Faux fur coats have long been cherished in our wardrobes, thanks to their irresistible blend of coziness and luxury.
Nothing quite compares to their plush warmth and tactile comfort on a chilly day. However, faux fur lovers often face a common quandary: These coats tend to lose their signature fluffiness over time.
They become matted and less appealing, which can be disheartening for those who adore their faux furs. That’s where this blog post comes into play.
We’re here to share seven effective home remedies to breathe new life into your favorite faux fur coat, restoring its original fluffiness and charm. Stick around to learn how to keep your coat looking as fabulous as the day you bought it.
Why Do Faux Fur Coats Lose Their Fluffiness?
As the proud owner of a collection of faux fur coats, I’ve often wondered why these fluffy companions lose their charm over time. After some research and personal experience, I’ve identified a few culprits.
1. Friction
If you’ve ever seen a child gleefully sliding down a carpeted staircase, you’ll know that friction is no friend to fluffiness. The same applies to your faux fur coat.
Regular wear and tear, including rubbing against other materials, leads to progressive matting of the faux fur fibers.
The constant friction slowly strips away the fluffiness, leaving the coat worn and tired.
2. Compression
Another enemy of our faux fur friends is compression. Imagine the times you’ve hastily stuffed your coat into your luggage or squished it into an overstuffed closet.
The pressure flattens the fibers and reduces the fluff. One particular incident comes to mind when I packed my favorite faux fur coat in my suitcase during a winter getaway.
When I took it out, it had lost its fluffiness and looked rather sad.
3. Exposure to Moisture
Yes, even elements like rain and snow contribute to the loss of fluffiness. My faux fur coat took a serious hit after I got caught in a sudden downpour. The exposure to moisture can clump the fibers together, making your coat lose its fluffy appeal.
So, you see, maintaining the fluffiness of a faux fur coat isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a matter of protecting your investment.
Proper care ensures your faux fur remains as glamorous as the day you first saw it. Stick around as we delve into the home remedies that can help restore your coat’s original fluffiness.
4. Inadequate Cleaning
Our fourth culprit is a lack of proper cleaning, or worse, improper cleaning practices. Faux fur requires a delicate hand.
Tossing it into a washing machine with your regular laundry isn’t just a faux pas—it’s a surefire way to flatten the fibers and strip away the coat’s fluffiness.
Even when hand-washing, using harsh detergents or rubbing the coat too vigorously can be detrimental.
The key is to clean your faux fur coat gently and meticulously, using products and methods that preserve its unique texture and volume.
5. High Heat Exposure
The fifth factor that can devastate faux fur’s fluffiness is exposure to high heat. The synthetic fibers can melt and clump together if you expose your fur to high temperatures, such as in a tumble dryer or under a hot iron.
This not only leads to a flat appearance but can also damage the longevity of your coat. When drying faux fur, it’s important to let it air naturally or use a hairdryer in a cool setting.
Remember, proper care is the key to keeping your faux fur coat looking lush and luxurious.
6. Poor Storage
The sixth enemy of fluffy faux fur is poor storage. Incorrectly storing your faux fur coat can lead to crushing and matting of the fibers, consequently losing its plush charm.
To keep your coat looking its best, avoid squashing it into a jam-packed closet or leaving it in a plastic garment bag, which can trap moisture and cause mildew.
Instead, opt for a breathable fabric bag and ensure it has ample space to hang loosely. Additionally, always store your faux fur in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its color and texture.
Remember, the right storage conditions can significantly enhance the lifespan and maintain the fluffiness of your faux fur coat.
7. Infrequent Brushing
The seventh factor adversely affecting your faux fur’s fluffiness is infrequent brushing. Like real fur, faux fur needs regular grooming to maintain its look and feel.
Over time, fibers can become tangled and compressed, leading to a loss of volume and shine. You can gently brush your faux fur with a soft-bristle brush to prevent matting and keep your coat looking its best.
However, be careful not to overdo it or brush too harshly, as this could damage the fibers. Remember, consistent and gentle care is essential for preserving your faux fur’s vibrant and fluffy appearance.
Home Remedy 1: Gentle Brushing
I can’t stress enough the magic of a good old soft-bristle brush on faux fur. I remember the first time I used one on my faux fur coat, and the results were astounding.
The tangles were gone, and the texture felt as good as new. Now, it’s become a part of my routine faux fur care.
Here’s how to do it: First, lay your faux fur on a flat surface. Start by brushing gently from top to bottom to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Then, with slow, even strokes, work your way through the coat. Always brush in the direction of the fibers to maintain the natural look.
Be gentle to avoid damaging the fibers – remember, we aim for revitalization, not destruction. This little habit has served me well in keeping my faux fur items looking fabulous.
Home Remedy 2: Steam Treatment
Steam treatment is another home remedy I swear by for revitalizing faux fur. The heat from the steam helps relax the fibers, restoring their fluffiness and adding volume.
Here are the steps I follow: Using a handheld steamer or the steam setting on an iron, gently release steam onto the faux fur from a safe distance — I usually aim for about 6 inches. Make sure to keep the steamer moving vertically, parallel to the fibers.
