Faux fur jackets can look soft, fluffy, and luxurious, but cleaning them requires more care than simply throwing them into a regular wash cycle. The wrong water temperature, aggressive washing, excessive heat, or rough handling can leave the fibers matted, tangled, stiff, or misshapen.
So, how to wash faux fur jacket without ruining it? The safest approach is to start with the garment’s care label, then use the gentlest suitable cleaning method. Some faux fur jackets can be machine washed, while others are better hand washed or professionally cleaned.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to wash a faux fur jacket, how to dry it properly, how to keep the fur fluffy, what mistakes to avoid, and when washing at home may not be the best option.
Quick answer: Always check the care label first. If your faux fur jacket is washable, cold water, a gentle cycle or careful hand washing, mild detergent, and low- or no-heat drying are generally safer choices than hot water, aggressive agitation, or high heat. The exact method depends on the jacket’s construction and manufacturer’s instructions.
Can You Wash a Faux Fur Jacket?
Yes, some faux fur jackets can be washed, but not every jacket should be treated the same way.
Faux fur is generally made from synthetic fibers designed to imitate the appearance and texture of animal fur. However, a jacket can contain more than just the fur itself. It may have a lining, padding, leather or faux-leather details, zippers, decorative trims, structured panels, or adhesives that affect how it should be cleaned.
That’s why the care label should always be your first source of instructions.
For garments sold in the United States, care instructions are important because manufacturers and importers are required to provide cleaning information under the FTC’s Care Labeling Rule.
If your label says machine washable, follow the recommended temperature and cycle.
If it says hand wash, don’t substitute a normal machine cycle.
If it says dry clean only, don’t experiment with home washing simply because the outer material looks washable.
This is particularly important for a shaggy faux fur jacket, faux fur coat, faux fur bomber jacket, or heavily structured jacket where the construction may be more delicate than the fur fibers themselves.
How to Wash Faux Fur Jacket Step by Step
1. Read the Care Label Before Washing
Before putting your jacket anywhere near water, inspect the care label.
Look for instructions such as:
- Machine wash
- Hand wash
- Cold water
- Delicate cycle
- Do not bleach
- Do not tumble dry
- Dry clean only
- Lay flat to dry
Don’t assume that because one faux fur jacket is machine washable, another one is too.
Two jackets can have similar-looking fur while having completely different linings and construction.
The care label takes priority over general cleaning advice.
2. Check the Jacket for Stains and Loose Debris
Before washing the entire jacket, inspect the collar, cuffs, pockets, front panels, and sleeves.
Remove:
- Dirt
- Hair
- Lint
- Leaves
- Food particles
- Surface debris
For a small stain, spot cleaning may be preferable to washing the entire jacket.
Use a clean, soft cloth and a small amount of appropriate mild cleaning solution, but test it first on an inconspicuous area. Avoid aggressively rubbing the fur because friction can tangle or flatten the fibers.
If your white faux fur jacket has a visible mark, resist the temptation to scrub harder. Gentle treatment is usually safer than aggressive stain removal.
3. Prepare the Jacket
Before washing:
- Empty all pockets.
- Close zippers and fasteners.
- Remove detachable accessories if the care label permits.
- Turn the jacket inside out if the garment’s instructions allow it.
- Brush away loose debris gently.
Turning garments inside out can reduce direct friction against the outer surface during washing, although the manufacturer’s instructions should always take precedence.
If the jacket contains decorative faux fur trim, check whether the trim is removable before cleaning.
4. How to Machine Wash a Faux Fur Jacket
If the care label specifically permits machine washing, choose the gentlest appropriate settings.
Recommended approach
Use:
- Cold water
- Gentle or delicate cycle
- Mild detergent
- Low agitation where available
- A small or appropriate load
Avoid automatically selecting a normal or heavy-duty cycle.
Gentle washing and cold water are commonly recommended for delicate synthetic materials, while faux fur items may require particularly careful treatment. Whirlpool, for example, notes that faux fur items can typically require gentle washing with cold water and that drying should follow the care label.
Should you use fabric softener?
Unless your garment manufacturer specifically recommends it, it’s better not to assume fabric softener is appropriate for faux fur.
The objective is to clean the jacket without leaving unnecessary residue or affecting the texture of the fibers.
Use the detergent manufacturer’s recommended amount rather than adding extra detergent because the jacket looks heavily soiled.
