Faux fur is a synthetic material — typically polyester or acrylic — that mimics the look and feel of real animal fur. It’s used in everything from throw blankets and area rugs to decorative pillows and outerwear. The challenge with faux fur cleaning is preserving the soft, fluffy texture while removing dirt, odors, and stains. The good news: most faux fur items can be successfully washed at home using cold water, gentle detergent, and the right drying technique. Here’s how to clean faux fur without matting, stiffening, or ruining the pile.
What You’ll Need
- Mild liquid laundry detergent or gentle fabric wash
- Cold water
- Washing machine (gentle cycle) or basin for hand washing
- Fabric softener (optional)
- Soft-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb
- Clean towels for blotting
- Clothes dryer or drying rack
- Baking soda or fabric deodorizer spray
Safety and Precautions
- Check the care label first. Many faux fur items specify hand wash only or dry clean only. Ignoring this can cause matting, shrinkage, or texture damage that can’t be reversed.
- Never wash faux fur in hot water. Heat melts and fuses synthetic fibers, permanently destroying the soft texture. Cold water only.
- Never put faux fur in the dryer on high heat — or any heat in many cases. The dryer’s heat will mat, melt, and permanently ruin faux fur pile.
- Avoid wringing or twisting wet faux fur. This tangles and mats the fibers. Press or roll it in towels to extract water instead.
- Test stain treatments in a hidden area before applying to a visible surface — some cleaners change the color or texture of certain faux fur weaves.
Step-by-Step: Machine Washing Faux Fur
Check the Care Label
Before any washing, check the sewn-in care label for specific instructions. If it says dry clean only, take it to the cleaners. If it says hand wash, skip machine washing. Most blankets and throws labeled “machine washable” can go into the washer, but coats and structured faux fur items often require more care.
Brush Out Loose Debris First
Before washing, brush the faux fur gently with a soft-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb to remove lint, pet hair, dust, and tangled debris. This makes washing more effective and prevents the debris from matting into the fibers during the wash cycle.
Set Machine to Cold and Gentle Cycle
Load the item into the washing machine alone or with similar items. Set the temperature to cold (never warm or hot) and select the gentle or delicate cycle. The slower spin speed on gentle cycle reduces mechanical agitation that can tangle and mat the fibers.
Use a Small Amount of Mild Detergent
Add a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent — about half the normal amount. Heavy detergent concentrations leave residue in the fibers that makes them stiff and dull. Avoid detergents with bleach, enzymes, or brighteners. A gentle detergent like Woolite, Delicate Wash, or Seventh Generation Free and Clear works well.
Add Fabric Softener in the Rinse Cycle (Optional)
A small amount of fabric softener added during the rinse cycle helps maintain the softness and fluffiness of faux fur fibers. This is optional but noticeably helps restore the plush texture after washing.
Run the Cycle and Remove Promptly
Run the gentle cycle and remove the faux fur immediately when the cycle ends. Don’t leave wet faux fur sitting in the machine — it compresses under its own weight and can begin to smell musty.
Step-by-Step: Hand Washing Faux Fur
Fill a Basin with Cold Water
Fill a clean basin, bathtub, or large sink with cold water. Add a small amount of mild detergent and swirl to dissolve.
Submerge and Gently Agitate
Submerge the faux fur item and gently swish and squeeze the water through the material. Don’t scrub, twist, or wring. Work gently in the direction of the fur pile rather than against it. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes.
Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water and refill with clean cold water. Gently squeeze the item to rinse out detergent. Repeat until the water runs clear and no soap suds remain.
Extract Water Without Wringing
Lay the item flat on a clean dry towel. Roll the towel and item together like a log and press firmly to absorb water. Unroll and repeat with a dry towel section. This removes significant moisture without twisting or stressing the fibers.
How to Dry Faux Fur
Drying is the most critical step for maintaining faux fur texture:
- Air dry flat or hanging: The best method — lay flat on a clean surface or hang on a wide padded hanger. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Use the dryer only on no-heat/air-only setting: If your dryer has an air fluff or no-heat setting, you can use it briefly (10–15 minutes) to help fluff up the pile during drying. Never use any heat setting.
