How do you keep your synthetic fur looking as good as new? Although synthetic fur is less expensive and, according to the Ohio State University, more universally known by the 1960s as the ethical option over real fur, it can be tricky to clean. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. I’ll explain how to wash synthetic fur without damaging it. Whether it’s a jacket, a throw blanket, or a cute stuffed animal, these tips will help you keep your synthetic fur items looking their best.
Choose the Right Cleaning Method
Choosing the correct cleaning method when cleaning synthetic fur is essential to preventing damage. Let’s examine some effective methods.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is typically the safest option for most synthetic fur items. It’s gentle, avoids aggressive machine motions, and gives you more control over-cleaning. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a basin or sink with cold water.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Fully immerse the fur item in the soapy water.
- Gently swish the item, ensuring it’s evenly coated with soapy water.
- Allow it to soak for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly to eliminate any soap residue.
Machine Washing
Although hand washing is the go-to method for washing synthetic fur, some items can withstand a gentle machine wash cycle. It’s critical to read the care label on your synthetic fur item before tossing it into the washing machine. Use this method only if your item explicitly states it is machine wash safe. Even then, use the gentlest cycle possible and cold water.
Dry Cleaning
This is often the recommended method for cleaning high-end synthetic fur garments. Although this means spending a bit more on upkeep, it ensures your synthetic fur item will be clean and cared for in the best way possible.
Each of these cleaning methods has its strengths, and the one you choose depends on the specific synthetic fur item and its care instructions. It’s wise to try a small patch of fur first to ensure no damage. You should also avoid wringing out excess water, which can distort the fur’s shape. Remember, synthetic fur deserves the best care possible to help it last and maintain its luxurious look.
Spot Clean First
Before we completely clean synthetic fur, it’s essential to spot it first. This process targets stained or visibly dirty areas. Take your time thoroughly washing the garment; you might worsen things and cause more harm than good.
Why spot clean, you ask?
Well, spot cleaning helps to treat and isolate the specific area, ensuring that the stain or dirt doesn’t spread across the garment during a full wash cycle. It’s like pre-treatment before the main event. Think of it as a surgeon cleaning a small body part before incision.
The spot-cleaning synthetic fur technique is more manageable than it may seem. Grab a soft cloth or sponge and dampen it with mild laundry detergent and cool water. Remember, the word here is damp, not soaking. You don’t want to saturate the fur. Then, gently dab the dirty area without rubbing or scrubbing, which could damage the fur fibers. Rinse the area by blotting it with another damp cloth immersed in plain water.
Drying the spot-cleaned area. Under no circumstance should you wear it out; it’s a big no-no in the synthetic fur world. Instead, press it between two towels to absorb as much water as possible, then leave it to air dry. Use a hair dryer if you’re in a hurry, but only in a cool setting.
With these steps, you’ll have a spotless fur garment ready for full cleaning.
Hand Washing Synthetic Fur
Moving on from spot cleaning, we’re entering the heart of the cleaning process. Hand washing is the traditional method I highly recommend for tackling the overall dirt on your synthetic fur. Unlike machine washing, hand washing is gentle on the fibers and does an excellent job of protecting their fluffy texture.
First, grab a mild detergent. Remember, powerful cleaners can be harsh on the fibers, causing unnecessary wear and tear. A tablespoon of detergent mixed with about a gallon of cool water creates the perfect safe solution for synthetic fur.
Remember, always favor cool water. Why? Synthetic fur can lose its shape or even melt under high temperatures.
Next, immerse the garment in this superb, soapy solution, ensuring every part is wet. And here’s an important note: don’t scrub or agitate the fur. You want to swirl the fur through the water gently. Think of it as a relaxed bath rather than a vigorous scrub.
Once thoroughly soaked, rinse it with clean, cool water. You might have to repeat the rinse process until the water runs clear of detergent. That’s normal and ensures all soap traces are gone.
A final tip for this stage: do not wring out your synthetic fur. This action can damage the fibers and alter the shape of your favorite clothing item. Instead, carefully squeeze out the excess water.
