How to Repair Matted Faux Fur

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With proper care, you'll be hard-pressed to tell faux fur from the real deal.
Image Credit: Adam Berry/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Just as modern faux fur has all the texture and style of the real thing, this synthetic fiber also has the capacity to get flat and matted when exposed to dirt, heat, moisture and day-to-day wear. Although materials differ per garment -- always check the tag for the manufacturer's care instructions -- basic, textile-safe care procedures help you restore your fuzzy duds back to their original texture.

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Things You'll Need

  • Soft-bristled clothes brush

  • Sponge

  • Soft cloth

  • Gentle laundry detergent (optional)

  • White distilled vinegar (optional)

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Step 1

Spot-clean your faux fur with a damp sponge, dabbing any visibly soiled areas. Lightly brush out spots with a soft-bristled clothes brush and pat them dry with a clean, soft towel. This helps remove the dirt and debris responsible for weighing the fur down.

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Step 2

Unless the care label says otherwise, machine-wash your faux fur on your washer's shortest gentle cycle with cold water if it has become very soiled. Wash the item by itself, using just a bit of gentle, bleach-free laundry detergent -- about half or a quarter of the detergent manufacturer's recommendation, depending on the size of the garment. Add a splash of white distilled vinegar if your fur is full of dirt of dust, which can give it a clumpy texture.

Step 3

Shake the faux fur out to free it of excess water and help wake up its fibers, then allow the garment to air-dry completely, whether you've hand-washed or machine-washed it. With a soft-bristled clothing brush, gently brush through the fur in the opposite direction of its natural nap to restore its bounce and texture.

Tip

To reduce the potential for matting, seek high-quality faux fur. Look for soft, high-density fur that springs back after you touch it.

Warning

Never put faux fur in the dryer, even on low or "fluff" settings. The synthetic material will become brittle and even more matted -- the fur fibers may even melt.

Do not bring your faux fur to the dry cleaner, as dry-cleaning chemicals may reduce the material's softness, potentially leading to matting and tufting.

Machine-wash your faux fur sparingly -- just a few times per year, as a rule of thumb. Too much washing can damage the material and make matting worse.

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