Do Faux Fur Blankets Shed? Why It Happens and How to Keep It Down

A faux fur blanket sheds less than you think once you know the right care routine and which styles to choose.

Updated 9 Sep 2026 4 min read 7 sections

Yes, most faux fur blankets shed a little, mostly when they are new. Loose fibers left over from manufacturing work their way out during the first uses and washes, and then shedding usually settles down to the odd strand. How much a blanket sheds depends on its pile length, how well the backing holds the fibers, and how you wash and dry it. If you want almost no fluff at all, a knit or chenille throw is a better fit than faux fur.

Why faux fur blankets shed (and why some shed less)

Faux fur is a cut pile fabric. Synthetic fibers, usually polyester or acrylic, are knitted or woven into a backing and then cut to length. Fibers that were cut but not firmly caught in the backing come loose, and those are what you find on your sofa and clothes.

Three things decide how much a faux fur blanket sheds:

Pile length. Long, shaggy fibers are harder to anchor and tangle more, so they tend to shed more than a short, dense pile.
Backing. A dense knitted or woven backing holds fibers better than a thin or loosely made one.
Edge finishing. A bound or serged edge stops fibers pulling out along the cut edges.

Which blanket styles shed the least?

If shedding is your main worry, the style of blanket matters as much as the brand. Here is how common styles generally compare:

Blanket style	Shedding	Good for
Long pile faux fur	Some when new, then light	A plush, fur-like feel
Short or ruched faux fur	Usually less than long pile	Texture with less fluff
Chenille	Low, some lint when new	Sofas and everyday use
Cable knit	Very low, no cut pile	Bedroom layering and decor

Battilo Home cable knit blanket with chunky braided pattern on display — Cable knit blanket$38.69Image from the merchant

A cable knit blanket is made from continuous strands of yarn rather than cut fibers, so there are very few loose ends to escape. A chenille blanket is soft and plush but still yarn based, so it sheds far less than faux fur, though new chenille can leave a little lint at first. If you want the fur look with less fluff, the ruched faux fur throw has a gathered texture instead of a long flowing pile.

How to stop a faux fur blanket from shedding

If you already own a faux fur blanket that sheds more than you would like, these steps usually help:

Shake it out outdoors. A good shake removes a lot of loose fibers before they reach the wash.
Brush gently. A wide tooth comb or soft pet brush pulls out loose fibers and stops them from matting.
Wash cold on a gentle cycle. Use a mild liquid detergent and wash the blanket alone or with other soft items, never with towels, which shed lint of their own.
Skip fabric softener. It coats synthetic fibers and can leave them limp and matted.
Dry on low or no heat. High heat can melt or frizz synthetic fibers and weaken the backing. Dryer balls help fluff the pile.
Clean the lint filter. Empty it during and after drying, since a new blanket fills it quickly.

Always follow the care label first. Some faux fur blankets are marked hand wash or dry clean only.

How to choose a faux fur blanket that won’t shed much

Look at the back. A smooth, tight backing is a good sign. If you can see through it, or fibers pull out easily with a light tug, expect more shedding.
Check the edges. Bound or serged edges hold fibers in at the seams.
Think about pile length. Shorter, denser pile generally sheds less than long shag.
Read the care label. A blanket you can machine wash cold and dry on low is easier to keep in shape.
Read reviews. Search reviews for words such as shedding or fuzz, and see how often they come up.

Does shedding ever stop completely?

For real cut pile faux fur, not quite. An occasional strand on your clothes or in the lint filter is normal for the life of the blanket. What should stop is heavy shedding. If a blanket still leaves trails of fur after a few careful washes, the backing or cutting is likely the problem, and it may be worth returning it if you are within the return window.

Size plays a part too. A large bed-size faux fur blanket has more surface area than a small throw, so it releases more loose fibers in the first washes, even if it is well made.

Does washing a faux fur blanket help or hurt shedding?

Washing helps when it is done gently. A cold, gentle wash removes loose fibers that would otherwise end up on your furniture. Hot water, bleach, fabric softener and high heat drying are what cause damage. We suggest washing a new faux fur blanket on its own before first use, so most of the loose fluff ends up in the machine and lint filter rather than on your sofa.

What Battilo Home offers

Battilo Home faux fur blanket draped over a chair, soft plush texture visible — Faux fur blanket$129.99Image from the merchant

Battilo Home sells an ombre faux fur blanket, an ochre faux fur fluffy blanket and the ruched faux fur throw, plus a chenille knit throw for the couch and a cable knit throw for anyone who wants less fluff. Check each listing for size, material and care instructions. For a wider look at styles and prices, The Spruce has a roundup of the best faux fur blankets, and Bed Bath and Beyond lists a range of faux fur blankets and throws. Before you order, see the current Battilo Home discount code.

Questions

Do faux fur blankets shed forever?

Heavy shedding usually settles after the first few uses and washes. An occasional strand is normal for the life of any cut pile blanket.

How do I stop my faux fur blanket from shedding?

Shake and brush it, wash it cold on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, skip fabric softener, and dry on low or no heat. Follow the care label first.

Do chenille blankets shed like faux fur blankets?

Much less. Chenille is made from yarn rather than cut pile, so it has fewer loose fibers, though a new chenille throw can leave a little lint at first.

Can I put a faux fur blanket in the dryer?

Usually yes, on low or no heat, if the care label allows it. High heat can damage synthetic fibers and the backing.

Does washing a faux fur blanket make it shed more?

Not if you wash it cold and gently. Hot water, bleach, fabric softener and high heat drying are what cause damage and extra shedding.