Fur pillows add a touch of cozy luxury to any living space. Whether they are made from genuine animal fur or high-quality faux materials, they need special care to stay plush and beautiful. Learning how to wash fur pillows properly is the only way to prevent matting, shedding, and irreversible damage. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of the cleaning process, from pre-treatment to drying and brushing.
This article covers both real fur and faux fur pillows, and it explains the safest, most effective methods for each. You will discover how to hand wash, machine wash, and spot clean without causing harm. Before you start, always read the manufacturer’s care label sewn into the pillow cover. If you need more guidance on similar plush items, check out our detailed article on how to wash furry pillows.
Understanding Your Fur Pillow Type
The first step to effective cleaning is identifying what your pillow is made of. Real fur pillows are rarely machine washable and often require professional dry cleaning. Faux fur pillows are more common and can usually be cleaned at home with water and mild detergent. Always check the care label sewn inside the pillow cover or on the insert before you start.
Even if the label says “dry clean only,” you may have some at-home options, but you must proceed with caution. Using the wrong method can cause fur to mat, shed excessively, or lose its soft texture. We will cover both real and faux fur approaches, but for real fur, the safest route is a professional furrier.
Faux Fur vs. Real Fur: Key Differences
Faux fur is made from synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester, designed to mimic the look and feel of animal fur. It is typically more durable and can withstand gentle washing. Real fur, on the other hand, comes from animals such as rabbit, fox, or mink. It has natural oils that can be stripped by water and harsh detergents, leading to brittle fibers. For real fur, always consult a specialist cleaner.
- Faux fur: Machine washable on delicate cycle, but requires careful handling.
- Real fur: Dry clean only, or professional fur cleaning service recommended.
Pre-Wash Preparations
Before you introduce any water or cleaner, you need to prepare the pillow. Start by removing any decorative elements like beads or tassels if possible. Check for loose seams or holes that could worsen during washing. Give the pillow a good shake outdoors to remove loose dust, dander, and surface debris. This simple step helps prevent dirt from turning into mud when it hits water.
Always spot-test a small, hidden area with your chosen cleaning solution. This is a basic rule of textile care, and as expert cleaning advice from The Spruce notes, it can save you from a ruined pillow. Wait for the test spot to dry completely and check for colorfastness or texture changes before proceeding.
Gather Your Supplies
- Mild detergent or specialized faux fur cleaner
- Soft bristle brush or pet brush
- White vinegar (for deodorizing and softening)
- Large basin or clean sink
- Towels for drying
- A pillowcase or mesh laundry bag (if machine washing)
For real fur, you will not need water-based supplies. Instead, have a clean, dry cloth and a specialized fur brush on hand. A gentle, alcohol-free fur spray can help remove odors without wetting the fibers.
How to Hand Wash Fur Pillows
Hand washing is the safest method for most faux fur pillows and some delicate real fur items if you decide to take a very cautious approach. It gives you complete control over agitation and temperature. Fill a large basin with cool or lukewarm water, never hot, as heat can cause synthetic fibers to melt or real fur to shrink. Add a small amount of mild detergent, about a teaspoon for every gallon of water, and swish it around to dissolve.
Step-by-Step Hand Washing Process
- Submerge the pillow completely and gently press it down to saturate the fibers.
- Squeeze the soapy water through the fur, never twist or wring, as that can break the backing.
- Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen embedded dirt and oils.
- Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cool water. Rinse by pressing and squeezing until no suds remain.
- Repeat rinsing if necessary, because leftover detergent will cause a sticky, matted finish.
For real fur pillows that you are hand washing, use a minimal amount of water and a specialized fur cleaning solution. Gently dab the surface with a damp, not soaking, cloth. Never submerge a real fur pillow completely, as the hide can shrink and harden.
How to Machine Wash Fur Pillows
Many faux fur pillows can be machine washed if the care label permits it. However, even then, you must use a cautious approach. Place the pillow inside a mesh laundry bag or a zippered pillowcase to protect it from direct contact with the drum. Use the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Select a low spin speed, because high spins can cause severe fur distortion and break the backing threads.
If you are unsure about machine washing a fluffy pillow, our guide on how to wash a fluffy pillow can give you extra pointers on delicate handling.
Choosing the Right Detergent and Settings
Always choose a mild, liquid detergent that is free from bleach, enzymes, or fabric softeners. Harsh additives can strip the color and ruin the soft texture. Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is flushed out. If your pillow is especially dirty, you can pre-treat stains with a dab of diluted detergent before placing it in the machine. Never use powder detergents, as they can get trapped in the fur pile and be hard to rinse out.
