How to Clean and Care for Faux Fur Coats and Trim

How to Hand-Wash Faux Fur Coats and Trim

1. Mix Water and Gentle Detergent

   Hand-washing is the best choice for washing any type of faux fur item. For large coats and blankets, the cleaning can be done in a large plastic storage container or bathtub. Fill the sink or basin with cool water and 1–2 teaspoons mild detergent, such as Woolite or Studio by Tide.

2. Submerge the Faux Fur

   Fully submerge the faux fur in the detergent solution. Swish the fur through the water for 10–15 minutes. Avoid excessive agitation and wringing.

3. Drain and Rinse

   Lift the fur out of the water. Gently squeeze out as much soapy water as possible. Drain the basin, and refill with clean water. Rinse until no suds remain.

4. Remove Excess Water

   Gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible. You can also roll the fur in a thick bath towel to help remove the water.

5. Allow to Drip-Dry

   Use a drying rack to dry the faux fur flat, or place it on a sturdy padded hanger, and hang from a shower rod to dry. Place the drying rack or hanger in the bathtub or shower to catch the drips and avoid a wet floor.

   Reposition the faux fur item often so there are no crush marks. Use your hand to smooth any areas that don't appear smooth. Keep out of direct sunlight and heat. It may take 24–48 hours to dry. Don't wear or use until the faux fur is completely dry.

   Warning

   Don't put faux fur in a clothes dryer on a heated setting. Heat can melt the faux fur fibers and cause them to fuse and become matted. Once this has happened, the damage can't be reversed.

6. Brush and Untangle Knotted Faux Fur

   After the fur is dry, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush any matted fur and lift the fibers. A wide-toothed comb can be used to loosen up stubborn fur.

   Then, smooth the fibers by mixing 1 teaspoon hair conditioner with 2 cups warm water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle, and spritz the fur in a small area. Use a soft-bristled brush or wide-tooth comb to gently untangle the fur. Work in a small area, and brush slowly. If fibers come out, you're brushing too hard. When you're finished, wipe down the area with a clean, damp white cloth, and allow to air-dry.

How to Machine-Wash Faux Fur

1. Fill the Washer

   Fill the washer to a medium level with cold water. Add 1–2 teaspoons mild, color-safe detergent, such as Woolite.

2. Add the Faux Fur and Soak

   Place the faux fur item in the washer. Allow it to soak in the water and detergent solution for 15 minutes. Don't soak longer, or you may damage the backing fabric of the faux fur.

3. Drain, Rinse, and Spin

   After 15 minutes, set the washer to drain and to a low-speed spin. Switch to the rinse cycle, and allow the washer to fill with cool water. Don't allow the machine to agitate. Drain and low-speed spin again. If you feel the fur needs an additional rinse because it feels soapy, do so at this time. Prevent knotting of the fur by avoiding the use of agitation.

4. Fluff the Fur

   After washing in a machine, the fur may appear to be slightly matted. Fluff it up again by brushing it gently with a soft-bristled brush. You can also toss the coat into a tumble dryer and use the air-only setting. Do not use heat.

Storing Faux Fur Coats and Trim

Faux fur clothing should be completely dry before storing short-term or for the next season. To prevent crushing the fibers, hang garments with plenty of space for air circulation. Cover with a cotton garment bag to prevent dust from settling in the fur.

Repairs

Small rips in the backing of faux fur can be repaired by hand-stitching the tear with a matching thread. If the fur has fallen out or melted, it cannot be repaired.