Caring for faux fur
Faux fur ticks all of the boxes; it requires less commitment, more affordable, and serves as an ethical alternative to the real deal. But, it’s not to be said that faux fur deserves less love than real fur. When winter starts to kick in, cold temperatures, snowy weather and cold rain can wreak havoc on your favorite outerwear. It’s important to consider the right way to clean your faux fur, especially if you want to maintain that just-took-the-tags-off look. That’s just one reason why it’s important to clean your faux fur, another is to make the purchase as sustainable as possible. If your favorite faux piece remains in perfect condition, the more wear you’ll get out of it, and the better that purchase is for the environment.
Here are some ways to show your faux fur the TLC it loves and deserves:
- Plan ahead.
Fur of any kind, like suede, is sensative when wet. While avoiding the rain is easier said than done, planning ahead is a good idea when it comes to the preservation of your favorite clothing items. It’s a good idea to check the forecast on days when you’re going to wear your faux fur to make sure you’ll be staying dry. Keeping it dry could add on years to the life of your fur. Or, if you’re wearing one of our Hailey, Jane, or Sara jackets, you can always remove the fur and store it in a safe place. For the rest of the day, wear the collarless denim jacket. You can never go wrong with a classic!
- Brush it out.
Just like your hair when you get out of the shower, it’s crucial to detangle the strands of faux fur from a long day’s wear, especially if you’ve come in contact with rain. Brush out your faux fur collar or jacket using a firm bristle brush or even better, a pet grooming brush. Make sure to brush consistently in the same direction to prevent the fur from matting or knotting. For best results, repeat this step about once a week.
- Sometimes you can use your washing machine.
Well, it depends on the kind of faux fur you’re dealing with. If it’s a short-haired, non-delicate kind of fur, you’re in the clear. But still, treat it nicely. Place it alone in the washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water and gentle detergent. Instead of using your dryer, use a towel to roll out excess moisture and hang dry in a cool place. You can also hand wash your faux fur, especially if you are concerned about a stain. Use the spot-cleaning method with mild detergent to wash only the problem area. Washing your faux fur correctly will help maintain its original, luxe texture.
- Otherwise, leave it to a professional.
When in doubt, feel no shame in asking for help. Your local dry cleaner knows exactly how to care for your faux fur, and they’ll even be able to advise the best way to care for your specific piece. Especially for delicate mongolian and fox-style faux furs, professional cleaning is the best option.