- Brush while slightly damp: Once the item is about 80% dry, use a soft-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb to gently brush the fur in the direction of the pile. This step is what restores the fluffy, soft texture. Don’t brush when fully wet (causes tangling) or fully dry (harder to restore the pile).
- Allow to dry completely before storing. Storing slightly damp faux fur causes mildew and musty odors.
How to Spot Clean Faux Fur
For small stains that don’t warrant a full wash:
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cold water.
- Dip a soft cloth in the solution and gently blot (don’t rub) the stain.
- Rinse by blotting with a clean cloth dampened with cold water.
- Allow to air dry completely, then brush to restore the pile.
For oil-based stains, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain first to absorb the oil. Let sit for 15–30 minutes, then brush off before applying the soapy spot treatment.
How to Deodorize Faux Fur Without Washing
For light odors that don’t require a full wash, sprinkle baking soda generously over the surface. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then shake or brush off. Baking soda absorbs odors from synthetic fibers effectively. Alternatively, use a fabric deodorizer spray designed for synthetic fabrics — spray lightly and allow to air dry completely. Hanging the faux fur item outdoors in fresh air and indirect sunlight for a few hours also eliminates most light odors without any products.
Pro Tips for Faux Fur Care
- Wash infrequently. Washing is the biggest risk to faux fur texture. Spot clean when possible and reserve full washing for when it’s genuinely needed.
- Use a laundry bag for machine washing. Placing faux fur in a mesh laundry bag reduces mechanical friction in the drum and protects the pile from tangling during the wash cycle.
- Store in breathable bags, not plastic. Plastic storage bags trap moisture and cause faux fur to develop a musty smell. Use cotton storage bags or pillowcases instead.
- Brush regularly between washes. A quick brush once a week keeps faux fur pillows and throws looking fluffy and prevents tangles from building up.
Common Mistakes When Cleaning Faux Fur
- Using hot water or warm water. Heat destroys synthetic faux fur fibers — cold water only.
- Putting in a hot dryer. The most common way to ruin faux fur permanently. Use air-only/no-heat setting only.
- Rubbing stains. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and mats the fibers. Always blot gently.
- Over-washing. Every wash is mechanical stress on synthetic fibers. Spot clean when possible.
- Skipping the brushing step after drying. This step is what makes the difference between flat, matted faux fur and fluffy, restored pile. Don’t skip it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can faux fur go in the washing machine?
Many faux fur blankets, throws, and pillows can go in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with cold water. Check the care label first — some items specify hand wash or dry clean only. Always use cold water, gentle detergent, and the gentle or delicate cycle setting.
How do I restore matted faux fur?
For matted faux fur, mist the surface lightly with water, then use a soft-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb to gently work through the fibers in the direction of the pile. Work in small sections. For heavily matted areas, hold a steamer a few inches away while brushing — the steam helps the fibers relax and separate. Never apply direct heat from an iron.
How do I get pet hair out of faux fur?
Use a lint roller for surface pet hair. For embedded hair, put on a rubber glove and rub your hand in circular motions — the rubber attracts hair effectively. Then brush in the direction of the pile to remove remaining hair before washing. A vacuum with an upholstery attachment also works well for large faux fur rugs and throws.
Can I iron faux fur?
No — never apply a direct iron to faux fur. The heat melts synthetic fibers. If you need to smooth it, use a steamer held several inches away and brush gently while steaming. This relaxes the fibers without direct heat contact.
Why does my faux fur smell after washing?
Musty smell after washing means the faux fur wasn’t dried completely before being stored or folded. Spread it flat in a well-ventilated area and allow complete drying — this may take 24 hours for thicker pieces. A light mist of white vinegar and water sprayed on the surface and allowed to air dry also neutralizes musty odors effectively.
Conclusion
Cleaning faux fur successfully is mostly about avoiding heat — cold water washing, no-heat drying, and gentle handling preserve the soft texture that makes faux fur so appealing. Spot clean when you can, machine wash on gentle with cold water when you need a full clean, and always brush the pile after drying to restore fluffiness. Follow these guidelines and faux fur blankets, throws, and rugs will last for years looking as plush as new.
For other home textile cleaning guides, check out our articles on how to clean cellular shades and how to clean felt. For upholstered furniture with similar soft surface challenges, our home cleaning section covers a full range of fabric care topics.
