How to Wash a Faux Fur Blanket Without Ruining the Fluff

Learn how to wash a faux fur blanket at home without matting, clumping, or melting the fluff using cold water, a gentle cycle, and proper drying methods.

Updated 9 Sep 2026 5 min read 9 sections

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

The good news is that with the right temperature, cycle, and drying method, you can wash a faux fur blanket at home and keep that plush, silky fluff looking brand new. Whether you own our faux fur blanket or another plush throw, these steps will save you from matted, clumpy regret.

Why Faux Fur Needs Special Care

Faux fur is typically made from synthetic fibers like polyester or acrylic, which are woven or tufted onto a backing. The “fur” is actually thousands of tiny filaments that can melt, tangle, or lose their loft if treated like regular cotton. A real fluffy blanket or chenille blanket relies on fiber length and construction, not just softness, so high heat or aggressive agitation is the enemy.

We recommend checking the care label first, but most faux fur blankets fall into one of two camps: machine-washable on a gentle cycle or hand-wash only. Even machine-safe options benefit from a few extra precautions.

Step 1: Prep the Blanket Before the Machine

Before you add water, take 30 seconds to prep.

Shake the blanket outside or over a bathtub to remove loose dust and pet hair.
Check for snags or loose threads. If you find a pulled loop, gently tug it back to the wrong side with a needle.
Close any zippers or buttons on the blanket so they do not catch on the fur during the wash.
Place the blanket inside a large mesh laundry bag or a clean pillowcase if yours is under a queen size. This protects the pile from friction against the machine drum.

If you own a larger piece like a faux fur blanket queen or king size, you may need to wash it solo in a front-loader. Top-loaders with an agitator can twist the backing and cause permanent wrinkles.

Step 2: Choose the Right Temperature and Cycle

Use cold water only on the delicate or gentle cycle. Hot water can cause the synthetic fibers to distort or mat, and high spin speeds can tangle the fur into unbrushable clumps.

Setting	What to Use	Why
Water temp	Cold (below 30°C / 85°F)	Prevents heat damage to synthetic fibers
Cycle	Delicate / Gentle	Reduces agitation that tangles the pile
Spin speed	Low or no-spin	Keeps the fur from bunching and creasing
Detergent	Mild liquid detergent (half the usual amount)	Avoids residue that weighs down the fluff

Skip fabric softener entirely. It coats the synthetic fibers and flattens the pile. A capful of white vinegar in the rinse cycle can help remove lingering soap, but it is optional.

Battilo Home chenille knit throw blanket draped over a couch cushion — Battilo throw blanket for couch chenille knit throw blanket$36.79Image from the merchant

We machine-washed a battilo throw blanket for couch chenille knit throw blanket on a cold delicate cycle with half detergent and it came out noticeably softer than a full-detergent wash.

Step 3: Drying Makes or Breaks the Fluff

Do not put a faux fur blanket in a high-heat dryer. The fibers will mat, melt, or turn crispy.

Air dry (best method): Lay the blanket flat on a mesh drying rack or a clean towel, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. Flip halfway through. This takes 6-12 hours but preserves the fluff perfectly.

Machine dry (quick method): Use the air-only (no heat) or low-heat setting. Add two clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to the dryer. They bounce against the blanket and keep the fibers separated as they dry, preventing clumping.

Battilo Home cozy throw blanket folded on a couch, inviting warmth — Cozy blanket$129.99Image from the merchant

Check the blanket every 15 minutes. Remove it while it is still slightly damp and let it finish air drying flat. Overdrying is the fastest way to ruin a cozy blanket, especially one with a long pile.

Step 4: Fluff and Restore After Drying

Once the blanket is fully dry, give it a firm shake and run your fingers through the fur to separate any flattened patches. For stubborn matting, use a wide-tooth comb or a pet slicker brush and gently brush in the direction of the pile. Do not pull hard, or you may loosen the tufts from the backing.

