Washing a faux fur blanket in your washing machine can feel risky. You want your blanket to stay soft and fluffy—not turn into a tangled mess. The truth is, with the right steps, you can clean your faux fur at home without worry. This article is your complete guide to machine washing faux fur blankets. You’ll learn how to prepare, what settings to use, how to dry, and how to keep your blanket looking new for years. Even if you’ve never washed faux fur before, you’ll finish this article feeling confident and ready.
Why Machine Washing Faux Fur Blanket Needs Special Care
Faux fur is not like regular cotton or polyester fabric. It’s made from synthetic fibers designed to look and feel like real fur. These fibers can tangle, mat, or even melt if washed or dried incorrectly. The inner base layer, called the backing, can also lose shape or stretch. Simple mistakes—like using hot water or the wrong detergent—can ruin the texture forever.
Two common problems people overlook:
- Heat damage: Faux fur fibers are sensitive to high temperatures. Even warm water can sometimes cause them to shrink or become stiff.
- Aggressive agitation: Many washing machine cycles toss and twist laundry harshly. Faux fur can tangle or shed if not washed gently.
Understanding these risks is the first step to protecting your investment and comfort.
Before You Start: Read The Care Label
Every faux fur blanket comes with a care label. This small tag tells you the best way to clean your blanket. Some might say “machine wash,” others “hand wash only,” or even “dry clean only.” Never skip this step—even if you washed a different faux fur blanket before, the care instructions can change by brand or material.
If your label recommends machine washing, you’re in luck. If it says “dry clean only,” machine washing could ruin your blanket. In that case, trust the label.
What You’ll Need
Gathering the right supplies before you start saves time and mistakes:
- Mild detergent: Choose a gentle, liquid detergent without bleach or fabric softeners.
- Large capacity washing machine: Top-loaders without agitators or front-loaders work best.
- Mesh laundry bag (optional): For extra protection, especially with heavy or long-pile faux fur.
- Towels: To help balance the load or absorb extra water in the spin cycle.
Never use bleach, strong stain removers, or hot water—they can damage the fibers and backing.
Preparing Your Faux Fur Blanket For Washing
A little preparation makes a big difference. Here’s how to get your blanket ready:
- Shake out debris: Take your blanket outside and shake it to remove dust, crumbs, or pet hair. You can also use a lint roller or vacuum with a brush attachment.
- Spot clean stains: Mix a few drops of mild detergent with cool water. Dab stains gently with a soft cloth. Don’t rub—this can push the stain deeper or fray the fibers.
- Close zippers or fasteners: If your blanket has any, zip or fasten them. This prevents snagging during washing.
- Fold loosely: Don’t stuff the blanket into a tight ball. Fold it gently so water and detergent can flow through the fibers.
- Optional: Place in mesh bag: For blankets with long or delicate fur, put it in a large mesh laundry bag.
This preparation helps the blanket wash evenly and reduces damage risk.
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Choosing The Right Washing Machine Settings
Not all machine cycles are equal. The wrong setting can tangle, shrink, or roughen your faux fur. Here’s what you need to select:
- Cycle: Choose “delicate,” “gentle,” or “hand wash” cycle. These use slower spins and less agitation.
- Water temperature: Use cold water only. Warm or hot water can melt or deform the synthetic fibers.
- Spin speed: Select the lowest spin speed. High spins can stretch or break the fur fibers.
- Load size: Wash the blanket alone or with a few towels to balance the load. Overloading the machine means less cleaning and more risk of matting.
Here’s a comparison of washing machine cycles for faux fur:
| Cycle Name | Agitation Level | Suitable for Faux Fur? |
|---|---|---|
| Delicate/Gentle | Low | Yes |
| Normal | Medium | No |
| Heavy Duty | High | No |
| Hand Wash | Very Low | Yes |
Pro tip: If your washer has an agitator in the center, be extra careful. Agitators can wrap and stretch faux fur. Front-loaders or top-loaders without agitators are safest.
Adding Detergent: How Much And What Kind?
Not all detergents are equal for faux fur. Choose a mild, liquid detergent without bleach, brighteners, or fabric softeners. Fabric softeners might seem helpful, but they can coat the fibers, making them sticky and dull.
Use about half the amount of detergent you’d use for a regular load. Too much detergent can leave residue and make the fur stiff.
