Cleaning a Faux Fur Rug [Wash at Home Steps]

Do you have a rug that is starting to look a little worn, and you’re wondering how to clean faux fur rug? Faux fur items are a great addition to warm up any space and are better than real fur rugs because no cute little Bambi is harmed in the making.

Regardless of how careful you are in keeping a rug clean, it’s bound to need cleaning at some point, and there are a few different ways to go about it.

If you have tough stains to remove or want to freshen up your faux fur rug, check out this step-by-step guide on the cleaning method you can do at home.

You don’t even need a washing machine!

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Disclaimer: Please remember that I am a DIY enthusiast, not a professional. This article is for general information use and is not a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions, consult a professional! Additionally, this may contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using my link. All opinions and recommendations are my own. I truly appreciate you taking my suggestions and using my links. Thank you for being so supportive!

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How To Clean Faux Fur Rug

There are a few different ways to clean a faux fur rug. In the washing machine, by hand, or hiring a professional. You want to avoid taking it to the dry cleaner because the heat will absolutely ruin your rug.

If you read the care instructions care tag of your rug, it may say machine washable. Still, I’m going to hand wash before potentially damaging the rug or my washing machine. 

There is always the option to have a professional rug cleaner, but the diy diva in me says, why overpay for something when you can do it for much less on your own?

So, washing by hand is totally doable- very few steps are involved in the process, and it requires no special equipment. Let’s take a closer look at how to wash a faux fur rug…

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How to Clean Faux Fur Rug by Hand Washing

The things you’ll need to clean your faux fur rug are simple, and I’m willing to bet you already have them in your home – a large tub, water, and mild laundry soap. 

Here is the cleaning process:

1. shake the rug outside to remove loose particles such as dirt, dust, Legos etc.
2. run the rug under lukewarm water in a large tub (the bathtub works) and gently squeeze different sections to release as much dirt as possible
3. fill the tub with lukewarm water and the mild detergent
4. gently rub the rug together with your hands and under the water
5. drain the tub and rinse the rug under cold water
6. gently ring out the rug using your hands by squeezing the water out from top to bottom

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Drying A Faux Fur Rug

You’ll need open air and good sunny weather to keep your rug’s original shape. I’d play it safe, avoid the dryer, and stick with direct sunlight. Lay the rug flat, smoothing out any wrinkles or bumps. Make sure wherever you set the rug is free from dust or dirt.

Avoid hanging the heavy wet rug from a hanger due to this possibly putting a crease in the rug. Instead, it would be best to lay it on a towel or clean blanket to prevent the flat surface from getting the back of your freshly cleaned rug dirty. I’d also be weary of what color blanket or towel you lay it on – pick something where the color won’t bleed through.

Once your rug has been out to air dry for a while and is just about totally dry, you may consider putting it into the dryer to remove any stiffness. 

First, check the label to confirm this is recommended for your specific rug. If it is, go ahead and use the delicate cycle (or gentle cycle) and low heat, and dry your rug for a short time in the dryer.

The benefit of doing it this way is that the short amount of direct, low heat won’t damage the fibers, but it will be just enough to fluff and remove any stiffness from air drying.

Combing a Faux Fur Rug

Yep, you read that correctly. I’m talking about combing your faux fur rug to bring back its full fluffiness. 

• Before you begin, make sure the entire rug is completely dry, or else you run the risk of breaking the fibers. 
• Give the rug a good shake to loosen up the strands.
• Next, using a wide-toothed metal brush (i.e. like a cat brush), and starting at one end, gently comb the entire rug, removing any knots along the way.

How to Clean Faux Fur Rug: Removing Stains

Between the kids, pets, and that friend who had one too many glasses of wine – the odds are good you have a stain or two in your rug that needs attention. Stain removal is easiest when it’s fresh so try to tackle the problem area quickly. If the stain has been there for a long time, you can try these tricks, but don’t get too aggressive with your techniques and risk ruining the rug further.

You can use a few things on the stained area – soap and clean water mixed in a spray bottle (I prefer Dawn), a vinegar solution, or carpet cleaners (I love Oxi Clean). 

Before you start spot cleaning your faux fur rug, test out the solution in a small area to ensure it will not discolor or damage the rug in any way. 

Removing Stinky Odors from a Faux Fur Rug

Washing your rug is the best way to remove any odors; however, if you don’t have time for that and need a quick fix, grab the baking soda and vacuum cleaner.

• start by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda over the entire rug. 
• let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• vacuum the whole rug
• and shake off any excess outside

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Caring For Faux Fur Rug

Regular and proper care is the best way to keep your rug in good condition. Here are some tips on caring for your faux fur rug:

• take care of any spills as soon as they happen
• avoid exposure to moisture – otherwise, it could potentially damage the fibers and cause a foul odor
• shake out and vacuum the entire rug regularly – this will prevent any dirt from settling in
• use caution while vacuuming – make sure you’re not using too rough of a setting

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A well-cared-for rug can outlast your latest decor taste if you give it proper care. This step-by-step guide on how to clean a faux fur rug, coupled with adequate drying, combing, and stain and odor maintenance, will leave you with a rug that looks as good as the day you bought it. 

After reading this, you’ll know exactly what to do next time you have a stain or odor in your rug! I hope you feel confident in tackling this project now that you know exactly how to clean a faux fur rug.

I would love to see your rug before and after following these cleaning tips; tag me in a photo on Instagram @tantrumsandtools or email me your pics!

xo

Amanda

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