More detergent does not necessarily mean a cleaner jacket.
5. How to Hand Wash a Faux Fur Jacket
If your jacket is labeled for hand washing, this can be a gentle option.
Fill a clean sink, tub, or large basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent suitable for the garment.
Then:
- Submerge the jacket carefully.
- Gently move the garment through the water.
- Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
- Pay attention to visibly dirty areas.
- Drain the soapy water.
- Rinse with cool, clean water.
- Continue rinsing until detergent residue has been removed.
The key is gentle movement rather than vigorous agitation.
Do not twist the jacket aggressively to remove water. Instead, gently press excess water out or use a clean towel to absorb moisture.
Similar gentle-handling principles are recommended for delicate garments because twisting and excessive agitation can distort fabrics.
6. Never Use Hot Water Unless the Care Label Says Otherwise
Hot water is one of the easiest mistakes to make when washing clothing.
You might assume that hotter water provides a deeper clean, but temperature isn’t the only factor affecting cleaning performance.
For faux fur, excessive heat can be particularly undesirable because the fibers and other components of the garment may not tolerate it well.
For that reason, cold water is generally the safer default when the care instructions permit washing, while the manufacturer’s label remains the final authority.
This is especially important when caring for:
- Faux fur cropped jackets
- Faux fur coats
- Faux mink fur jackets
- Faux fur lined jackets
- Faux fur bomber jackets
- Vintage faux fur jackets
7. How to Dry a Faux Fur Jacket
Drying is just as important as washing.
In fact, improper drying can cause significant problems even when the washing process itself was correct.
The safest general approach
If permitted by the care instructions:
Air dry the jacket away from excessive heat.
Place or hang the jacket according to the manufacturer’s instructions in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Avoid placing it directly against a radiator, heater, or other high-heat source.
Do not automatically put your jacket into a tumble dryer.
A dryer should only be used when the garment’s care label specifically permits it and gives appropriate instructions. Even for other delicate garments, manufacturers commonly emphasize checking the care label before using a dryer.
Can You Put a Faux Fur Jacket in the Dryer?
Only if the care label says it is dryer-safe.
If tumble drying is permitted, follow the specified temperature and cycle.
If the label doesn’t permit machine drying, air drying is the safer choice.
High heat is particularly important to avoid unless specifically approved because faux fur is made from synthetic fibers, and excessive heat can affect the appearance and texture of the pile.
When in doubt:
Skip the heat and air dry according to the care instructions.
8. How to Make Faux Fur Fluffy Again After Washing
After washing, faux fur may look slightly flattened or less fluffy.
Don’t immediately assume the jacket is damaged.
Once it is appropriately dry, gently restore the texture using your hands or a suitable soft brush, working carefully through the pile.
Avoid aggressive brushing.
For some faux fur garments, cool air can also help revive flattened fibers. A recent Good Housekeeping test of a popular faux-fur revitalizing method specifically examined using cool air to help restore the fluffy appearance of worn or matted faux fur.
The important word is cool.
Don’t use a high-heat blow dryer to try to make the jacket fluffy faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Faux Fur
Using hot water
Hot water can be unnecessarily harsh on delicate garments.
Use the temperature specified on the care label.
Using too much detergent
Extra detergent doesn’t automatically produce better cleaning.
Excess residue can be difficult to remove and may affect the garment’s feel.
Scrubbing the fur aggressively
Faux fur is designed to have a soft, textured appearance. Aggressive rubbing can tangle or flatten fibers.
Wringing the jacket
Avoid twisting the garment forcefully to remove water.
Gently press out excess moisture instead.
Using high heat
Don’t assume that a dryer, radiator, or heated room will make the process faster without consequences.
Follow the garment’s drying instructions.
Washing without checking the label
This is perhaps the biggest mistake.
A jacket may look like an ordinary washable faux fur jacket, but its lining, trim, construction, or other components may require different treatment.
How Often Should You Wash a Faux Fur Jacket?
There isn’t one universal washing schedule for every faux fur jacket.
Instead of washing it after every wear, consider:
- How frequently you wear it
- Whether it has visible stains
- Whether it has absorbed odors
- Whether the lining has become dirty
- Whether the manufacturer provides specific cleaning instructions
If the jacket is clean and only needs freshening, unnecessary full washing may not be the best approach.
