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Wash Faux Fur Safely: Keep It Fluffy After Cleaning

How to wash faux fur and keep it fluffy?

Faux fur stays plush when you combine gentle cleaning with the right drying and brushing routine. The goal is to remove dirt and oils without melting or matting the synthetic fibers, which can happen with high heat and aggressive agitation.

1) Check the care label and spot-test first

Before anything else, read the tag for water temperature and washing guidance. If the item is lined, backed, or has glued seams, it may do best with surface cleaning. Spot-test a hidden area using cool water and a small drop of mild detergent to ensure the pile doesn’t clump or discolor.

2) Pre-clean to prevent tangles

Shake the piece outside and use a lint roller or vacuum with an upholstery attachment to lift dust, hair, and crumbs. If there are sticky spots, blot (don’t rub) with a damp cloth and a tiny amount of gentle soap, then wipe again with clean water.

3) Wash gently (cold, mild, low agitation)

For machine-washable faux fur, use cold water, a mild detergent, and the gentlest cycle available. Turn the item inside out if possible and wash it alone or with similarly soft items to reduce friction. Skip bleach and fabric softener—both can coat fibers and make the fur look dull or feel stiff.

4) Rinse thoroughly and avoid wringing

Leftover detergent can make faux fur feel crunchy. Run an extra rinse if your washer offers it. When the cycle ends, lift the item carefully and press out water with a towel; twisting and wringing can distort the backing and mat the pile.

5) Air-dry only, then brush to restore loft

Lay it flat on a drying rack or hang it in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat and sun. Once it’s mostly dry, gently fluff and separate fibers with a wide-tooth comb or a soft slicker brush, working in small sections. When fully dry, a final light brush brings back that “new” look.

For a deeper walkthrough and material-specific tips, visit this complete faux fur washing guide.

FAQ

Can you put faux fur in the dryer?

It’s best to avoid the dryer because heat can melt or kink synthetic fibers and flatten the pile. If the label allows it, use only no-heat/air-fluff for a few minutes, then finish air-drying and brushing.