Wash a faux fur jacket by hand in cool water with mild detergent, then air dry it flat — never use a dryer or hot water.
Faux fur looks luxurious, but it’s basically a pile of synthetic fibers on a fabric backing, and that construction decides everything about how you clean it. One wrong cycle in a washing machine or a spin through the dryer can leave the pile matted, warped, or permanently crushed. Whether you can wash a faux fur jacket at home comes down to one thing first: the care label sewn inside.
Read the Care Label Before Anything Else
That small tag isn’t a suggestion.
What the label tells you:
- Hand wash — safest route for most faux fur jackets
- Machine wash — only when the label explicitly says the garment is washable
- Dry clean only — follow it; some backing materials or trims won’t survive water
If the label is missing or unreadable, treat the jacket as hand-wash-only and skip the machine entirely.
Hand Washing: The Safest Method
Hand washing gives you full control over water temperature, agitation, and how the fibers get treated. Comfort World’s faux fur guidance recommends cool water and a gentle detergent — never hot, which can damage synthetic fibers.
Fill a basin or clean sink with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent made for delicates. Submerge the jacket and gently press it through the water for a few minutes — no aggressive scrubbing, no twisting. Drain the basin and refill with fresh cool water, repeating until the water runs clear and no soap remains.
Lift the jacket out and press water out with your hands, then lay it on a clean towel, roll the towel up, and press gently to absorb excess moisture. Never wring or twist — that distortion can mat the pile and ruin the backing. Reshape the jacket while damp and lay it flat or hang it to dry away from direct heat and sunlight.
Machine Washing and Drying Rules
Some faux fur jackets carry a label that says machine washable, and OXXO USA’s care guidance covers how to do that without wrecking the piece. The machine method still comes with strict limits.
| Step | Setting | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Mesh laundry bag | Protects the pile from friction against other items |
| Water | Cold | Hot water can warp or fuse synthetic fibers |
| Cycle | Delicate or gentle | Reduces agitation that mats the pile |
| Spin | Low | High spin distorts the backing and fibers |
Never put faux fur in a dryer. Heat can melt or permanently warp synthetic fibers and damage the adhesive backing that holds the pile in place. Air drying takes longer, but it’s the only safe option.
Once the jacket is fully dry, restore the loft with a soft brush, wide-tooth comb, or a clean wire brush designed for faux fur. Work gently in the direction of the pile to separate fibers and bring back the fluffy finish. For wrinkles or refreshing between washes, a handheld steamer on a low setting can work — just keep direct iron contact away from the fibers.
If your care routine wears the jacket out and you’re considering a replacement, our roundup of the best animal print faux fur jackets covers tested options that hold up to real wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a hair dryer to speed up drying?
No. Concentrated heat from a hair dryer can melt or warp synthetic fibers just like a tumble dryer can, leaving the pile stiff or misshapen. Let the jacket air dry naturally, even if it takes a day or two.
What detergent is safe for faux fur?
Use a mild, gentle detergent formulated for delicates or wool. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and anything with harsh chemicals — they can degrade the synthetic fibers or leave a residue that makes the fur feel sticky or stiff.
Why does my faux fur jacket look flat after washing?
The pile fibers get compressed during washing and drying. Once the jacket is completely dry, gently brush or comb through the fibers in the direction of the pile to lift and separate them. That usually restores most of the original fluffiness.
References & Sources
- Drycleaning & Laundry Institute. “Care Labels: What They Mean.” Explains U.S. labeling requirements for garment cleaning instructions.
- Comfort World. “What Is Faux Fur and How Do I Wash It?” Details hand-washing methods and why hot water is unsafe for synthetic fibers.
- OXXO USA. “Maintaining Your Faux Fur.” Covers brushing, drying, and long-term care for faux fur garments.