If you’re unsure, here are three trusted brands for delicate synthetic fabrics:
- Woolite Delicates
- The Laundress Delicate Wash
- Persil Sensitive
Always pour detergent into the dispenser, not directly onto the blanket.
Washing Faux Fur Blanket: Step-by-step Guide
Now you’re ready for the main event. Follow these steps for best results:
- Place the blanket in the washer (alone or with a few towels for balance).
- Add mild detergent to the dispenser.
- Set the machine to delicate/gentle, cold water, and low spin.
- Start the cycle.
- Midway check (optional): If your machine allows, pause halfway and gently reposition the blanket for even washing.
- End of cycle: Remove the blanket immediately to prevent creasing or matting.
Never use bleach or fabric softener during the wash. If your blanket is very dirty, you can run a second rinse cycle to remove all detergent.
Drying Faux Fur Blanket: Machine Vs. Air Dry
Drying is the most dangerous step for faux fur. High heat can melt synthetic fibers, ruin texture, and cause shrinkage.
Air Drying (recommended)
Air drying is the safest method. Here’s how:
- Lay flat: Place the blanket on a large, clean towel or drying rack. Spread it out evenly to avoid lumps.
- Shape gently: Use your hands to fluff and shape the fur while it’s damp.
- Flip occasionally: Turn the blanket every few hours for even drying.
- Allow plenty of time: Faux fur can take 24-48 hours to fully dry, depending on thickness and room humidity.
Never hang your blanket—the weight of water can stretch the backing and warp the shape.
Machine Drying (not Recommended, But Possible)
If you must use a dryer:
- Choose “air fluff” or “no heat” setting.
- Add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the fibers.
- Check every 10-15 minutes—remove as soon as dry.
Never use regular heat or even low heat; it can damage the faux fur permanently.
Here’s a quick drying method comparison:
| Drying Method | Time Required | Risk Level | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Dry (Flat) | 24-48 hours | Very Low | Yes |
| Machine “Air Fluff” | 1-2 hours | Medium | Only if necessary |
| Heated Dryer | 1 hour | High | No |
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Fluffing And Restoring Faux Fur After Washing
Even after careful washing, faux fur may look flat or matted. Here’s how to restore the fluff:
- Shake out the blanket after drying to lift the fibers.
- Brush gently with a wide-tooth comb or pet slicker brush. Work in the direction of the fur—never back and forth.
- Use fingers to separate any clumps and “fluff” the fur.
- Steam lightly (optional): Hold a hand steamer a few inches above the fur and move slowly. Never touch the fibers with the hot steamer.
Avoid using a regular hair dryer or iron—direct heat can melt faux fur.
Non-obvious tip: Sometimes, static can make faux fur look dull after drying. Running a damp hand lightly over the surface can reduce static and improve the look.
How Often Should You Wash A Faux Fur Blanket?
Washing too often wears out faux fur faster. For most households, wash your blanket every 2-3 months, or when it’s visibly dirty or smells.
If you use the blanket daily or have pets, you might need to wash more often. Between washes, shake out the blanket or spot clean small stains to keep it fresh.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many people damage their faux fur blankets by making these mistakes:
- Using hot water: This can cause shrinking, stiffening, or melting.
- Choosing the wrong cycle: “Normal” or “heavy duty” cycles are too rough.
- Overloading the washer: Faux fur needs space to move freely.
- Using fabric softener: This coats fibers and reduces softness.
- Machine drying on heat: Heat is the main cause of ruined faux fur.
- Skipping the care label: Each blanket can have different needs.
- Not brushing after drying: This leaves the fur looking matted or old.
Remember, most faux fur blankets are ruined by heat or rough handling, not by gentle washing.
Stain Removal Tips For Faux Fur Blankets
Accidents happen. Here’s how to handle stains without harming your blanket:
- Blot, don’t rub: If you spill something, blot with a clean towel to absorb liquid.
- Mild detergent for stains: Mix a few drops of mild detergent in cold water. Dab the stain gently.
- For oily stains: Sprinkle baking soda on the spot, let sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum and spot clean.
- Rinse thoroughly: Residue from cleaning agents can stiffen the fur.
Always test stain removers on a small, hidden area first.
