Knowing how to wash a faux fur pillow is essential for keeping it looking plush and beautiful. This guide will walk you through the safest methods, whether you’re dealing with a small decorative pillow or a large floor cushion.
Faux fur is a wonderful material. It gives you the luxurious look and feel of real fur without the ethical concerns or high cost. But it can be tricky to clean. If you do it wrong, you can end up with a matted, flat, or damaged pillow. The good news? With the right approach, you can clean your faux fur easily and keep it soft for years.
Let’s get started by understanding what your pillow is made of.
Understanding Your Faux Fur Pillow
Not all faux fur is created equal. Before you wash anything, you need to check a few things. This step is the most important for preventing a cleaning disaster.
- Check the Care Label: Always look for the manufacturer’s tag first. It might have specific instructions like “spot clean only” or “dry clean.” This is your best guide.
- Identify the Fiber: Most faux fur is made from polyester or acrylic blends. These are generally safe for gentle washing. Some older or very cheap pillows might use modacrylic, which requires extra care.
- Feel the Backing: Is the backing fabric a smooth knit, a fuzzy sherpa, or a woven material? A tight knit backing usually holds up better to washing than a loose weave.
If there’s no label, don’t worry. You can proceed with the gentlest method possible. It’s better to be too careful than to ruin your favorite pillow.
Pre-Wash Steps: Brushing and Spot Cleaning
Never just throw a faux fur pillow in the wash. A little prep work makes all the difference.
Step 1: Give it a Good Brush
Use a wide-tooth comb, a pet slicker brush, or a special faux fur brush. Gently brush the fur in the direction of the nap. This removes surface dust, lint, and any loose debris. It also helps prevent tangling during the wash.
Step 2: Tackle Stains Immediately
For spills or spots, act fast. Blot (don’t rub!) the area with a clean, damp cloth. For tougher stains, mix a drop of mild dish soap with a cup of cool water. Dampen a cloth in the solution and dab the stain. Rinse by dabbing with a cloth dipped in plain water. Let it air dry completely before any full wash.
How to Wash a Faux Fur Pillow
Now for the main event. There are two primary methods: hand washing and machine washing. Hand washing is always the safest bet, especially for pillows with delicate backing or long fur.
Method 1: Hand Washing (The Safest Way)
This method gives you the most control and is recommended for most faux fur items.
- Fill a Basin: Use a clean sink or bathtub. Fill it with cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can melt or distort the synthetic fibers.
- Add Detergent: Use a very small amount of mild detergent. Woolite or a detergent made for delicates is perfect. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or harsh cleaners.
- Submerge and Swish: Place the pillow in the water. Gently press it down to soak. Swish it around with your hands. Don’t twist, wring, or scrub the fur aggressively.
- Soak: Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This allows the detergent to lift dirt from the base of the fibers.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water. Refill the basin with clean, cool water. Gently press the pillow under the water to rinse. Repeat this rinse process 2-3 times until no soap suds remain. Soap residue will attract more dirt and make the fur stiff.
- Remove Water: Press down on the pillow gently to push out excess water. Do not twist or wring. You can roll it in a clean, dry towel to absorb more moisture.
Method 2: Machine Washing (For Sturdy Pillows)
Only use this method if the care label allows it or if the pillow is very sturdy. There’s always a risk, so proceed with caution.
- Use a Gentle Cycle: Set your washing machine to the delicate, gentle, or hand-wash cycle.
- Use Cold Water: Select the cold water setting exclusively. Hot water is a major cause of damage.
- Choose the Right Detergent: Again, use a mild, gentle detergent. Half the normal amount is usually plenty.
- Protect the Pillow: Place the pillow inside a mesh laundry bag or a tied pillowcase. This protects it from excessive agitation. You can also add a few towels to the load to balance the machine and provide cushioning.
- Skip the Extras: Do not use fabric softener or bleach. The softener can coat the fibers and make them limp.
After the cycle finishes, remove the pillow immediately. Don’t let it sit wet in the machine.
The Critical Drying Process
How you dry faux fur is just as important as how you wash it. High heat is the enemy.
Air Drying is Best
This is the only method you should use for faux fur. Here’s how to do it right:
- After removing excess water, shake the pillow gently to fluff the fur.
- Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel or a drying rack. Make sure it’s in a well-ventilated area, not in direct sunlight which can fade the color.
- Flip the pillow over every few hours so both sides dry evenly.
- While it’s still slightly damp, brush the fur gently with your wide-tooth comb. This prevents the fibers from drying in a clumped position.
- Continue brushing periodically as it dries. This is the secret to restoring that fluffy, soft texture.
Never put a faux fur pillow in the dryer. The tumbling action will felt and mat the fur, and the heat can literally melt the fibers, ruining it completely.
Special Considerations and Troubleshooting
Sometimes pillows need a little extra help. Here’s what to do in common situations.
For Pillows with Stuffing
If your pillow has a removable faux fur cover, always unzip it and wash the cover separately. For non-removable stuffed pillows, be extra careful. They hold a lot of water and take forever to dry, which can lead to mildew inside. Press out as much water as possible and consider using a fan to speed up air circulation around the pillow during drying.
Reviving Matted Fur
If your pillow comes out of the wash looking flat or a bit tangled, don’t panic. Wait until it’s completely dry. Then, use a pet slicker brush or a fine-tooth comb. Start at the tips of the fur and gently work your way down to the base. A little patience here can work wonders. For stubborn mats, you can lightly steam the area with a garment steamer (held a few inches away) while brushing.
Dealing with Odors
If your pillow needs freshening between washes, sprinkle baking soda lightly over it, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then brush it out thoroughly. For a light scent, you can spritz it with a mix of water and a few drops of essential oil, then brush.
How to Keep Your Faux Fur Pillow Clean Longer
Prevention is the easiest form of cleaning. Follow these tips to reduce how often you need to deep clean.
- Regular Brushing: Give your pillow a quick brush with your hand or a comb once a week to prevent dust buildup.
- Flip and Rotate: If you use the pillow regularly, flip and rotate it to distribute wear evenly.
- Keep Away from Direct Sunlight: Prolonged sun exposure can fade the vibrant color of your fur over time.
- Be Mindful of Use: Keep food, drinks, and makeup away from your faux fur pillows. It’s easier to avoid a stain than to remove one.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your luxurious faux fur pillows for a long, long time. They’re a great way to add texture and comfort to any room, and proper care ensures they always look their best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I dry clean a fake fur pillow?
It’s not usually recommended unless the label specifically says “dry clean only.” The harsh chemicals used in traditional dry cleaning can damage synthetic fibers. Spot cleaning or gentle hand washing is almost always safer.
What is the best way to wash faux fur?
The best and safest method is hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent, followed by thorough air drying with regular brushing.
Can you put faux fur pillows in the dryer?
No, you should never put a faux fur pillow in the dryer. The heat can melt or distort the fibers, and the tumbling will cause severe matting. Always air dry.
How do you wash a faux fur pillow cover?
If the cover is removable, unzip it and wash it according to the hand washing or gentle machine washing instructions above. Always wash the cover separately from the insert.
Why is my faux fur pillow matted after washing?
Matting usually happens from using warm/hot water, agitating too much (like in a regular wash cycle), or not brushing the fur while it’s drying. You can often revive it by brushing thoroughly when completely dry.
Can I use fabric softener on fake fur?
It’s not advised. Fabric softener can leave a coating on the synthetic fibers that makes them greasy, attracts dirt, and weighs them down, making the fur look flat.