special care too.
Tips:
- Spot Clean as Needed: Gently wipe dirt or makeup marks with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Hand Wash Only: For larger sections of faux fur, hand wash with care instead of using a washing machine.
- Dry Properly: Always air dry and reshape.
- Keep It Fluffy: Once dry, brush lightly in the direction of the fur fibers.
By treating each faux fur item with the right method, you’ll keep every rug, throw, cushion, or accent chair looking classy, clean, and cozy all year round.
H2: When to Call in Professional Help
While gentle at-home care works well for most faux fur items, sometimes life gets busy or certain cleaning challenges are just too big to handle alone. That’s where professional cleaning services like Mesh Maids can step in and help you protect your home.
Whether you have faux fur rugs, upholstered furniture, or multiple pieces that need careful house cleaning, our experienced team knows how to handle delicate fabrics safely and effectively. We use safe, gentle methods that preserve your home. Contact Us for deep cleaning at your home.
Conclusion
Keeping your faux fur looking soft and fluffy doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little patience, the right cleaning supplies, and gentle handling, you can enjoy the warmth and elegance of faux fur for many years.
Always remember to read the care label, wash with care, air dry patiently, and brush it back to life when needed. A clean, cozy, and beautiful home is always worth the effort.
Whether you’re living in Maple Ridge, Toronto, Vancouver, or elsewhere in Canada, book your cleaning with us for a clean and luxurious home.
