How to Clean a Faux Fur Rug at Home

Quick answer: Shake out loose dirt, vacuum gently with suction only and blot spills with a clean white cloth. Check the faux fur rug’s care instructions before applying a cleaner or washing it. Machine wash only if the maker permits it, using the stated cycle and temperature. Follow the drying instructions, then gently fluff the fully dry pile. Avoid rubbing, wringing and direct heat.

Faux fur rugs can look similar while having very different care needs. The long, soft pile is usually synthetic, but the backing may contain fabric, a coating or other materials that affect how it handles water. A cleaning method that suits one polyester rug can damage another.

Check that the rug is faux fur

Read the label or purchase information for the fibre and backing. Faux fur may be made from polyester, acrylic or a blend. Genuine sheepskin has wool attached to an animal hide and needs a different approach.

A fluffy appearance or sheepskin shape does not identify the material. If the label confirms real sheepskin, follow our guide on how to clean a sheepskin rug. If you cannot identify the rug, ask its supplier before using a wet treatment.

Choose the cleaning method from the care instructions

Check washing, drying and cleaning permissions separately. A machine-washable rug may require air drying, while another may permit low tumble drying. Permission for a damp spot treatment does not mean you can soak the whole rug.

For example, Dunelm’s Alpine washable faux fur rug specifies a gentle 30°C wash and flat air drying. IKEA’s TOFTLUND permits a maximum 40°C wash and low-temperature tumble drying. Those settings belong to the particular products, so follow your rug’s current label.

What you need

• A vacuum with adjustable suction and an appropriate attachment

• Clean white absorbent cloths or towels

• A spoon or blunt plastic edge for lifting spilled solids

• A mild cleaner or detergent approved for the rug, if wet cleaning is permitted

• A suitable drying space

• A soft brush or wide-toothed comb, only if the maker allows pile grooming

For spot treatment, test the proposed cleaner on a small hidden section and let it dry before treating a visible mark. Stop if colour transfers, the backing changes or the pile becomes rough.

How to clean a faux fur rug routinely

1. Release loose dirt

If the rug is small enough to handle safely, take it outside and shake it gently. Support it evenly instead of snapping it sharply or pulling one corner. For a large rug, keep it flat and remove loose debris with the vacuum.

2. Vacuum with suction only

Switch off the rotating brush or beater bar. Start with low suction and use a suitable nozzle to make gentle passes in the direction the pile lies. Increase suction only if the fibres and backing remain stable.

If the nozzle pulls the rug upwards, catches long fibres or makes the backing buckle, stop and adjust it. Pay attention to edges and seams. Repeatedly dragging a powerful brush through the fur can tangle or damage the pile.

3. Clean underneath

Lift the rug, remove grit from the floor and inspect any underlay. Let a cleaned floor dry fully before putting the rug back. Check that a suitable anti-slip underlay is still correctly positioned.

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How to remove a spill or small stain

Lift solids and blot liquid

Lift spilled food with a spoon or blunt plastic edge without pressing it into the fur. Blot liquid with a dry white cloth, working from the outside towards the centre. Change to a clean part of the cloth as it picks up the spill.

Avoid rubbing or scrubbing; use gentle blotting instead. Check whether moisture has reached the backing, underlay or floor. Cleaning only the top may leave residue underneath.

Use the permitted spot treatment

If the care guide allows it, use a barely damp white cloth and the stated amount of a compatible textile cleaner. Apply the product to the cloth rather than pouring it through the pile. Avoid saturating the backing.

Follow the cleaner’s instructions for removing residue. Where rinsing is required, blot lightly with a separate cloth dampened with clean water, then press with a dry towel. Let the area dry before deciding whether another treatment is needed.

For pet urine or vomit, wear gloves, remove solids and blot promptly. Use a biological stain or odour product only if it is suitable for the rug and backing. If liquid has soaked through or odour remains, arrange an assessment rather than adding more water or fragrance.

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How to wash a faux fur rug

Machine washing

Wash only when the rug is labelled machine washable. Remove loose dirt first, then check the appliance manual for suitable bulky loads. The rug needs room to move; do not force it into the drum or pack it tightly with other laundry.

Use the label’s programme, temperature and spin instructions with an appropriate detergent dose. Avoid bleach and fabric softener unless the maker expressly allows them. An oversized washable rug may need a suitable laundrette machine rather than your domestic washer.

If the label permits washing but your machine cannot handle the size, ask the supplier about an alternative. Do not assume that a bath wash or carpet extractor will be suitable.

Hand washing

Use this method only if hand washing is permitted. Follow the stated water temperature, detergent and soaking instructions. Gently move the rug through the water without aggressive scrubbing or twisting.

