Summary – To clean your faux fur rug, soak the rug in soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, then work your hand around the rug’s surface to remove the stains. To remove tough stains, apply baking soda and vinegar solution to the stained area and scrub off using a soft brush. Then, rinse and dry your rug to restore fluff and freshness.
If you’re lucky enough to have a faux fur rug in your home, you know how luxurious and cozy it can make a space feel. Unfortunately, at some point, you may find your rug plagued with dirt and stains from everyday use.
Luckily, there are ways to clean your rug without throwing it out or replacing it entirely! Here’s our guide to cleaning a faux fur rug.
Basic Faux Fur Rug Care
A major disadvantage of faux fur rugs is their tendency to attract stains and debris from foot traffic, pets, and spills. While you may not be able to wash your fur rug every day, there are some basic maintenance steps you can take to keep it in pristine condition for a long time.
Here are some general care suggestions:
Vacuum and Shake Your Fur Rug Regularly
Vacuum your faux fur rug regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris. And if the weather permits, take the rug outside and shake it to dislodge dust particles. I recommend vacuuming your fur rug at least twice a week, but more frequently if you have pets.
Brush The Rug
Brushing your faux fur rug regularly is another way to keep it looking good. Brush the rug gently to separate the strands and prevent tangles and matting.
Spot Clean to Remove Stains
The best way to maintain the softness and texture of your rug is to protect it from stains as much as possible. But in reality, avoiding coffee and red wine spills on your faux fur rug may be impossible. So, whenever you notice a stain on your rug, try to spot-clean it. Also, never let mud or grime dry on your fur rug before removing it.
Simply apply a baking soda or vinegar solution to the stained area and scrub with a soft brush to remove the stain. There are also a variety of rug cleaners available in the market to remove tough stains; I use Oxi Clean White Revive and Stain Remover.
Use Rug Freshener
Even after vacuuming, your fur rug may retain an unpleasant odor from pet urine and bacteria. To neutralize the odor, use a special rug freshener or rug powder.
How To Wash Your Faux Fur Rug in 6 Simple Steps
While daily maintenance practices will help your faux fur rug last longer, it is necessary to wash your rug at least once every three months or whenever you notice it is losing its shape and freshness.
The best way to deep clean your faux fur rug is hand washing. This method not only removes stubborn stains but also aids in fluff retention. Also, while it may take some elbow grease and time, it is worthwhile to preserve your valuable rug.
Materials Needed:
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Cat Brush
- Large Sink or Bath Tub
- Cleaning Cloth
- Mild Detergent and Rug Cleaners
- Cold Water
- Clothesline or Drying Rack
Follow these steps to handwash your faux fur rug:
Step 1: Shake and Brush Your Rug
Before dipping your faux fur rug in water, shake it to remove loose soil and dust. Brush the fibers to reduce matting, remove tangles, and restore luster.
Step 2: Fill a Large Tub with Cold Water
In a large sink or bathtub, make your cleaning solution. Fill the tub halfway with cold water and add your detergent. There are various types of rug detergent powders on the market to choose from.
Step 3: Spot-Clean Stains
Before dipping the rug in water, identify stain areas and spot clean them. Spot clean rug stains by soaking a clean cloth in soapy water and rubbing it against the stained area. Alternatively, you can gently rub two areas together to remove the stains.
Step 4: Soak Rug in Cold Soapy Water
Now, dip the rug into the water and leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes. The detergent will get rid of any dirt and grime. However, you can assist by gently turning the rug around in the tub with your hands to work the dirt and stains out.
Step 5: Rinse Rug Thoroughly
Rinse with clean water gently but thoroughly until all soap residue is gone. Do this by placing the faux fur rug on a flat surface, such as the floor, and keep pouring clean water on it until it is clean.
Step 6: Allow Rug to Dry
The best way to dry your rug after washing is to air dry it. And to air dry your faux fur rug, place it on any flat surface or use strong plastic hangers to hang the rug on a clothesline. If there’s bright sunlight, your faux fur rug should be completely dry in less than 24 hours.
Step 7: Brush The Rug
Once the rug is completely dry, comb the fiber gently using the cat brush to untangle any matted fibers.
Is faux Fur Rug Machine Washable?
Although it is not always recommended, some faux fur rugs can be machine-washed. Check the label of your faux fur rug to see if it can be washed in a machine. The label should also contain other cleaning instructions and guidelines, such as the type or color of items that can be washed with your rug and the cycle temperature, and specific cleaners to use.
How To Wash Faux Fur Rug in a Washing Machine
- I recommend that you only use front-loading machines to wash your fur rug.
- Place the rug in the washing machine with no other items of clothing.
- Fill the container with your regular laundry detergent and add fabric softener to its spot.
- Set the washing machine to cold wash.
- Only one full wash cycle is required.
- Once the cycle is complete, remove the rug from the machine and thoroughly shake it to remove any excess water.
- Allow the rug to air dry. And even if you have a machine dryer, do not use it on your faux fur rug, as the heat can damage the rug’s fibers.
- Comb through the entire rug with a cat brush.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Restore A Matted Faux Fur Rug?
Grime and mud stains and irregular brushing and cleaning are the major causes of a tangled and matted rug.
However, you can still make your faux fur rug soft and fluffy again. Brush the rug gently with a cat brush to remove dirt, knots, and tangles. Then, pour a solution of bleach and water onto the rug and vacuum it. Allow the rug to dry completely before brushing it again.
How do I clean animal pee on a faux fur rug?
Pour a small amount of baking soda or vinegar solution on the stained area and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, spot-clean the area by soaking a clean cloth in soapy water and rubbing it against the stained area to remove the stain.
