How to Wash Faux Fur Coats and Trim by Hand

Mix Water and Gentle Detergent

Hand washing is the best way to clean anything with faux fur. Large coats and blankets can be washed in a bathtub or a large plastic storage bin. Fill the sink or basin with cool water and 1–2 teaspoons of a mild detergent like Woolite or Studio by Tide.

Put the Faux Fur in water.

Put the fake fur all the way into the detergent solution. For 10–15 minutes, move the fur through the water. Don't worry and wring your hands too much.

Empty and wash

Remove the fur from the water. Squeeze out as much soapy water as you can while being gentle. Empty the basin and fill it back up with clean water. Rinse until no suds remain.

Take out the extra water

Squeeze out as much water as you can without being too rough. You can also roll the fur in a thick bath towel to help get rid of the water.

Let dry by dripping

Use a drying rack to dry the faux fur flat, or put it on a strong, padded hanger and hang it from a shower rod to dry. Put the rack or hanger in the tub or shower to catch the drips and keep the floor from getting wet.

Move the fake fur around often so that it doesn't get marks from being pressed down. Smooth out any parts that don't look smooth with your hand. Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight. It could take from 24 to 48 hours to dry. Don't wear it or use it until the fake fur is completely dry.

Knotted fake fur can be brushed and untangled.

After the fur is dry, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush any matted fur and separate the fibres. A wide-toothed comb can help loosen fur that doesn't want to move.

Then, smooth the hair by mixing 1 teaspoon of hair conditioner with 2 cups of warm water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle, and spray a small area of the fur with it. Use a brush with soft bristles or a comb with wide teeth to gently separate the fur. Work slowly and in a small area. If fibres come out when you brush, you're doing it wrong. When you're done, use a clean, damp white cloth to wipe down the area and let it dry on its own.

Read more: Clean Faux Fur without Ruining it

How to Wash Fake Fur in a Machine

Fill the Washing Machine

Fill the washer with cold water until it's about half full. Add 1–2 teaspoons of a mild detergent that won't hurt the colours, like Woolite.

Put the fake fur in and soak it.

Put the fake fur in the washing machine. Let it soak for 15 minutes in the water and detergent solution. Don't soak the fake fur for too long, or you could damage the fabric on the back.

Empty, wash, and spin

Set the washer to drain and spin at a low speed after 15 minutes. Change the washer to the rinse cycle and let it fill with cool water. Don't let the machine shake around. Drain and spin again at a slow speed. If the fur feels soapy and you think it needs a second rinse, do it now. Avoid agitation to keep the fur from getting tangled.

Smooth the Fur

After being washed in a machine, the fur might look a little bit matted. Brush it gently with a soft-bristled brush to fluff it up again. You can also put the coat in a dryer and set it to "air dry." Don't heat it.

How to Clean Coats and Trim Made of Fake Fur

• When washing fake fur, you'll get the best results if the fibres are short or looped. Accessories made of long-haired, shaggy fake fur tend to knot and mat.

• If you want to wash long, fluffy fake furs at home, you should always wash them by hand instead of in a washing machine.

• When cleaning any kind of fake fur, try to avoid as much agitation (spinning or wringing) and high heat as possible.

• If you have a regular top-loading washing machine with an agitator, you should really think about how to clean faux fur by hand.

• Vacuuming a fake fur item lightly before washing it can help cut down on shedding and get rid of some dirt. Make sure to use the upholstery or brush tool as you gently go over the fur.