- Use cold water only
- Set machine to delicate or hand wash cycle
- Low spin or no spin if possible
- Extra rinse cycle selected
If your pillow has a removable cover, take it off and wash the cover separately according to its own care label. The insert might be a different material, like polyfill, which can usually be washed, but check first.
How to Spot Clean Fur Pillows
Spot cleaning is ideal for small stains or when you want to refresh the pillow without a full wash. For both real and faux fur, you can use a damp cloth with a tiny bit of mild detergent. Dab the area gently, never rub, and then blot with a clean, wet cloth to remove soap. For oil-based stains like makeup or food grease, a sprinkle of cornstarch or baking soda can absorb the oil before you dab.
Removing Odors Without Washing
Sometimes the pillow just needs deodorizing. Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Lightly mist the fur surface, avoiding saturating the backing. Let it air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate, taking musty odors with it. You can also sprinkle baking soda over the pillow, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it off with a brush attachment. This technique is safe for real fur as well.
Drying and Fluffing Your Pillow
Proper drying is the most critical step to prevent a ruined, matted mess. Never use a clothes dryer with heat, unless the care label explicitly states it is safe for low heat. Heat can melt synthetic fibers and cause real fur to crack. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a towel. Lay the pillow flat on a dry towel, reshaping it to its original form. Flip it every few hours to allow even drying.
Using a Hair Dryer or Fan
If you need to speed up drying, you can use a cool setting on a hair dryer while brushing the fur. Hold the dryer at least six inches away and direct airflow in the direction of the fur. A household fan pointed at the pillow can also accelerate drying without any risk of heat damage. As the pillow dries, use a soft bristle brush or a pet slicker brush to gently separate the fur fibers and restore their fluffy texture. Brush in short, light strokes from the base outward.
- Avoid wringing or twisting
- Reshape while damp
- Brush regularly during drying
- Never use direct sunlight, which can fade colors
Storage and Maintenance Tips
Once your fur pillow is clean and completely dry, proper storage will keep it looking fresh. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. If you need to pack it away for a season, use a breathable cotton bag, never a plastic one, as plastic can trap moisture and cause mildew. To maintain the fluffy look between washes, give it a weekly brush with a soft bristle brush. This removes surface dust and redistributes the pile, preventing flat spots.
Regularly vacuuming the pillow with a brush attachment on low suction can also help. For real fur, professional cleaning once a year is recommended to maintain the natural oils. For faux fur, a quarterly wash or as needed will keep it looking and smelling its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put fur pillows in the dryer?
In most cases, you should avoid the dryer. Heat is the number one enemy of both real and faux fur. It can cause melting, matting, and irreversible damage. If your care label specifically says tumble dry on low or no heat, you can use a delicate cycle with cool air, but it is always safer to air dry.
How do I get rid of static in faux fur pillows?
Static is common in synthetic materials. After washing and drying, a light mist of water mixed with a few drops of fabric softener or hair conditioner can tame static. You can also rub a dryer sheet gently over the surface. Brushing with a metal-bristle pet brush helps discharge static electricity.
My fur pillow shed a lot after washing, what can I do?
Shedding after washing can happen if the backing was stressed. To minimize further loss, avoid pulling loose fibers. Instead, use a lint roller or a soft brush to collect the loose strands. Going forward, hand wash only and be extra gentle during the process.
Can I use fabric softener on fur pillows?
It is best to avoid liquid fabric softener in the wash cycle. It can coat the synthetic fibers, making them look greasy and matted. Instead, use white vinegar in the rinse cycle as a natural softener. If you need extra softness for real fur, use a fur-specific conditioning spray.
Conclusion
Learning how to wash fur pillows correctly is a simple but essential skill for keeping your decor looking luxurious. The key takeaways are to always check the care label, use cool water and mild detergent, and never expose fur to high heat. Whether you choose to hand wash, machine wash on delicate, or spot clean, the gentle approach always wins. By following the steps in this comprehensive guide, your fur pillows will remain fluffy, fresh, and inviting for years to come.
Remember, for real fur pillows, when in doubt, trust a professional. For faux fur, with the right technique, you can easily maintain that plush, high-end look at home. For more detailed information on similar plush items, you can explore our guide on how to wash furry pillows and our article on how to wash a fluffy pillow. These resources offer additional insights into keeping all types of soft furnishings in top condition.