But a word of caution here; you must maintain a safe distance to prevent damage from excessive heat. Remember, the goal is to fluff up the fibers, not singe them!
I learned this the hard way when I once held the steamer too close to my beloved faux-fur rug. The result wasn’t pretty, but I learned my lesson and have enjoyed fluffy, vibrant faux-fur items ever since.
Home Remedy 3: Tumble Dryer with No Heat
If you’ve been following, you might have guessed our next remedy involves another household staple – the tumble dryer.
But not in the way you’re thinking! It’s all about using no heat. One winter, I found my favorite faux fur throw had lost its luscious volume.
On a whim, I decided to toss it in my dryer – but with the heat setting turned off. To my delight, it worked wonders! Here’s how you can replicate my success:
- Prepare the Faux Fur:
Make sure the faux fur is clean and dry. Remove any flammable items like buttons or brooches.
- Use Tennis Balls:
Add a few clean tennis balls to the dryer. They work like magic, bouncing around to fluff up the faux fur.
- Set the Tumble Dryer:
Set your dryer to a no-heat or lowest-heat setting. This is essential because excessive heat can cause more harm than good.
- Let it Spin:
Let the faux fur tumble in the dryer for about 10 minutes. Check it occasionally to avoid overdoing it.
And voilà! Your faux fur is back to its original fluffiness. Be sure to respect the no-heat rule, though.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I accidentally set the heat too high and ended up with a less-than-fluffy result.
Home Remedy 4: Hanging and Shaking
Another trick I love is good old-fashioned hanging and shaking. This works particularly well for faux fur clothing items.
I remember being in a pinch before a party; my faux fur coat looked a little worse.
I hung it up in my bathroom and let it hang out for a few hours while I got ready, and by party time – it looked fabulous! Here’s the routine:
- Hang It Up: Find a good spot for your faux fur item away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Let it Relax: Leave the item hanging for a few hours. This allows the fibers to relax and regain their natural fluffiness.
- Gently Shake: Gently shake the item to loosen any compressed areas. Remember, we’re aiming for gentle motion, not an earthquake.
I cannot stress enough – be gentle. Aggressive shaking can lead to damage. Trust me; I have a sadly deformed faux fur scarf as a testament to this.
But with care and patience, these simple steps can revive your faux fur to its former glory.
Home Remedy 5: Cold Air Fluff
Cold air fluffing can be your secret weapon in bringing back life to your faux fur.
This method takes advantage of your dryer’s no-heat setting, which circulates cold air around your faux fur, helping to plump it up without exposing it to damaging heat.
Pop your faux fur item into the dryer, select the cold air or no-heat setting, and let it tumble for about 10 minutes.
It’s a simple yet effective trick I often use when my favorite faux fur throw looks flat.
Always check the care label on your faux fur item before trying this method, though.
Not all faux furs are created equal, and some may not take kindly to the tumble of a dryer, even in a cold setting.
Home Remedy 6: Fabric Softener Mist
If you’re looking for a way to give your faux fur items a little extra TLC, a fabric softener mist might be just the ticket.
This concoction can help restore your faux fur’s softness and fluffiness, making it look and feel fresh and new.
You can easily make your fabric softener mist at home with just a few ingredients: a cup of water, 1 tablespoon of fabric softener, and a spray bottle.
Mix the water and fabric softener, pour it into the spray bottle, and voila! You’ve got your DIY fabric softener mist.
I especially love using this mist on my faux fur coats and scarves during the colder months; it gives them a fresh, cozy smell and feel.
But do keep in mind to test this mist on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor your faux fur.
It’s a lesson I learned the hard way with a faux fur pillow that now sports a slightly off-color patch. Stay cautious, my friends!
Home Remedy 7: Professional Cleaning
While I’m all for DIY treatments and saving a few bucks here and there, I recognize that sometimes the situation calls for professional help.
This is particularly true regarding stubborn cases with your faux fur garments. I’ve found it beneficial to seek the expertise of a dry cleaner experienced in handling faux fur.
They are knowledgeable about the details of these faux fur’s properties and equipped with the right tools and procedures to restore fluffiness without causing damage.
I once had a faux fur coat that had lost much of its former glory, and despite all my efforts, I couldn’t restore its fluffiness.
I took it to a professional cleaner, and it was like new when I got it back! I won’t forget this lesson: some things are better left to the pros.
Remember to follow the garment’s care instructions and avoid using harsh chemicals that can irreversibly damage your faux fur.
Conclusion
We’ve walked through several home remedies, from simple brushing and blow-drying to using a fabric softener mist and even the occasional professional cleaning.
The key is regular care and handling faux fur items with love and attention. These simple steps can go a long way in maintaining their fluffiness and keeping them looking fabulous for years.
Everyone’s faux fur experiences are unique, and I’d love to hear about yours and any additional tips you might have in the comments.
As we’ve seen, breathing new life into a beloved faux fur coat doesn’t require a magic wand, just patience, care, and the right home remedies.
