Faux fur coats should first be spot-cleaned and, if the care label permits, hand-washed in cold water with mild detergent, then air-dried and brushed gently to restore the pile.
One wrong wash can turn a lush faux fur coat into a matted, tangled mess. The synthetic fibers that make this fabric so warm and affordable also make it sensitive to heat, harsh agitation, and the wrong cleaning methods. Most faux fur coats can be safely cleaned at home, and the best approach depends on what the care label says and how dirty the coat actually is.
First Step: Read The Care Label
Before doing anything, find the care tag sewn into the coat. It will tell you whether machine washing is allowed or if hand-washing is the only safe route. Some faux fur coats have adhesive trim, embellishments, or mixed-material linings that change what you can do. If the label says dry-clean only, follow that instruction; otherwise, proceed with the gentlest method that fits the situation.
Hand-Washing A Faux Fur Coat
Hand-washing is the safest default for most faux fur items and gives you the most control over the process.
Fill a sink or basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the coat and gently swish it through the water — do not scrub, wring, or twist the fabric, as this can mat the fibers permanently. Let it soak for up to 30 minutes, then drain the soapy water and refill with fresh cold water to rinse. Repeat rinsing until no suds remain.
Press the water out by laying the coat on a clean towel and rolling it up gently. Never wring or twist. Lay it flat on a drying rack or hang it in a well-ventilated area, keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters or radiators — heat can melt or distort synthetic fibers. When the coat is completely dry, brush it with a soft-bristled brush or a wide-tooth comb to fluff the pile and remove any tangles.
Machine-Washing (Only If The Label Allows)
Not all faux fur can handle a machine, but some care labels do permit it under specific conditions. Use a front-loading or top-loading machine with no center agitator, and put the coat inside a mesh laundry bag or a clean pillowcase to reduce friction. Select the delicate or gentle cycle, cold water, and the lowest possible spin speed — high spin can tangle and mat the fibers. Use only mild detergent, never bleach or harsh chemicals, and skip fabric softeners. After the cycle finishes, lift the coat out immediately and follow the same air-drying and brushing steps as hand-washing.
If you are shopping for a new one rather than cleaning an existing coat, our roundup of the best faux fur coats for winter covers styles that are easier to care for and built to last.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Faux Fur
The biggest risk is heat. Hot water, tumble drying, ironing, or hanging the coat near a radiator can melt or warp the synthetic fibers, leaving them stiff and shiny. Wringing and twisting crush the pile into permanent mats. Bleach and strong detergents strip the fibers of their softness. Even drying in direct sunlight can cause fading on darker coats. Stick to cold water, gentle handling, and air drying, and your faux fur will stay soft for years.
FAQs
Can you put a faux fur coat in the dryer?
No. Tumble drying generates heat that can melt or distort synthetic fibers, and the tumbling action mats the pile permanently. Always air-dry faux fur flat or on a hanger in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat.
What kind of detergent should I use on faux fur?
Use a mild liquid detergent formulated for delicate fabrics or wool. Avoid bleach, stain removers with bleach alternatives, and any detergent labeled “strong” or “heavy-duty.” A small amount — about a teaspoon per basin of water — is usually enough.
How do I get wrinkles out of a faux fur coat?
Never use an iron. The safest method is to hang the coat in a steamy bathroom for 15–20 minutes, then smooth the wrinkles by hand. If needed, use a handheld steamer held at least six inches from the fabric, moving it continuously to avoid concentrating heat on any one spot.
References & Sources
- The Laundress. “How to Clean Faux Fur.” Provides hand-washing and machine-washing guidance for synthetic fur items.
- Cleanipedia. “How to Clean Faux Fur.” Covers spot-cleaning, soaking, and drying tips for faux fur coats.
- Jayley. “How to Wash and Care for Your Faux Fur.” Details brushing and fluffing techniques after washing.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.