How to clean a faux fur item at home

During use, the fur can get dirty, fade and turn yellow. After this, of course, it needs to be cleaned.

Many people think that dry cleaning is the only way to get faux fur back to its original condition, but the chemicals used in dry cleaning can add harshness to a faux fur item.

Fortunately, you can maintain the proper appearance and clean faux fur at home with relatively little effort and expense.

Cleaning methods

Before choosing any method of cleaning faux fur, you should study the recommendations on the product label, which will help you decide on the optimal method and do it correctly.

There are many options and means for cleaning a faux fur item, some of which include:

soap solution;
composition of hydrogen peroxide with water;
special liquid detergents;
solution of soda and alcohol;
use of blue.

Invalid methods

Many thematic Internet resources offer a combination of gasoline and starch as one of the methods for cleaning products made from artificial fur, which is strange even as a combination.

The use of this combination to remove dirt and stains is extremely doubtful, but the pungent odor will be quite difficult to remove for a long time. Also, the use of gasoline may cause the pile to turn yellow.

Another method that should cause caution involves the use of lemon juice.

This ingredient in faux fur cleaning can simply change the original color of the product.

Coniferous sawdust is also recommended by unscrupulous advisers; they contain resin from coniferous trees, which, once it has appeared and remains on things, may not be removed.

It is also unacceptable to use cleaning agents such as acetic acid and acetone on fur, however, to add shine, a weak solution of vinegar is acceptable.

How to clean a faux fur coat at home

When planning to clean a faux fur coat at home, you need to take into account the specifics of the material of the product and know some of the nuances of cleaning.

Faux fur should absolutely not be exposed to high temperatures; this can lead to softening of the base and, as a result, deform the product. High temperature will also not have the best effect on the appearance of the pile, which will lose its luster.
Dry cleaning, in most cases, is the optimal and more correct method to get rid of dirt. The wet option should be used as a last resort and only if the base of the fur coat allows it (for example, it is made of leatherette) and the pile is thick and short.
Using a centrifuge for subsequent drying of fur coats is strongly discouraged. There is a high probability that the product will simply be wrinkled and the appearance will be far from marketable.
After any cleaning or washing, the faux fur becomes shaggy and sticks out in different directions. This is explained by the fact that the pile simply does not have a specific growth direction. That is why, after processing and drying, it must always be carefully smoothed with a comb with not too frequent teeth or a special brush.
Faux fur does not tolerate moisture, and it is especially not advisable to get caught in the rain in such clothes. A wet fur coat made of this material can easily lose its shape, so if the fur coat gets wet, it needs to be dried and then treated with specialized products or a hair product that contains keratin and no alcohol! After all procedures, the pile must be combed and fluffed, otherwise it may fade and curl.
Drying should occur naturally, preferably in a sunny place, but not in direct sunlight. This process should not be accelerated by various devices.

If you decide to use a washing machine to clean a product that contains faux fur, this must be done according to the following rules:

Attention! We do not recommend washing your fur coat!

the fur coat is loaded into the washing machine and the “pre-soaking” mode is turned on;
After this, you need to enable the “gentle wash” option. At this stage, it would be correct to set the washing time to no more than 30 minutes, so as not to damage the material;
If there is a “gentle spin” function, you need to use it. If there is no such option, it is better to turn off the spin cycle altogether and wring out the wet item without manually twisting or squeezing it;
the next step is to hang the fur coat to dry in a room with intense air circulation;
After drying, the fur is combed.

Hand washing is done as follows:

existing stains on the fur coat must be wiped off with soapy water or a special gel;
Next, you need to soak the item for no more than 20-30 minutes and proceed directly to washing. The water should not be hotter than 35-40 degrees;
When washing by hand, you should avoid harsh friction, twisting and stretching of the product;
After washing, you should rinse your fur coat thoroughly (possibly several times). You need to start rinsing in warm water and end in cool water;
After carefully wrung out the item, you can blot it with a towel or other dense soft cloth and hang it out to dry. Do not use heat sources.

