How to clean faux fur

Key Steps:

• ✦

  Remember to check the label first to find out how your fur item should be cleaned.

• ✦

  Wash coats on a cool cycle to ensure the fibres do not get damaged.

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  Hand or spot-wash smaller fur items like shoes and bags.

You may have a number of faux fur items at home, but they probably come in different shapes and sizes, so it can be a little daunting knowing how to clean or launder them. Do you clean faux fur in the washing machine, or by hand? The answer depends on the individual item, and of course, on the manufacturer’s instructions. Here’s a helpful guide to give you an idea what method to use.

Faux fur can often shed, meaning the rest of your outfit can be left covered in fluffy fibres! Use a damp cloth to remove the excess fur – it’s a good alternative if you don’t have a lint roller to hand.

How to wash a faux fur coat

It’s important to consult the care label on your faux fur coat before you attempt to wash it. You can find our list of handy washing symbols here. Some manufacturers recommend you take faux fur coats to the dry cleaners, but you can also wash some garments made of faux fur in the machine, if you treat them gently. You should follow these steps:

1. 1

   Be sure to remove any items from the pockets of your faux fur coat, so that it doesn’t get damaged in the wash.

2. 2

   Choose a gentle washing detergent designed for hand-washing and add a good quality fabric conditioner like Comfort to the wash to help fluff up the fabric fibres and lock the colour.

3. 3

   Choose the cycle with the least amount of agitation and spin.

4. 4

   Make sure the temperature of the water is cool, so the fibres of the fabric don’t get damaged.

5. 5

   After the washing cycle has finished, roll the coat in a clean dry towel to squeeze out any excess water.

6. 6

   Shake out the coat to fluff up the fibres and hang it on a coat hanger to air dry.

7. 7

   Use a wide toothed comb or brush to separate and smooth the fibres once the coat is dry.

If you’re wondering how to clean a faux fur blanket, you can use much the same technique as described in the how to clean faux fur coat instructions, above. Smaller items, like faux fur soft toys or boots should be spot or hand-cleaned as below.

How to clean faux fur boots

Faux fur boots get dirty quickly, but infrequently get covered in grime. You can spot clean faux fur boots as follows:

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  Use a vacuum cleaner to carefully remove dirt stuck between the fibres.

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  Use a specialist stain remover or cleaner for carpet or upholstery to spot-clean any visible stains.

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  Allow the boots to air dry and then use a wide-toothed comb or brush to separate and smooth the fibers.

Cleaning faux fur: more tips

To soak small pieces of faux fur that need a more intense clean, you should:

1. 1

   Fill a bucket or sink with cool water and add a mild detergent like Persil Non-Bio.

2. 2

   Place the garment in the bucket and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.

3. 3

   Drain away the soapy water and rinse the garment through with clean cool water.

4. 4

   Refill the bucket with cold water and add fabric conditioner.

5. 5

   Replace the garment in the bucket and leave it to soak for 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Re-rinse and blot out excess water with a clean dry towel.

7. 7

   Allow to air dry and brush as described above.

If you have any doubts about cleaning faux fur at home yourself, take your garment to a specialist cleaner for professional advice.