Rinse as directed, then drain and support the whole rug while lifting it. Press out excess moisture with towels where permitted. Do not wring it or suspend a heavy wet rug by one corner, which can strain the backing and seams.

Dry the rug before returning it to the floor

Follow the exact drying instructions. For a rug that requires flat air drying, reshape it as directed on a clean surface that supports it and allows airflow. Protect flooring from moisture and turn or reposition the rug only as its care guide allows.

Check the backing, seams and deeper pile as well as the tips. Leave it longer if any moisture remains. A rug can feel dry on top while its underside is still damp, so avoid returning it to the floor too soon.

Keep it away from radiators, hairdryers, irons and other direct heat. High heat can alter synthetic pile and leave it matted or rough. Tumble dry only if the label permits it, using the specified setting. Never add a hot drying cycle to speed up a rug intended for air drying.

How to make the faux fur fluffy again

Once the rug is fully dry, shake it gently to lift flattened fibres. If the manufacturer permits brushing, use a soft brush or wide-toothed comb on a hidden patch first. Work in small sections in the direction the pile naturally lies, supporting the pile near the backing and easing out tangles without pulling.

Stop if attached fibres come out, the brush catches or the backing starts to separate. Avoid aggressive wire brushes and repeated scraping. Heat-damaged or worn pile may not regain its original texture, so do not keep brushing harder in an attempt to restore it.

Safety guide for cleaning faux fur rugs

• Read the rug’s care guide and the cleaning product label before use.

• Never mix cleaning chemicals. Keep products in their original labelled containers.

• Follow the product instructions for gloves, ventilation and avoiding skin or eye contact.

• Keep children and pets away from chemicals and treated areas until the product’s instructions permit access.

• Get help with a large wet rug, and clear the route before carrying it.

• Keep wet flooring clear of foot traffic and replace anti-slip underlay correctly.

• Check that the rug and floor are fully dry before use.

The Northern Ireland government’s chemical safety guidance for the home explains how to read product labels, avoid mixing chemicals and store cleaning products safely.

Frequently asked questions

Can all faux fur rugs go in the washing machine?

No. Some permit machine washing, while others allow only spot treatment or professional cleaning. Synthetic fibres alone do not establish that the whole rug is washable.

Can I steam clean a faux fur rug?

Use steam only if the rug maker expressly confirms suitability. Steam adds heat and moisture, which may affect the pile or backing. A washable label does not automatically permit steam cleaning.

Can I use fabric softener to make it fluffy?

Leave fabric softener out unless the care instructions allow it. Use the permitted cleaning and drying method, then gently fluff the dry pile. Adding softener is not a reliable way to repair matting.

Why does my faux fur rug feel rough after washing?

Possible causes include detergent residue, tangled pile, excessive heat or wear. Check the wash and drying instructions before trying another treatment. Follow approved rinsing advice for residue, and seek help if fibres or backing have been damaged.

Can I bleach a white faux fur rug?

Do not assume a white rug tolerates bleach. Check the label and use only approved stain treatments. Colour, synthetic fibre type and backing can all affect compatibility.

Can I put a faux fur rug in the washing machine?

Small faux fur rugs can often go on a cold delicate cycle if the label allows it. Use mild detergent, no fabric softener and a low spin. Never tumble dry on heat, as it melts and mats the synthetic fibres.

Why is my faux fur rug shedding?

New faux fur rugs shed loose cut fibres for the first few weeks. Shake the rug outside and use a vacuum with the brush bar turned off. Shedding that keeps going or bald patches usually mean the backing is wearing out.

How do you clean faux fur rugs at home without washing?

Shake the rug, then sprinkle bicarbonate of soda, leave it for 30 minutes and shake it out again. Spot-clean marks with cool water and a drop of wool-safe detergent, blot and air-dry. Brush the fibres with a wide-tooth comb once dry.

How do you fluff up a matted faux fur rug?

Once it is fully dry, brush gently with a wide-tooth comb or pet slicker brush in the direction of the pile. A hairdryer on the cool setting helps lift flattened areas. Heat will melt the fibres, so never use a hot setting.

Choose a clean that suits the whole rug

Regular gentle vacuuming and prompt blotting can reduce the need for a full wash. Check the fibre, backing and care label before choosing a deeper treatment. For widespread staining, persistent odour, a delicate backing or unclear instructions, ask InstantDry whether professional rug cleaning is suitable.

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Related guides: how to clean a shaggy rug, how to clean a white area rug. For a professional finish, see our rug cleaning service or carpet cleaning in Manchester.

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