How to Wash Faux Fur Blankets? Step-by-Step Cleaning Tips

I did not think too much about how to wash my faux fur blanket until the time when I had to do it. It is a cold Sunday morning, and, still half-asleep, reaching over to the remote control, I spilled coffee over it.

This was then followed by 15 minutes of Googling, panic, and the promise that he would never destroy such dreamy softness ever again.

When you have a blanket that has become part and parcel of a wind-down routine that you have been using, then it is important to know how to take care of it. And the answer is no, it is not as easy as putting it in a washer and praying.

What You Need Before Washing a Faux Fur Blanket

There’s a reason faux fur feels different—it’s not your average throw, and it shouldn’t be treated like one. If you’re wondering how to wash a faux fur blanket, some pre-prep work can make all the difference. You’ll need a mild detergent, something you’d trust on a baby’s onesie or a wool sweater. I usually go for one without fragrance or any brightening agents that can mess with the fibers more than you think.

If you have access to a front-loading washer or a mesh laundry bag, even better. That center agitator in most top-load machines is pretty aggressive and can tangle up the fabric, especially if the blanket is large.

A bit of forethought here saves you from pulling out a limp, twisted version of what once was your cozy cocoon.

Can You Machine Wash a Faux Fur Blanket?

You can, but you need to think of it like laundering a delicate friendship—one that might never forgive you if you’re careless. Cold water only. No heavy cycles. Skip anything with a “power,” “sanitize,” or “deep clean” label. The fibers in faux fur are delicate and react badly to heat or excessive spinning.

I once thought a warm wash would be fine. What came out looked like a thrift store rug.

More to the point, do not force it into a tight washer drum. The door should not be so full that you have to slam it closed. So I walked mine down the road to a local laundromat, which had extra-large washing machines that did the work of large loads without squashing the pile.

It is not sexy but much better than feeling bad about it afterward.

How to Clean a Faux Fur Blanket the Right Way

Want to know how to clean a faux fur blanket without ruining it? You can safely wash a blanket of whatever size in your machine, as long as it fits without cramming it in there, as in doing so, you risk the chance of damaging it. Wash in cold water with mild detergent and select delicate or hand wash instead. Avoid having too much soap: There is no point in using it excessively; it will not make it any cleaner, and it will simply be tougher to wash water out.

Once the wash is done, don’t twist it or try to shake the water out. Faux fur is heavy when wet, and tugging on it can stretch or warp the shape. I usually lay mine flat on an old towel and let it drain naturally. From there I shape the corners back to form again and air dry them flat on a clean surface.

It takes forever, much more than a day if it’s heavy, but it’s so worth it when it springs back.

Avoid These Common Faux Fur Washing Mistakes

There’s something oddly tempting about taking shortcuts when you’re tired or rushed. But with faux fur, those shortcuts come at a cost. I once tried tumble drying on the “low” setting to speed things up—big mistake. The fur came out stiff and weirdly crunchy at the ends.

Hot water? Not even so much as bite it. It has the ability of melting or coagulating the artificial strands. Surprisingly, fabric softener is actually a bad idea because it covers the fibers and ends up making them feel waxy.

And in case of a stain, one would think that hard scrubbing is the easiest way out yet it mostly ruins the fabric more. Wipe with a cloth and a very little detergent: allow it to do the trick.

How to Make a Faux Fur Blanket Soft Again

Even with the best care, faux fur can lose a bit of its softness after a few washes. Mine started feeling a little matted around the edges after the third wash. So, the question here is how to make a faux fur blanket soft again? A good-toothed comb and some time.

And running the brush again with the pile, not against it, goes towards restoring that fluffy sensation.

On more tenacious spots I have pressed a handheld steamer on the lowest setting. I tend to drop a clean damp towel on top of a blanket and then allow the steamer to relax the fibers a short time above it. Allow it to cool and brush it on again in a very light manner. It won’t look brand-new, but it starts to feel closer to the version you first snuggled up with.

Final Thoughts: Take Care of What Comforts You

The thing is, washing a faux fur blanket is not so much about the removal of a stain and refreshing it but about keeping something that comforts you. These blankets can be practiced in our lives—lazy Sundays, movie marathons, when we are sick, or just a chilly night, and nothing is better than a blanket.

I ruined a wash, and it was a mistake. But paying a little more attention and taking some effort into consideration, you can leave your blanket soft and snug and able to do what your day—or night—requires.

To some it is a blanket, but to the rest of us who are more likely to be under it than we care to say, it is worth the trouble.