How to Wash and Care for Faux Fur Clothing

Machine- and Hand-Washing Instructions for Coats and Jacket Trim

Faux fur trim on a coat

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 20 mins - 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 days
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $10

Faux faux offers some advantages over real fur so knowing how to wash and care for it is so important. Beyond the issue of animal rights, faux fur is more resistant to insect damage and withstands humidity and temperature changes better when in storage.

It takes a bit of extra care to keep faux—or fake—fur coats, jacket trim, and other items looking their best, but in a few simple steps, you can refresh and revive your favorite pieces. Some garments may have care tags that recommend dry cleaning only, while others can be cleaned at home using a gentle laundry detergent like baby detergent.

Here, learn how to clean faux fur to keep your favorite items in their best shape.

washing faux fur

The Spruce

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sink or large basin for washing
  • High-efficiency washer (optional)
  • Drying rack or sturdy padded hanger
  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Wide-toothed comb (optional)
  • Spray bottle (optional)
  • Thick bath towel (optional)
  • Vacuum with upholstery or brush tool (optional)

Materials

  • Mild laundry detergent
  • Hair conditioner (optional)

Instructions

How to Wash Faux Fur Clothing
Detergent Mild
Water Temperature Cold/cool
Cycle Type Gentle and low-speed spin, if machine is used at all
Drying Cycle Air-only setting, if dryer is used at all
Special Treatments Hand-washing is preferable
Iron Settings Do not iron
How Often to Wash Once per season or as-needed when soiled

How to Hand-Wash Faux Fur

Hand-washing is always the safest choice for cleaning any type of faux fur item and offers the lowest risk for damage.

  1. Mix Water and Gentle Detergent

    Use a large plastic storage container or bathtub for large items such as coats and blankets. Fill the sink, tub, or container with cool water and 1 to 2 teaspoons of a mild detergent, such as Woolite or Studio by Tide.

    Someone mixing water and detergent

    The Spruce / Michelle Becker

  2. Submerge the Faux Fur

    Submerge the faux fur fully in the detergent solution. Swish the fur through the water for 10 to 15 minutes. Be gentle. Avoid excessive agitation and wringing of the item.

    Someone submerging faux fur trim

    The Spruce / Michelle Becker

  3. Drain and Rinse

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

    Someone ringing out faux fur trim

    The Spruce / Michelle Becker

  4. Remove Excess Water

    Squeeze out gently as much excess water as possible. You can also roll the fur in a thick bath towel and press to help remove the water.

    Someone rolling faux fur in a towel to dry

    The Spruce / Michelle Becker

  5. Allow to Drip-Dry

    Dry faux fur by laying it flat on a drying rack or hanging it from a padded hanger in the shower. Reposition and smooth the faux fur item often so there are no crush marks. Keep it out of direct sunlight and heat. It may take 24 to 48 hours to dry. Don't wear, use, or store it 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 synthetic fibers and cause them to fuse and become matted. Once this has happened, the damage can't be reversed. Use the fluff dry setting without heat if you must use a dryer.

    Faux fur trim on a drying rack

    The Spruce / Michelle Becker

  6. Brush, Detangle, and Air-Dry

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

    Smooth the fibers by mixing 1 tsp conditioner with 2 cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Spritz the fur in a small area and use a soft-bristled brush to untangle it. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth and air-dry.

    Someone brushing out faux fur trim

    The Spruce / Michelle Becker

How to Machine-Wash Faux Fur

It is possible to wash faux fur in the machine if you're careful. A front-loading or high-efficiency washer without a center agitator is recommended because the cleaning action will be gentler. The same cleaning techniques recommended for cleaning a faux fur coat or jacket can be used for faux fur blankets, throws, and removable pillow covers.

  1. Fill the Washer

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

    Mild color-safe detergent added to washing machine dispenser

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

  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 it any longer, or you may damage the backing fabric of the faux fur.

    Gray faux fur coat placed inside washing machine

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

  3. Drain, Rinse, and Spin

    Set the washer to drain and spin on low speed after about 15 minutes. Switch to the rinse cycle, then allow the washer to fill with cool water. Don't allow the machine to agitate to prevent knotting of the fur. Drain and spin at low speed again. If you feel the fur needs an additional rinse because it feels soapy, do so at this time.

