Cleaning faux fur pillows involves a few simple steps to ensure that the material is treated carefully and retains its soft, plush texture. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you clean your faux fur pillows properly.
Step 1: Read the Care Label
Before you start the cleaning process, check the care label on your pillows. Manufacturers often include specific instructions on how to clean the product without damaging it. If the care label indicates that the pillow is machine washable, you can proceed with the following steps using a washing machine. If not, skip to the hand washing section.
Step 2: Prepare to Wash
Remove the faux fur covers from the pillow inserts if they are removable. This will allow you to clean the cover more thoroughly without damaging the filling.
Machine Washing
Inspect and Pre-Treat Stains
Before washing, inspect your faux fur pillow for any stains. Spot clean them using a gentle stain remover suitable for faux fur. Test on a small inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Choose a Gentle Cycle
Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to prevent damage to the faux fur fibers. Use a mild detergent that is appropriate for delicate fabrics.
Wash with Care
Place the faux fur pillow cover in a mesh laundry bag to protect it during the wash cycle. Add a few towels or other gentle items to balance the load if necessary. Avoid washing with heavy items like jeans or towels that could mat the fur.
Dry Gently
Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the pillow cover from the mesh bag and shake it gently to fluff the fur. Lay it flat to air dry, or use a dryer on a no-heat or air-fluff setting with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff the fur as it dries.
Hand Washing
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the pillow cover in the solution and gently agitate the water with your hands to distribute the soap.
Soak and Rinse
Allow the pillow cover to soak for a short time, then gently squeeze the suds through the fabric. Do not twist or wring the fur as this can cause damage. Drain the soapy water and rinse the pillow cover thoroughly with cool water to remove all detergent.
Dry Carefully
After rinsing, press the excess water out of the pillow cover. Do not wring it out. Instead, roll the cover in a clean, dry towel to absorb moisture. Reshape the pillow and lay it flat to dry completely, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Final Touches
Once your faux fur pillow is dry, shake it to fluff up the fur. If needed, you can also use a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed for faux fur to gently detangle and smooth out the fibers. Be very gentle to prevent any damage or pulling out of the fur.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when cleaning faux fur pillows:
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they can break down the fibers and ruin the texture of the fur.
- Do not hang faux fur to dry as this can cause the fabric to stretch out of shape.
- If you’re unsure about any step, consider taking your faux fur pillows to a professional cleaner with experience in handling faux fur.
Regular maintenance, such as shaking out the pillows and exposing them to fresh air, can help keep your faux fur pillows looking and feeling great between washings. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be gentle throughout the cleaning process to extend the life of your faux fur pillows.