Regularly hanging the jacket in a well-ventilated area and dealing with small stains promptly can help reduce the need for frequent full cleaning.
What About White, Pink, Brown, or Colored Faux Fur Jackets?
The cleaning method shouldn’t be chosen based only on color.
A pink faux fur jacket, brown faux fur coat, white faux fur jacket, or burgundy faux fur coat should be cleaned according to its construction and care label.
However, lighter colors can make stains more noticeable, so spot treatment becomes especially important.
For a white or cream faux fur jacket, don’t use aggressive bleaching products unless the manufacturer explicitly says they are safe.
Similarly, avoid assuming that a colorful jacket needs a special cleaning method simply because of its color.
The fabric, construction, dyes, and manufacturer’s instructions matter more than the color name.
Can You Wash a Faux Fur Jacket With Other Clothes?
If machine washing is permitted, it’s generally better to avoid mixing a delicate faux fur jacket with heavy or abrasive garments.
Items such as rough denim, heavily textured clothing, or garments with sharp hardware can create additional friction.
If possible, wash the jacket separately or with similarly delicate items, following the care instructions.
Also make sure zippers, hooks, and fasteners are secured where appropriate.
When Should You Take a Faux Fur Jacket to a Professional?
Professional cleaning may be the better option when:
- The label says dry clean only.
- The jacket has complicated construction.
- It contains leather or suede components.
- It has significant staining.
- The fur is vintage or particularly delicate.
- You’re unsure how the lining will react to water.
- The jacket has expensive or irreplaceable decorative details.
When the manufacturer’s instructions say professional cleaning is required, it’s not worth risking the garment simply to save a cleaning trip.
How to Keep Your Faux Fur Jacket Looking New
Washing is only one part of faux fur care.
Between washes:
Store it properly
Use a suitable hanger that supports the jacket’s weight and shape.
Avoid crushing the fur
Don’t leave the jacket compressed under heavy clothing for long periods.
Give it breathing room
Avoid storing faux fur in conditions where it remains damp or compressed.
Deal with stains quickly
Fresh stains are generally easier to address than old, deeply set stains.
Brush gently when necessary
If the manufacturer’s care instructions allow brushing, gently restore the pile rather than aggressively pulling through tangled areas.
And if you’re still deciding between synthetic and animal fur, you may also want to read our guide, [What Is the Difference Between Real Fur and Faux Fur?] to understand the key differences in materials, appearance, care, and purchasing considerations.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to wash a faux fur jacket is mostly about avoiding unnecessary damage.
The most important rule is simple: read the care label before doing anything else. If the jacket is washable, choose the gentlest appropriate method, use suitable water temperature and detergent, avoid aggressive rubbing and wringing, and keep excessive heat away from the garment.
Whether you’re caring for a cropped faux fur jacket, faux mink style, shaggy jacket, faux fur coat, or another type of winter outerwear, the goal is the same: clean the garment while protecting its texture, shape, lining, and overall appearance.
And remember, not every faux fur garment should be treated identically. When the instructions on your jacket differ from general advice, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Faux Fur Jackets
Q. Can I put a faux fur jacket in the washing machine?
Sometimes. It depends on the garment’s care label. If machine washing is permitted, use the specified temperature and a gentle or delicate cycle rather than assuming a normal wash is appropriate.
Q. Can I wash faux fur with cold water?
If the care label permits washing, cold water is generally a safer choice for delicate faux fur than hot water. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Q. Can I put faux fur in the dryer?
Only if the care label specifically permits tumble drying. If it does not, air drying according to the manufacturer’s instructions is the safer approach.
Q. How do I make faux fur fluffy after washing?
Allow the garment to dry properly first, then gently work through the pile with your hands or an appropriate soft brush if the care instructions allow it. Avoid excessive heat.
Q. Can I iron a faux fur jacket?
Do not assume that faux fur can be ironed. Direct heat can damage synthetic fibers. Check the care label and avoid applying heat unless specifically permitted.
Q. How do I wash a shaggy faux fur jacket?
Treat a shaggy faux fur jacket especially gently. Check the care label, use the recommended washing method, avoid aggressive scrubbing, and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before gently restoring the pile.
Q. How can I remove a small stain without washing the whole jacket?
If the care instructions permit spot cleaning, gently blot the affected area with an appropriate cleaning solution rather than aggressively scrubbing the fur. Test any cleaning method on a hidden area first.
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