How To Wash Your Faux Fur Throw In UK Machines

Faux fur throws are luxuriously soft, warm, and a stylish addition to any home. But keeping them looking fresh and fluffy requires the right washing techniques — especially when using UK washing machines. This detailed guide from Rugstars UK walks you through everything you need to know about washing your faux fur throw safely, including ideal temperatures, cycle choices, detergents, drying tips, and long-term care, ensuring your beloved faux fur blanket remains a cosy highlight in your home.

1. Know Your Faux Fur Throw: Material Types and Their Care Needs

Faux fur throws are primarily crafted from synthetic fibres such as polyester, acrylic, or modacrylic. These materials are engineered to mimic the luxurious look and feel of real fur but require gentle maintenance to preserve their texture and avoid damage:

• Polyester and Acrylic: These are durable, resilient, and somewhat water-resistant fibres that generally respond well to gentle washing methods. They are common in many faux fur blankets and throws.
• Modacrylic: Known for being flame-retardant and heat-sensitive, modacrylic often requires extra care to avoid melting, warping, or permanent matting of the fibres, making careful temperature control vital during washing.

Always identify your throw’s specific fibre content by carefully checking the product tag or description. For instance, our Reversible Soft Faux Fur Throw Blanket comes with clear care instructions. Knowing the exact fibre type will significantly help in determining the best washing temperature and suitable cleaning products to use for its longevity.

2. Preparing for a Wash: How to Read and Interpret Care Labels Correctly

Before any washing, always take the crucial step of inspecting the care label sewn into your faux fur throw. This small label provides vital information to prevent irreversible damage to your luxurious item. Key symbols you should pay close attention to include:

• Washing temperature: Typically indicated by a number inside a tub icon (e.g., 30°C, 40°C), this specifies the maximum safe water temperature.
• Machine wash or hand wash: Look for symbols that clearly allow or prohibit machine washing. A crossed-out wash tub symbol means hand wash only or professional cleaning.
• Do not bleach: A triangle with a cross through it universally means no bleach products should be used.
• Tumble dry: A circle inside a square, often with or without dots (indicating heat level) or a cross, tells you if tumble drying is permitted and at what temperature. For faux fur, this is almost always crossed out.

Strictly following the care label’s instructions is the best defence against damaging your faux fur throw. If you’re ever in doubt about a symbol or instruction, always err on the side of caution and stick to the gentlest recommended settings or consider hand washing.

3. Machine Washing Your Faux Fur Throw

When it comes to using UK washing machines for your faux fur throw, precision and gentle care are paramount.

3.1 Ideal Temperature Settings for UK Washing Machines

Faux fur fabrics necessitate cool to lukewarm water to preserve fibre integrity, maintain their luxurious softness, and prevent damage:

• 30°C (Cold Wash): This is the safest and most recommended temperature setting. A cold wash helps to avoid melting or shrinking the synthetic fibres and prevents matting.
• Avoid high temperatures: Water temperatures above 40°C can cause synthetic fibres to mat, harden, or lose their characteristic softness and sheen, potentially damaging your faux fur throw permanently.

Most modern UK washing machines feature precise temperature controls; always opt for the 30°C setting or a dedicated “cold” wash programme.

3.2 Selecting the Optimal Wash Cycle for Faux Fur

Choose your washing machine’s delicate, hand wash, or wool cycle. These gentle cycles are specifically designed for sensitive fabrics and offer several benefits for faux fur:

• Slower spin speeds: Typically under 800 rpm, these speeds significantly reduce stress on the fibres, preventing tangling and matting.
• Gentle agitation: Minimised movement helps prevent the faux fur from becoming matted or damaged.
• Short duration: Shorter wash times limit water exposure and overall wear on the fabric.

Always steer clear of heavy-duty or quick wash cycles, as their vigorous agitation and high spin speeds are far too harsh for delicate faux fur.

