Washing faux fur in a washing machine

Faux fur is used not only for outerwear but also for dresses, hats, and cardigans. These items look very elegant, and the synthetic fur is easy to care for and more affordable than natural fur. This type of fur is also a favorite among animal rights activists. Fashionistas wonder: is it safe to machine wash faux fur? Let's find out whether machine washing can harm synthetic fibers.

Will fur survive washing?

There are several ways to clean fur products. The method you choose will depend on the technology used to make the garment, the size of the item, and the severity of the stain. For example, it's not necessary to wash a faux fur coat entirely if a small stain appears on the hem.

The pile of faux fur is based on a knit or leatherette base, to which synthetic components are added. The use of synthetics introduces some adjustments to the cleaning process. Regardless of the chosen faux fur care method, it's important to remember certain rules:

• Synthetic pile tolerates moisture well, but should be washed in cool water;
• Avoid exposing the product to high temperatures—intense heating of faux fur will cause the pile to deform and lose its shape. The pile will become stiff and dull.
• It's best to avoid traditional machine washing and instead opt for dry or wet cleaning. This will remove stains more quickly and safely.
• It is permissible to take an item to dry cleaning if the manufacturer indicates this option on the product label.

Artificial fur coats with a thick, short pile can be washed in an automatic machine on the most delicate setting using special detergents.

It's important to dry synthetic bristles thoroughly. Drying near radiators, heaters, electric dryers, or direct sunlight is strictly prohibited. Faux fur clothing should be dried either in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, but only in cloudy weather.

Before wearing a washed item, make sure it is completely dry. If the item appears shaggy or wrinkled after cleaning, smooth the nap with a damp hand and then wipe the surface with a soft sponge.

White or light-colored fur trim can turn yellow over time. This yellowing can be treated with home remedies. Using harsh cleaners, stain removers, or bleaches can damage the structure of the synthetic fibers and degrade the garment's quality.

We use the machine gun

How to properly wash fur items in a washing machine? First, it's important to understand that machine washing is only permitted if the manufacturer specifically permits it. The manufacturer's label should indicate this. Generally, only garments with short, dense pile can be washed in the washing machine. Otherwise, there's a high risk of ending up with a shaggy, stiff item.

Before washing, inspect the garment, identify any stubborn stains, empty pockets, and remove decorative brooches. Stubborn stains should be pre-treated with oxygen bleach or baking soda. The procedure for machine cleaning faux fur is as follows:

• A fur coat or sheepskin coat should be turned inside out. If the fur trim is the collar of a dress or down jacket, the trim should be unfastened;
• Load the item into the drum. Use gentle liquid gels or baby detergents;
• Run the "Soak" program. Let the item "soak" for about 15 minutes;
• Select the delicate or gentle cleaning mode. It's important to set the shortest possible wash time.

It is better not to use the “Spin” option at all, or set the drum rotation speed to 400 revolutions per minute.

After washing, allow the water to drain from the garment. It's okay to gently crush the garment to remove excess moisture. Avoid twisting or squeezing faux fur, as it can easily become deformed.

Traditional care

Not every manufacturer allows washing products with synthetic fur in an automatic washing machine. The preferred method of cleaning faux fur coats, hats, and sheepskin coats remains hand washing. This allows you to treat a specific area without soaking the entire garment. This feature is especially useful for clothes with a light, long nap.

First, inspect the fur for heavy soiling. If the affected area is small, spot treatment will suffice. If you want to refresh an item that hasn't been cleaned in a while, pre-soaking is recommended.

For spot cleaning, use a soft sponge. Dampen the stain with cool water, then apply the liquid detergent to the area and work it into a lather. Wait 3-5 minutes, then remove the soapy residue with a damp sponge. You can rinse the treated area in the shower. For a full wash, follow these steps:

• fill a bathtub or basin with cold water;
• add detergent, whip up the foam, wait until the gel is completely dissolved in water;
• immerse the product in a soap solution;
• If you are washing a fur coat, a synthetic fur blanket or a sheepskin coat, let them soak in the bath for about 20 minutes;
• Wash soiled areas: collar, cuffs, and sleeves. Use gentle movements; do not rub the fur vigorously. The goal is to fluff up the fur fibers and rinse with soapy water.
• take the item out and let the water drain;
• Fill a container with lukewarm water and rinse the item;
• pour out the water and then rinse the clothes several times in cold water.

To remove excess water from an item more quickly, prepare two terry towels. Place the item between them and press lightly with your hands. You can simply leave this "sandwich" for half an hour to allow the towels to absorb the water.

Wet cleaning

Cleaning fur products using external solutions is a popular method of combating stains. The easiest way to do local cleaning is with starch or soda. The stain is treated with an absorbent and the item is left undisturbed for 30 minutes. Then, the garment is turned over and the absorbent particles are shaken out. Any remaining baking soda or starch is combed out with a soft brush.

Greasy areas can be treated with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and a tablespoon of starch. Apply the viscous paste to the soiled area. After 10 minutes, remove the mixture with a sponge or cotton pad, and comb out any remaining residue with a brush.

Caring for white products

The main problem with light-colored faux fur is the risk of yellowing of the fibers. This can be quite difficult to deal with, but a solution of table vinegar or citric acid can help.

• Prepare a cleaning solution. For vinegar, use 3 tablespoons per liter of water. If using citric acid, use 50 grams per liter.
• Wet the “yellowness” with the resulting composition.
• Leave the product aside for 15 minutes, then wet the stain again.
• Treat the area with a soft brush.
• Blot the area with a cotton swab and wait until the fur is completely dry.

If these remedies don't help, you can try a mixture of baking soda, cornstarch, and water. Form a thick paste from the ingredients and apply it to the yellowed area. Allow the mixture to harden and then brush it off the lint.

   

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