Features when removing different types of stains

Stains are removed locally. The choice of product depends on the nature of the contamination:

The grease will remove the dish gel.
Gray marks and blood stains can be removed with baking soda diluted with cold water.
Complex stains of unknown origin can be removed by a mixture of starch, dish gel and washing powder in equal proportions.
Oil paint will be dissolved by vegetable oil, and the residue will be collected by a soapy sponge.
Shampoo will dissolve traces of lipstick.
Vodka can remove foundation stains on the hood.

The selected product is applied to the dirty area and left for 10–15 minutes. After treating the stains, the product is wiped with a damp sponge, shaken and hung out to dry. Afterwards it is combed with a fine-toothed comb.

Specialized means

Carpet and upholstery care products and liquid laundry solutions may be suitable for cleaning faux fur.

Before use, you must read the recommendations for use, which are printed on the packaging.

Some of these surface cleaning products include:

"Vanish" Removing greasy stains, various drinks (juices, coffee, teas) and most household stains is not difficult with this product;
"Emsal Tuba" is an environmental cleaner. Copes well with dust and fresh dirt. Suitable for cleaning synthetic materials. Eliminates various odors;
Amvey. For this product, contamination of any complexity is not a problem. Thanks to some components included in its composition, dirt is prevented from adhering to the material, which allows it to remain clean longer. After some time, the foam of this product transforms into crystals, which can be easily combed out of the fur, knocked out with a cracker, or removed with a vacuum cleaner.

Returning natural shine

Apply glycerin to a cloth and wipe the fur.

Dilute hair shampoo without any additional additives in a small amount of water (1 tablespoon + 3.5 liters of water). Apply the resulting solution to the fur with a cotton pad, wait about 10 minutes and wipe with a pad soaked in clean water.

To make the faux fur not only shine, but also become fluffy, add 0.5 liters of water and 0.5 liters of ethyl alcohol to glycerin in the amount of one teaspoon. The mixture is applied to the fur using a cotton swab or spray bottle.

After applying the products, as soon as the fur is dry, it must be combed.

Cleaning fur with soapy water

This method is suitable if the fur base is synthetic, the knitted one will simply shrink. This method consists of the following steps:

Add chlorine-free washing powder (two tablespoons per 1 liter of water) to a container of water (no more than 40 degrees) and dissolve until foam forms;
the product is placed on any crossbar and foam is applied to it with a sponge in the direction of the pile;
after this, the foam is removed with a damp cloth made of natural fabric, and the moisture is removed with a towel;
during the drying process, you need to pay attention to the correct direction of the pile, because in whatever position it dries, that’s how it will wear;
The final stage consists of combing the product.

Renewal, return of whiteness and removal of stains

Universal methods are suitable for both returning whiteness and removing dirt on furs of different colors.

Peroxide treatment

Dissolve hydrogen peroxide in the amount of 3 tablespoons in 1.5 liters of water. Pour the resulting solution into a spray bottle and spray evenly over the entire fur surface of the product. Then comb with a comb with infrequent teeth and dry, avoiding direct sunlight. Otherwise, yellow spots may appear on the product - a reaction of hydrogen peroxide to ultraviolet light.

Foam cleaning

Apply the foam from the soap solution, obtained by mixing warm water with liquid soap or shampoo (a teaspoon per 3 liters of water), onto the faux fur with a sponge in the direction of the lint. Before cleaning with such a solution, the item is laid out so that all its fur parts are accessible. It is necessary to avoid getting foam on the base of the product when applying it. Then remove any remaining residue with a damp cloth.

Dry the item at a temperature of +18° to +25°C away from direct sunlight, heaters and radiators. Before drying, make sure that the faux fur is not crumpled. Once crumpled hairs have dried, it is quite difficult to return them to their previous state. When the faux fur is completely dry, comb it with a regular comb with large teeth.

