The Complete Guide to Washing and Caring 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 to Machine Wash Faux Fur
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 to Hand Wash Faux Fur
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 to Spot Clean Faux Fur
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 to Fix Matted Faux Fur
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 to Reduce Faux Fur Shedding
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 to Store Faux Fur
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
Things to NEVER Do with Faux Fur
| 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 |
Faux Fur Care 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.