    Washing machine set to a low-speed setting for rinsing

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

  4. Fluff and Air-Dry the Fur

    Fluff any fur matted by the machine by brushing it gently with a soft-bristled brush. You can also toss the coat into a tumble dryer and use the air-dry setting to fluff it. Do not use heat.

    Tip

    To remove wrinkles from faux fur, steaming will be the safest method. If you don't have a steamer, you can use the iron by hovering over the item using the steam setting.

    Hang the garment and allow it to air dry completely. Your dryer's air-dry setting may be enough to dry it fully, but it's best to gently brush it out and let it dry completely on its own.

    Gray faux fur coat fluffed with soft-bristled brush

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Treating Stains on Faux Fur

To treat stains on the faux fur, put a small amount of mild laundry detergent—such as one drop—directly on the stain. Gently rub the detergent into the stain with your fingers or a clean, soft cloth. Once the stain is removed, use a clean cloth dampened with cold water to rinse away the detergent. Blot up excess water with a clean, dry towel. Shake the item to fluff the fibers and air dry.

Repairing Faux Fur and General Care

How to Repair Rips or Tears

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.

How to Reduce Shrinkage

Faux fur items are at risk of shrinking when washed in the wrong water temperature. Never use hot water or place them in a hot automatic dryer. Cold water and air-drying the item are key: This helps prevent both shrinkage and the fibers of faux fur from melting together.

How to Keep Faux Fur Soft

If your faux fur doesn't need to be washed but isn't as soft as it used to be, you can spritz it with a mixture of 1 teaspoon hair conditioner and 2 cups warm water. Gently brush the fur and allow it to air dry completely before wearing it again.

How to Store Faux Fur Clothing

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

Avoid folding faux fur garments and placing them in any drawers. This can cause the fur to tangle on one side or lose its volume; hanging these items is always best.

How Often to Wash Faux Fur

Clean your faux fur coat and trim once per season or when it becomes soiled, dirty, or unkempt. Spot-clean dirt and stains whenever necessary.

Tips for Washing Faux Fur

  • You'll have the best results when washing faux fur if the fibers are short in length or looped. Long-haired and shaggy fake fur accessories are prone to knotting and matting.
  • If you plan to wash long and shaggy faux furs at home, always opt for hand washing instead of using a washing machine.
  • If you have a standard top-load washing machine with an agitator, consider washing faux fur by hand.
  • Lightly vacuuming a faux fur item before washing can help reduce shedding and eliminate some dirt. Be sure to use the upholstery or brush tool as you gently go over the fur.
  • If you decide to take your garment to a dry cleaner, make sure that the cleaner is well-trained to ensure they won't damage your clothing with chemicals and high heat.
FAQ
  • Can faux fur be washed with other clothing items?

    It's best to wash faux fur without other clothing items to prevent tangling and other damage to all garments. If you absolutely must wash faux fur with other garments, place the item in a mesh laundry bag or turn it inside out for maximum protection.

  • How do you clean faux fur without ruining it?

    If you are concerned about your item, the safest way to clean it is to hand-wash it or take it to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in cleaning fur and faux fur. Never put a faux fur item in the dryer or you run the risk of ruining it.

  • How do I make faux fur look new again?

    If necessary, use a pet brush to lightly brush the faux fur. A dog brush, called a slicker brush, is used on all types of canine coats. It has rows of thin wire pins that detangle and remove loose fur. You can always buy a special fur brush more commonly used on real fur coats.

  • How do you clean white faux fur?

    Keep white faux fur looking pristine by spot-cleaning it with a clean cloth dipped in an approximate 50/50 mix of water and rubbing alcohol, then dab to spot clean. For a yellow stain on white faux fur, try gently rubbing it with a paste of baking soda, water, and a few drops of rubbing alcohol, then rinse by dabbing it with a moistened cloth. If the entire item needs cleaning, it may be best to take it to a professional cleaner with expertise in cleaning faux fur.