Storage Tips To Keep Faux Fur Fresh
How you store your faux fur blanket affects its lifespan. Follow these rules:
- Clean before storing: Dirt and oils can attract moths or cause yellowing.
- Fold loosely: Avoid tight creases.
- Store in a breathable cotton bag: Never use plastic bags—they trap moisture and cause musty smells.
- Keep in a cool, dry place: Avoid direct sunlight or damp basements.
- Add lavender sachets or cedar blocks: These keep pests away and add a fresh scent.
If storing for a long time, fluff the blanket occasionally to keep it soft.
Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Faux Fur Blanket Problems
Even with care, problems can happen. Here’s how to fix them:
Matted Or Clumpy Fur
- Solution: Brush with a wide-tooth comb or slicker brush. For stubborn mats, mist lightly with water and brush gently.
- Pro tip: Don’t cut mats out—this leaves bald spots.
Flat Or Lifeless Appearance
- Solution: Shake, brush, and use a hand steamer if needed.
Odors After Washing
- Solution: Air out the blanket outside on a dry, breezy day. For persistent smells, sprinkle baking soda, let sit, then shake out.
Shedding
- Solution: Some shedding is normal, especially after washing. Brush gently to remove loose fibers.
Stiff Or Rough Texture
- Solution: Rinse the blanket again in cold water. Too much detergent or residue can cause stiffness.
If problems persist, check the care label or contact the manufacturer.
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Comparing Hand Washing Vs. Machine Washing
Many people wonder if hand washing is better for faux fur. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Method | Effort Required | Cleaning Power | Risk of Damage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Wash (Delicate) | Low | High | Low (if done right) | Most blankets |
| Hand Wash | High | Medium | Very Low | Very delicate, old, or expensive blankets |
For most modern faux fur blankets, a gentle machine wash is safe and effective. Hand washing is best for vintage or fragile pieces.
Eco-friendly Tips For Washing Faux Fur Blankets
Washing synthetic blankets can release microplastics into waterways. Here’s how to wash more sustainably:
- Use a Guppyfriend washing bag: This special bag catches microfibers shed during washing.
- Wash less often: Only wash when truly needed.
- Choose cold water: Saves energy and reduces fiber shedding.
- Air dry: Cuts down on electricity and fiber loss.
For more on microplastics and laundry, see the National Geographic guide.
How To Keep Faux Fur Blanket Soft Between Washes
You don’t need to wash your faux fur blanket every time it looks flat. Try these tips to keep it soft and fluffy:
- Shake out regularly: This lifts fibers and removes dust.
- Brush gently: Once a month, comb through the fur.
- Spot clean stains: This prevents frequent full washes.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Sun can fade and dry out the fibers.
- Keep pets’ nails trimmed: Prevents snags and pulls.
Caring for your blanket between washes extends its life and keeps it looking beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Faux Fur Blanket Is Machine Washable?
Check the care label on your blanket. If it says “machine washable,” you can use your washing machine with the right settings. If it says “hand wash” or “dry clean only,” avoid machine washing.
Can I Use Fabric Softener On My Faux Fur Blanket?
No, you should not use fabric softener. It can coat the synthetic fibers, making them sticky and less fluffy. Stick to a mild, liquid detergent.
What If My Faux Fur Blanket Sheds After Washing?
Some shedding is normal, especially after the first wash. Brush the blanket gently to remove loose fibers. If heavy shedding continues, make sure you’re using the right wash and dry settings.
Is It Safe To Dry My Faux Fur Blanket In The Dryer?
It’s best to air dry faux fur blankets. If you must use a dryer, use the “air fluff” or “no heat” setting only. Never use heat, as it can melt or ruin the fibers.
How Can I Restore The Fluffiness Of My Blanket After Washing?
Shake out the blanket, then brush gently with a wide-tooth comb or pet slicker brush in the direction of the fur. A hand steamer can also help restore volume and softness.
Washing a faux fur blanket in your washing machine doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right tools, preparation, and care, you can keep your blanket clean, soft, and beautiful for years. The key is to avoid heat, use gentle cycles, and handle your blanket with care at every step.
Remember, each faux fur blanket is unique—always check the care label and follow the guidance above for the best results. With these tips, you can enjoy the warmth and luxury of your faux fur without fear of damage.