There’s no need to rush to the next stage. After removing excess water, allow your synthetic fur to air dry naturally. Lay it flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Machine Washing Synthetic Fur
While hand washing synthetic fur with a mild detergent and cool water is a safer option, sometimes you may want to whirl your furry garments in a washing machine quickly. However, this process needs careful attention to prevent possible damage to the synthetic fibers.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that the machine washing process involving synthetic fur differs significantly from regular laundry. Often, it’s recommended to set the washing machine to a delicate or hand wash cycle. These settings are designed to mimic the gentle action of hand washing, reducing the risk of damaging the fibers.
In terms of detergent, remember that just like with hand washing, a mild detergent is your friend. Avoid any harsh chemicals that could potentially harm the fabric. If in doubt, it’s best to stick to the same detergent used for hand washing.
One crucial factor to consider is the water temperature. With machine washing, you’ve got to stick with cold water. Heat can cause the synthetic fur to lose texture and ruin the garment.
You might worry about the spinning cycle of the washing machine, as it can be harsh on garments. Adding a couple of heavy towels to the wash is recommended to minimize this impact. These can help absorb some of the shocks during the spin cycle.
Once the washing process is done, remove the synthetic fur immediately to prevent creasing. Remember to squeeze out excess water gently; don’t wring it out. Lay the synthetic fur flat on a towel to air dry, just like the hand-washing method described earlier.
It’s important to note that not all synthetic fur garments are ideal for machine washing. Always check the washing instructions on the label before using this method. Not all synthetic furs are created equal, and some may strictly prohibit machine washing.
Drying and Brushing
After washing, handling your synthetic fur with care while drying is essential to keep it looking its best. Firstly, avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. This could damage the fur, causing it to lose its plush and luxe feel.
Instead, gently shake out excess water and lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel inside the garment to absorb as much water as possible. This method helps maintain the integrity of the fibers, keeping your synthetic fur fluffy and full.
When most of the water is absorbed, unroll the towel and let the fur garment air dry. To maintain the garment’s shape, reshape it on a clean, dry towel and leave it to dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can cause the fibers to melt or become incredibly stiff.
Upon drying, brushing becomes the next crucial step. Brushing helps restore the plushness and fullness of the synthetic fur. Using a brush specially designed for synthetic fur or a wide-toothed comb is best.
Begin by separating matted fur into sections and, starting from the roots, gently comb out any tangles. Remember, it’s important to comb in the direction of the fur, not against it. This process might take some time, but patience is key in maintaining your synthetic fur’s soft and lush texture.
Lastly, some synthetic fur items might require a quick fluff after drying and brushing. Hold the garment at the shoulders and briskly shake it out to achieve this.
Count these drying and brushing techniques as tools in your maintenance kit for synthetic fur. By following these methods, your synthetic fur will stay in top-notch condition for an extended period.
Conclusion
I’ve shared the best ways to keep your synthetic fur looking fresh and fluffy. Remember, it’s all about gentle handling – from washing to drying. Avoid wringing or twisting, and shake out excess water before rolling the garment in a towel. Air dry flat, steering clear of direct sunlight or heat. Brushing in the direction of the fur and a brisk shake after drying will restore fullness and softness. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your synthetic fur stays in top-notch condition. Keeping your faux fur fabulous is easier than you might think. So, please don’t shy away from the care it needs. With patience and the proper techniques, you’ll have a garment that lasts and looks great for years.
Clotheslyne: A Professional Laundry Solution
For those who prefer professional laundry care, Clotheslyne provides an ideal solution. Through the app, you can hire Clotheslyners for expert laundry services, including washing, drying, and folding of clothes and bulky items.
Choosing Clotheslyne ensures your laundry is handled with care and expertise. It’s convenient for those who value their time and prefer professional laundry services.
To use Clotheslyne, download the iOS Apple App or Google Play Store Android app to schedule your laundry pick up.
You can also schedule your laundry pick up through our web portal.
Fill up a tall kitchen bag full of clothes. A Clotheslyner in your community will pick it up and deliver it back to you washed, dried, and folded in 48 hours. It’s that simple.
Got a question for us? Head over to our contact us page and make a custom request by email or by phone! We’re here to help.