How to Wash Faux Fur

Are you wondering how to wash faux fur? Compared to other types of fabric, faux fur requires a little more care when washing than others. To find out more information on how to wash it safely, continue reading below.

Faux fur is extremely popular and is commonly used on jackets, vests, and even on interior decorating items such as throw pillows and rugs. However, it is quite difficult to wash because it easily loses its shape, tangles, or shrinks. This is why you need to take extra care and precautions.

With that in mind, here are 2 different methods you can use for how to wash faux fur:

How to Wash Faux Fur By Machine

The quickest way to wash any faux fur item is to use a washing machine. It is also considered to be the most effortless way of washing it, but you need to be extra careful because some washing machines have harsh settings that can cause permanent damage to faux furs.

Here are the steps for how to wash faux fur by machine:

Check the Tag - Just like other pieces of clothing, faux fur items have laundry symbols tags that indicate their ideal cleaning instructions. You can use it as a guideline on how you wash the faux fur items that you own. If the tag says that machine washing is possible, proceed as follows.
Prepare Faux Fur Item - If the faux fur is part of a garment, it is best to turn it inside out to help protect the fur. Wash one item at a time to minimize the wear on the fur and to avoid fluff transferring.
Machine Settings - Set the machine according to what's suggested on the tag. Most of the time, for faux fur items, the instructions will recommend that you use a delicate wash cycle and cold water. If possible, pick the machine wash setting that has the most gentle spin dry. Turn on the machine and add in a mild laundry detergent.
Remove the Faux Fur - The final step is to take out the faux fur from the machine. Make sure to do this immediately because some washing machines get hot after a cycle. Leaving the faux fur item inside might cause it to lose its shape and to flatten the pile. Once the faux fur is out of the machine, shake it so that it will fluff up. You can also use a thick towel and pat the faux fur item to remove the excess water.

How to Wash Faux Fur by Hand

The safest way of washing faux fur items is by hand washing. This is because you have full control over how you handle its delicate fibers. Hand washing of course can be quite time-consuming.

Here are the steps for how to wash faux fur by hand:

Gather the Necessary Materials - You need to gather the following materials: an appropriate size basin, mild detergent, water, and a bath towel
Mix a Gentle Detergent with Water - Combine the recommended amount of mild detergent with cool water. The bigger the faux fur item is, the more detergent you need. Look at the label of the detergent that you are using for the appropriate water to detergent ratio. Brands such as Tide and Woolite have excellent options for mild detergent. These are designed to dissolve grease and dirt while protecting delicate fabrics.
Spot Clean the Faux Fur - If some part of your faux fur item has a prominent stain or discoloration, you need to spot clean it first. To do this, cover the area with the stain or dirt with a mild detergent, then, using your fingers, gently rub the area with the soap. Avoid rubbing too hard because you might permanently damage it. Rinse the area with cold water. Repeat the same step if the stain is still there.
Submerge the Item - Submerge the faux fur item into the detergent solution you previously mixed. Let it sit for around 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse & Dry - Rinse the detergent mixture from the faux fur. Make sure to do this thoroughly to avoid it from being sticky later on. After that, carefully squeeze out the water absorbed by the faux fur item. You can also use a thick towel to help remove the excess water. Just pat it against the item so that the towel absorbs the water.

How to Wash Faux Fur with Stubborn Stains

If your faux fur is color white, it can be prone to visible and stubborn stains. If that is your case, here are several methods on how to restore the whiteness of your faux fur when washing it:

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used washing ingredient. It also does an excellent job restoring the whiteness of your faux fur but is not recommended for colors.

Here are the steps on how to wash faux fur using hydrogen peroxide:

Beware of safety - wear gloves, protect your eyes and ensure you are washing in a well-ventilated area.
Combine 500 ml of water with 10 ml of hydrogen peroxide.
Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and shake it to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
Spray the mixture to the area with stains or discoloration.
Let it dry in an area with fresh air but away from direct sunlight or any source of heat.
Once dried, comb the fibers accordingly.

Semolina or Starch

Another way of restoring the whiteness or removing stains off your faux fur is by using semolina or starch. But, this method can be quite time-consuming and has mixed results.

Here are the steps on how to wash faux fur using starch powder:

Place the faux fur item flat on a clean surface.
Sprinkle the areas with discolorations or stains with a thick layer of semolina or starch.
Rub the powder into the fabric using cloth napkins.
Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
Using a vacuum cleaner, remove the powder from the fabric. If you do not have a vacuum at hand, you can use a stick to beat out the powder from the fabric.

Baking Soda and Alcohol

This solution is the best method if you want to remove the yellowish discoloration on your faux fur item.

Here are the steps on how to wash faux fur using baking soda:

Combine 5 ml of rubbing alcohol, 15 grams of baking soda, and 300 ml of warm water.
Dip a soft brush onto the mixture you made.
Gently brush the solution on the faux fur item. Make sure that your brush stroke follows the natural strands of the fibers.

How to Wash Faux Fur - Extra Tips

As mentioned above, faux fur items are quite delicate. With that in mind, here are some additional tips that will help you extend its life when washing it:

Air Dry Only

As much as possible, avoid using a tumble dryer with your faux fur items. The best way to dry your faux fur item is to air dry it in a well-ventilated room. You can also use an electric fan to increase air circulation but do not point the electric fan directly on the item because the strong direct wind can disrupt the fibers' shape.

Also, avoid using clips or pegs to hang your item. This will put a mark on those areas and can significantly affect its overall aesthetic.

Brush Gently

After rinsing and drying your faux fur item, you can expect that its fibers will be all over the place. To have it back to its natural look, you need to brush it gently. The best comb for faux fur items is those that have wide spaces between the bristles. These types of brushes are called slicker brushes.

When brushing the item, make sure to follow the fur's natural direction. This is easy to identify because it's where the majority of fibers are pointing.

Use Detangling Solution

If there is an area on your faux fur that is matted, you can try using a hair detangling product. Simply spray or apply the product to the matted area, then comb it using a gentle brush or pet brush.

How to Wash Faux Fur at the Dry Cleaners

Another option you have if you want to clean faux fur items is to bring them to a dry cleaner. If you opt for this, make sure that the dry cleaner that you pick specializes in faux fur fabric. You may need to pay extra for this type of service, but it's expected given that it requires more care and work.

How to Wash Faux Fur - In Conclusion

The best method on how to wash faux fur is to hand wash it. This is because this method does not agitate or damage the fibers as much. You can be as gentle as possible and focus on areas that require treatment. However, it does not mean that machine washing is not an option. You can still use this method to wash faux fur, but you need to ensure that you only use cool water and the gentlest setting possible.

Washing faux fur can be quite complicated, but it is not an impossible feat. Just follow the steps and tips mentioned above, and your faux fur item will be clean like they are brand new.