How to Wash Faux Fur Fabric: Care Guide That Works (2026)

How Do You Wash and Care for Faux Fur Fabric?

Your faux fur fabric items can last for years when properly cared for. Whether it's a blanket, jacket, pillow, or costume, knowing how to wash, dry, and store faux fur correctly makes all the difference between a fluffy, luxurious piece and a matted, flattened disappointment.

This guide covers everything you need to know about faux fur care — from routine washing to fixing common problems like matting, shedding, and odor.

Can You Machine Wash Faux Fur?

Yes! Most faux fur fabrics are machine washable. This is one of the biggest advantages of faux fur over real fur, which requires expensive professional cleaning. However, there are specific rules to follow.

How Do You Machine Wash Faux Fur?

Pre-treat stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then wash in cold water on the gentle cycle. Use liquid detergent only, with no bleach and no fabric softener. Follow the item's care label first if it has one.

Step 1: Check the label

If your item has a care label, always follow it first. For raw faux fur fabric or handmade items, follow the steps below.

Step 2: Pre-treat stains

Spot-clean any visible stains with a damp cloth and mild liquid detergent before putting the item in the machine. Gently dab — don't rub, which can mat the fibers.

Step 3: Machine settings

Water temperature: Cold water ONLY
Cycle: Gentle/Delicate
Detergent: Mild liquid detergent (no bleach, no fabric softener)
Load: Wash faux fur items alone or with similar soft items

Step 4: Extra rinse

Run an extra rinse cycle to make sure all detergent is removed. Detergent residue can make faux fur feel stiff and crunchy.

Step 5: Drying

Best method: Air dry flat on a clean towel
Alternative: Tumble dry on NO HEAT or the lowest possible setting
NEVER: Use high heat — it will melt, curl, or permanently damage synthetic fibers

Step 6: Restore fluffiness

Once dry, brush the fur gently with a wide-tooth comb or pet slicker brush, following the nap direction. This restores the fluffy texture and separates any fibers that clumped during washing.

How Do You Hand Wash Faux Fur?

Fill a basin with cold water and mild liquid detergent, submerge the item and swish gently for five minutes. Rinse in clean cold water until it runs clear. Press out the water without wringing, then lay flat to dry.

For delicate items or extra-long pile faux fur, hand washing is the safest option:

Fill a bathtub or large basin with cold water
Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent
Submerge the faux fur item and gently swish it around for 5 minutes
Drain and refill with clean cold water to rinse (repeat until water runs clear)
Gently press out excess water — do NOT wring or twist
Lay flat on clean towels to air dry
Brush with a wide-tooth comb once dry

How Do You Spot Clean Faux Fur?

Mix a few drops of mild detergent into cold water and dip a clean white cloth. Dab the stain rather than rubbing, then dab again with a clean damp cloth to rinse. Air dry fully, then brush the area.

For small stains or spills, spot cleaning avoids washing the entire piece:

Mix a few drops of mild detergent in cold water
Dip a clean white cloth into the solution
Gently dab the stained area (don't rub)
Dab with a clean damp cloth to rinse
Allow to air dry completely
Brush the area to restore texture

How Do You Fix Matted Faux Fur?

Brush the pile with a wide-tooth comb or pet slicker brush, starting at the tips and working toward the base. For stubborn matting, hold a steamer eight to ten inches away to relax the fibres, then brush again.

Matting happens when faux fur fibers get compressed or tangled. Here's how to restore it:

Method 1: Brush it out

Use a wide-tooth comb, pet slicker brush, or even a wire pet brush. Start at the tips of the fibers and work toward the base. Be gentle — pulling too hard can rip fibers from the backing.

Method 2: Steam and brush

Hold a garment steamer 8–10 inches away from the matted area. The steam relaxes the synthetic fibers. Immediately brush while the fibers are still warm and pliable. This works well for stubborn matting.

Method 3: Tumble with a tennis ball

Put the faux fur item in the dryer on NO HEAT with 2–3 clean tennis balls. Run for 10–15 minutes. The tennis balls fluff the fibers mechanically.

How Do You Stop Faux Fur From Shedding?

Shake the item outdoors before first use, run a lint roller over the surface, and wash it on the gentle cycle to remove loose manufacturing fibres. Avoid rubbing against rough surfaces. Some shedding is normal with new faux fur.

Some shedding is normal, especially with new faux fur. To minimize it:

Shake the item outdoors before first use
Run a lint roller over the surface to collect loose fibers
Wash before first use — the gentle cycle removes manufacturing loose fibers
Avoid excessive friction (rubbing against rough surfaces)
Higher-quality faux fur sheds less — EOVEA faux fur is manufactured for minimal shedding

How Do You Store Faux Fur?

Hang garments on wide padded hangers and fold blankets loosely rather than compressing them. Keep faux fur in a cool, dry, dark place inside a breathable cotton bag, never plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mildew.

Short-term storage (seasonal)

Hang garments on wide, padded hangers (not wire hangers)
Store blankets and throws loosely folded — don't compress tightly
Keep in a cool, dry, dark place
Avoid plastic bags — use a breathable cotton garment bag

Long-term storage

Clean the item before storing
Place cedar blocks nearby (not touching) to repel moths and absorb moisture
Avoid direct sunlight which can fade colors over time
Check stored items every few months and refluff as needed

Which Mistakes Damage Faux Fur?

Ironing melts the synthetic fibres. Hot water distorts the backing, bleach discolours it, and fabric softener leaves the pile stiff and clumpy. Wringing mats the fibres, and plastic storage traps moisture that causes mildew.

Never Do This	Why
Iron directly	Synthetic fibers will melt and fuse
Use hot water	Can shrink or distort the backing
Use bleach	Damages fibers and causes discoloration
Use fabric softener	Coats fibers, making them stiff and clumpy
Wring or twist	Stretches the backing and mats the fibers
Dry clean	Chemicals can damage synthetic pile (unless label says OK)
Store in plastic	Traps moisture, can cause mildew

Does Faux Fur Care Change by Project Type?

Item	Wash Frequency	Method
Blankets & throws	Monthly or as needed	Machine wash cold, gentle
Pillow covers	Monthly	Machine wash cold, gentle
Jackets & vests	2–3 times per season	Spot clean or hand wash
Pet beds	Weekly	Machine wash cold, gentle
Costumes	After each use	Spot clean, air dry
Rugs	Monthly	Shake, vacuum, spot clean

Ready to start your next faux fur project? Browse our full selection of faux fur fabric by the yard at EOVEA. We also carry acrylic felt, polar fleece, and nylon spandex for all your craft and sewing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put faux fur in the dryer?

Yes, but only on NO HEAT or the lowest heat setting. High heat will melt or permanently damage synthetic faux fur fibers. Air drying flat is the safest option.

How do you make faux fur soft again after washing?

Brush the faux fur with a wide-tooth comb or pet slicker brush after it's completely dry. Brush in the direction of the nap. For severely matted fur, use a steamer held 8–10 inches away, then brush while still warm.

Does faux fur shrink in the wash?

Faux fur does not shrink when washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. However, hot water can shrink or warp the woven backing, so always use cold water.

How long does faux fur last?

With proper care, high-quality faux fur fabric lasts 5–10 years. The key factors are avoiding high heat, washing gently, and storing properly between seasons.