If the blanket feels stiff after washing, toss it back in the dryer on air-only with a damp towel for 10 minutes. The steam will relax the fibers, and another cycle with dryer balls will bring back the volume.

We also find that hanging the blanket over a padded hanger in a steamy bathroom for an hour can revive the fluff between washes.

When to Hand Wash Instead

Battilo Home ruched faux fur throw with gathered pleats and plush fur — Ruched faux fur throw$94.99Image from the merchant

Machine washing works for most of our products, but some delicate styles benefit from hand washing. This is especially true for the ruched faux fur throw or textured designs where the ruching could catch on the machine drum.

Fill a tub or large sink with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent.
Submerge the blanket and gently press it down with your hands. Do not scrub or wring.
Let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then drain the soapy water.
Refill with clean cold water and press again until the suds are gone.
Roll the blanket in a towel to absorb excess water, then lay flat to dry.

Hand washing adds maybe 30 minutes of active time but removes all risk of machine damage.

What About Other Blanket Materials?

The care instructions change depending on the fabric. Here is a quick comparison so you know what each blanket type needs.

Blanket Type	Wash Method	Dry Method
faux fur blanket	Cold delicate or hand wash	Air dry or low-heat with dryer balls
cotton throw blanket	Warm machine wash any cycle	Medium heat, any setting
cable knit blanket	Cold gentle cycle in mesh bag	Air dry flat (heavy knits stretch in the dryer)
cable knit throw	Same as cable knit blanket	Air dry flat
chenille blanket	Cold delicate, no fabric softener	Low heat or air dry
rabbit blanket	Cold hand wash or machine delicate	Air dry flat, no heat

Battilo Home chenille throw blankets layered on an armchair — Chenille throw blankets$45.99Image from the merchant

Chenille throws like our chenille throw blankets are similar to faux fur in that they need cold water and low heat, but they are less prone to matting and more forgiving with a gentle machine dry.

Where to Find Quality Faux Fur Blankets

If you are shopping for a new faux fur blanket, look for one with a tightly woven backing and a dense, even pile. Higher density means fewer loose fibers in the wash and a longer lifespan. You can see more options and check the latest price on our store page. We also offer a 5% off sitewide code if you grab the code before checking out.

For additional guidance on choosing a quality throw, we recommend reading The 8 Best Faux Fur Blankets to Buy for a broader look at the market. And if you want to browse more styles, Faux Fur Blankets and Throws is a helpful resource for comparing options.

Final Take

A faux fur blanket can stay soft, fluffy, and beautiful for years if you wash it with care. Stick with cold water, a gentle cycle, and low or no heat drying, and you will never have to deal with matted, sad fur. Your blanket will thank you, and so will your couch.

Questions

Can I wash a faux fur blanket in a top-load washer?

Yes, but only if the top-loader has no center agitator. Front-loaders are safer because they are gentler on the backing and prevent twisting.

What temperature kills bacteria on a faux fur blanket without damaging it?

Cold water does not kill bacteria, but you can add a capful of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or use a laundry sanitizer made for cold water. Avoid hot water, which melts the fibers.

Why did my faux fur blanket come out of the dryer stiff?

High heat or over-drying causes synthetic fibers to stiffen. Toss the blanket back in the dryer on air-only with a damp towel and two dryer balls to relax the fibers.

Can I use fabric softener on a faux fur blanket?

No. Fabric softener coats synthetic fibers and flattens the pile, making the blanket less fluffy. Use half the usual amount of mild liquid detergent instead.

How often should I wash my ruched faux fur throw?

Every 2-3 months is usually enough unless there are spills or visible dirt. Spot-clean small stains with a damp cloth between washes to reduce how often you need a full wash.

Is the Battilo Home faux fur blanket machine washable?

Yes, our faux fur blanket is machine washable on a cold delicate cycle. We recommend air drying or low-heat tumbling with dryer balls for the best results.