Soda + ethyl alcohol

Baking soda (a tablespoon) and ethyl alcohol (a teaspoon) added to one glass of warm water will help clean white fur. The solution is applied with a soft brush in the direction of the pile. Dry the product away from sunlight and heat sources. After it is completely dry, comb it.

Semolina/starch

Semolina or starch is used both to restore whiteness and to remove yellow spots and dirt.

The faux fur item is laid out on a table or other flat surface.
Semolina or starch is sprinkled onto the fur and rubbed into the fibers with a cloth.
Afterwards, the product is vacuumed or beaten with a clapper to remove any remaining grain or starch. The method is also applicable for cleaning fur inserts on boots and other shoes.

Baking soda

Baking soda is rubbed into the pile to remove minor dirt and greasy stains. As soon as the soda stops getting dirty, the cleaning can be considered complete. The method is convenient for cleaning the fur on the lapel of boots.

Refined gasoline

Refined gasoline is used to remove stains on faux fur. It can only be used after making sure it is clean. To do this, apply a drop of gasoline to white paper. If a stain remains on the sheet, it should not be used.

A cotton cloth or cotton pad is soaked in gasoline, wrung out until it is as dry as possible, and wipe the stain on the faux fur.

In some cases, refined gasoline is applied to the pile with an absorbent agent, such as baby powder. Fat is removed using a solvent and absorbed using an absorbent.

Gasoline is mixed with an absorbent agent to create a semi-liquid mixture, which is applied to the stain and removed after it dries. The disadvantage of using gasoline to clean fur is the smell, which can be eliminated by thoroughly airing the item in the fresh air.

photo: depositphotos.com/Joe-L

How to Clean White Faux Fur

White faux fur can be cleaned using the same methods as fur of other colors, for example, using the method described above with soda and alcohol.

Along with cleaning, several other methods will help to bleach light fur from gray or yellowness.

Peroxide

This method is the easiest to bleach white fur. Hydrogen peroxide is diluted with water (10 g per 500 g, respectively), mixed and poured into a spray bottle, after which the fur coat is sprayed with it, dried and combed.

Blue

If the pile has acquired a yellowish tint, bluing will help give the product a primary whiteness. Before using this option, it is better to check the fur’s reaction to the product. The blue is diluted in water until a light blue tint is obtained, put the resulting solution in a spray bottle and spray the fur.

Is it washable?

In rare cases, it is allowed to wash a fur product. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations: the tag indicates at what temperature the fur can be washed.

Hand wash in cool water (up to 40°C) is preferred. Laundry soap shavings are suitable as a detergent. During washing, it is not recommended to twist or rub the product; just knead it with your hands and rinse.

You can try washing the removable elements (collar, cuffs, hood) in the machine on a delicate cycle. How to do it:

Place the fur in a laundry bag for washing.
Load the drum, pour in the cleaning agent.
Set the gentle mode (“Wool”, “Synthetics”, “Silk”, “Delicate”) or set it to 30 °C and turn off the spin.
Wait until the cycle ends.

It is recommended to use liquid powder for delicate fabrics. If the product foams heavily, additional rinsing is necessary.

Caring for faux fur products

For a faux fur product to look decent, it needs to be removed from dust from the inside at least once a month, and cleaned from the outside with a clothes brush.
The fur coat should be stored in a ventilated place, in a hanging position and preferably not close to other clothes, this will eliminate bruises in the pile. For long-term storage, it must be covered with a paper cover or bag.
Bags should not be worn over the shoulder or on the sleeve. Faux fur wears out faster than natural fur, and besides, it will mat and look shaggy, and bald spots may also appear.
Fluffy pile can be smoothed with a comb once a week, and short pile can be smoothed with microfiber.

Precautionary measures

Any option for cleaning faux fur should be first tested on an inconspicuous area to determine its reaction to the cleaning ingredients.
The use of industrial rust powders and other aggressive substances is strictly prohibited.
During cleaning procedures, make sure that all products in vials, containers, and jars are closed and kept away from the fur coat.

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