3.3 Considering Your Washing Machine Type (Front vs. Top Load)

• Front-loading machines are generally preferred for faux fur as their tumbling action is gentler on fabrics, leading to less stress and potential damage.
• Top-loading machines, especially older models, may employ a central agitator that can pull, stretch, or twist fibres, potentially causing damage to your faux fur throw. If you must use a top loader, it’s highly recommended to place your throw inside a large mesh laundry bag or a duvet cover for added protection.

3.4 Choosing the Best Detergents for Faux Fur Fabrics

Selecting the right detergent is crucial for maintaining the quality of your faux fur:

• Opt for mild, liquid detergents: Formulated for delicates or synthetic fibres, these dissolve easily and rinse away cleanly.
• Avoid powder detergents: They may not dissolve fully in cold water and can leave behind unsightly residue on the faux fur fibres.
• Steer clear of bleach and fabric softeners: Bleach can discolour and damage synthetic fibres, while fabric softeners can coat the faux fur, reducing its natural fluffiness and causing it to feel stiff.

Hypoallergenic detergents, free from harsh enzymes or optical brighteners, are often the best choice for preserving the texture and appearance of your faux fur throws.

4. Gentle Hand Washing as a Safe Alternative to Machine Washing

When in doubt about machine washing, or if your faux fur throw is particularly delicate or has intricate detailing, hand washing offers maximum control and gentleness:

• Fill a clean bathtub or a large basin with lukewarm water, ensuring it’s around 30°C (as specified for machine washing).
• Add a small amount of mild, liquid detergent, allowing it to fully dissolve in the water.
• Submerge your faux fur throw completely and gently swish it around in the water. Crucially, avoid any harsh wringing, scrubbing, or rubbing, which can damage the fibres.
• Once clean, drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean, cool water. Rinse the throw thoroughly, repeating the process until no suds or detergent residue remains.

Hand washing minimises agitation, making it an excellent method for delicate or heavily embellished faux fur throws, ensuring their longevity and appearance.

5. Drying Techniques to Preserve Your Faux Fur Throw’s Softness

The drying process is just as critical as washing for maintaining your faux fur throw’s luxurious texture and appearance.

5.1 Why Air Drying is Crucial for Faux Fur

Never tumble dry your faux fur throw. The high heat of tumble dryers can irreversibly damage the synthetic fibres, causing them to melt, clump, or become matted and stiff. Instead, opt for air drying:

• After washing, gently press excess water out of the throw without twisting or wringing.
• Lay your throw flat on a large, clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated space, ideally indoors.
• Avoid direct sunlight or placing it near radiators and other heat sources, as these can fade colours, shrink the fabric, or damage the fibres.
• Turn the throw over occasionally to ensure even drying and prevent moisture from lingering.

5.2 Tips to Restore and Maintain Fluffiness After Washing

Once your faux fur throw is completely dry, you can take a few steps to restore its original fluffiness and soft feel:

• Gently shake your throw outdoors (if possible) or in a large room to help loosen and aerate the fibres.
• Use a wide-toothed comb or a pet slicker brush (with soft, rounded bristles) to carefully detangle and fluff the fur. Start from the edges and work inwards, brushing in the direction of the fur’s pile.
• Avoid harsh brushing or pulling, as this can damage or shed the fibres. Be patient and gentle to maintain the throw’s luxurious softness and prevent matting.

6. Long-Term Care: Maintenance Tips to Extend Your Faux Fur Throw’s Life

Proper long-term care ensures your faux fur throw remains a beautiful and comforting addition to your home for years.

6.1 How Often You Should Wash Your Faux Fur Throw

You generally don’t need to wash your faux fur throw frequently. Excessive washing can lead to wear and tear over time. Instead, focus on:

• Spot cleaning: Address any spills or stains immediately with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Regular airing: Periodically take your throw outdoors on a dry, breezy day (avoiding direct sun) to air it out and remove any lingering odours.

Washing your entire throw 2–3 times per year is typically sufficient unless significant spills or soiling occur.

6.2 When to Seek Professional Cleaning or Refreshing

For heavy soiling, particularly delicate faux fur with embossed patterns, or vintage pieces, professional dry cleaning is often the safest option. When consulting a professional cleaner, always inform them that the throw is made of synthetic faux fur, as this will guide them in using appropriate cleaning methods and solvents.

6.3 Best Practices for Proper Storage in UK Climates

When not in use, proper storage is vital, especially considering the often damp UK climate:

• Store your faux fur throw in a breathable cotton bag, a canvas storage bag, or a clean pillowcase. This allows air circulation and prevents dust accumulation.
• Avoid plastic bags: Plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mildew, mould growth, and unpleasant odours, particularly in humid UK weather conditions.
• Keep the stored throw in a cool, dry wardrobe space or linen cupboard, away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and fibre degradation.

7. UK-Specific Washing and Care Considerations Worth Knowing

When caring for your faux fur throw in the UK, a few regional specifics are worth noting:

• Water hardness: UK homes often have varying water hardness levels, which can impact the effectiveness of detergents. If you live in an area with hard water, using a water softener or opting for a liquid detergent with built-in softening agents can improve wash results and prevent mineral buildup on fibres.
• Tumble dryer settings: As previously mentioned, UK tumble dryers commonly have very high heat settings. It’s crucial to avoid using these entirely for your faux fur throw to prevent irreversible damage.

For added confidence and to ensure your Blankets & throws is designed for local washing conditions, trust reputable UK retailers like Rugstars UK. Our products often come with clear, detailed care instructions tailored to extend the life of your home essentials.

8. Troubleshooting Common Faux Fur Throw Washing Problems and Their Solutions

Even with careful washing, issues can sometimes arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems with your faux fur throw:

• Matting or flattening after washing: This is often due to excessive heat or harsh agitation. Once dry, gently re-fluff the fibres with a wide-toothed comb or a soft brush. Ensure future washes use cold water and a delicate cycle.
• Fibres stiff or brittle: This usually indicates that detergent residues remain in the fabric. Rinse the throw again thoroughly with clean, cool water. For stubborn residue, try adding a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle (the smell will dissipate as it dries).
• Colour fading: This can be caused by using harsh detergents, bleach, or drying in direct sunlight. Always use mild, colour-safe detergents and air dry in the shade.
• Odours after washing: If your throw smells musty or has an lingering odour, it might not have been rinsed thoroughly or dried completely. Ensure thorough rinsing in the future. For existing odours, air it out in a well-ventilated area, and you can add a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle (if machine washing) to help neutralise smells.

Faux Fur Care: Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Washing Faux Fur Throws

Here are some common questions about caring for your faux fur throw:

Q1: Can I tumble dry my faux fur throw in the UK?
No, absolutely not. Tumble drying, even on low heat, can irreversibly damage the synthetic fibres of your faux fur throw, causing them to melt, mat, and become stiff. Always air dry your throw flat on a clean surface, away from any direct heat sources or sunlight.

Q2: What is the best temperature to wash a faux fur throw in a UK washing machine?
The ideal temperature for washing a faux fur throw is 30°C, or using a cold wash setting. This temperature helps to maintain the softness, shape, and integrity of the synthetic fibres, preventing matting or shrinkage.

Q3: How do I restore fluffiness to my faux fur throw after washing?
After your faux fur throw is completely air-dried, gently shake it out to loosen the fibres. Then, use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristled pet slicker brush to carefully and lightly brush the fur, working in the direction of the pile to untangle and restore its fluffy appearance.

Q4: Can I use fabric softener on faux fur throws?
It is not recommended to use fabric softeners on faux fur throws. Fabric softeners can coat the synthetic fibres, which can reduce their natural fluffiness, make them feel greasy or stiff, and may even cause matting over time.

Q5: How often should I wash my faux fur throw?
Faux fur throws do not need to be washed frequently. Generally, washing 2-3 times per year is sufficient for maintaining freshness. For minor spills or marks, it’s best to spot clean as needed between full washes to extend the life of your throw.

For a premium care experience and high-quality throws, browse our Reversible Soft Faux Fur Throw Blanket—designed with UK homes in mind and accompanied by detailed care guidance. Trust Rugstars UK to keep your home essentials looking and feeling their absolute best!