How to Care for Faux Fur Throws and Pillows Without Matting

Quick answer

Wash faux fur in cold water on a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent, then air-dry it away from heat. Matting usually comes from hot water, high dryer heat, or friction against other fabrics. If the fibers are melted or the backing is stiff and cracked, the damage is permanent and replacement is the better choice.

Wash faux fur the right way to prevent matting

Before washing, shake the throw or pillow cover outside to release loose dust, then check the care label. If the label says dry clean only, follow it. For washable faux fur, use cold water and the gentlest cycle your machine offers, with a low spin speed. Use a mild liquid detergent and skip fabric softener, which coats the fibers and makes them clump. Wash faux fur separately from towels, denim, or anything with zippers, hooks, or Velcro, because friction against those surfaces is a common cause of matting.

If you are washing a pillow cover, remove the insert first and close the zipper or button closure so the cover does not snag. For a small pillow or a single throw, a mesh laundry bag adds a layer of protection. Measure detergent carefully; too much soap leaves residue that traps dirt and dulls the fibers.

Dry faux fur without heat or friction

Heat is the main enemy of faux fur. Air-dry the throw or cover flat on a clean towel or hang it over a drying rack in a well-ventilated room, away from radiators, direct sun, and space heaters. If you must use a dryer, choose the no-heat or air-fluff setting only, and remove the item while it is still slightly damp. Never use a hot dryer setting, because high heat can melt or singe the synthetic fibers and permanently change the texture.

While the item dries, shake it out every hour or so. This keeps the fibers from settling into a flat, matted layer. Once dry, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently lift and separate the pile. Work in small sections and avoid pulling hard, which can stretch or break the fibers.

Fix light matting before it becomes permanent

If the faux fur feels slightly flattened but the fibers are still soft and flexible, you can often revive it. Mist the surface lightly with clean water, then tumble the item on air-fluff with two or three clean tennis balls or dryer balls for 10 to 15 minutes. The balls bounce against the fabric and help separate the fibers without heat. Alternatively, brush the pile with a soft-bristle pet brush or a wide-tooth comb, moving in the direction of the nap.

For a faux fur pillow, you can also massage the pile with your hands while the cover is slightly damp, then let it finish drying flat. This works best on short-pile faux fur. Long-pile or shaggy styles may need more patience and repeated gentle combing.

When to stop and replace instead

Some matting cannot be fixed. If the fibers feel crispy, melted, or fused together, or if the backing is stiff, cracked, or shedding heavily, the damage is structural. No amount of washing, combing, or air-fluffing will restore the original softness. In that case, replacing the throw or pillow is the practical choice, especially if the item is a daily-use piece that you want to feel plush.

If you are unsure whether the matting is reversible, test a small section first. Mist it, comb gently, and let it dry. If the fibers bounce back, continue the full treatment. If they stay flat or break apart, stop and consider a replacement.

Diagnose your faux fur problem

• Symptom: fibers are flattened but still soft: This is light matting, often from normal use or a low-heat wash. Mist with water, comb gently, and air-fluff with dryer balls on no heat. Usually reversible with gentle combing and air drying.
• Symptom: fibers are tangled and clumpy after washing: Likely cause is hot water, high spin, or washing with rough fabrics. Rewash in cold water on gentle with mild detergent, then air-dry flat and comb while damp. If the clumps do not separate after one gentle re-wash, the fibers may be permanently tangled.
• Symptom: fibers feel crispy, melted, or fused: This is heat damage from a hot dryer or iron. The synthetic fibers have changed structure and cannot be restored. Stop treatment and replace the item; further washing may worsen shedding.

Faux fur care in practice: product notes

• Palm Leaf Embroidered Throw Pillow: This Palm Leaf Embroidered Pillow captures the elegance of nature through detailed, delicate embroidery. The large and small palm motifs, stitched in contrasting tones, add texture and depth, creating a layered look that feels both organic and refined. Soft yet structured, this design brings warmth and sophistication to your living space, whether styled as large couch pillows or large sofa pillows. Removable cover. The removable cover makes it easier to spot-clean or wash the cover separately from the insert, which reduces friction and helps prevent matting on any faux fur or textured surface.
• Snug Lumbar Pillow: Lovely, comfy, and versatile; this triple treat decorates and is there when you need it for your head, lower back or, our favorite, between your legs. OEKO-TEX® certified. Because it is OEKO-TEX certified and designed for close contact, gentle washing with mild detergent helps preserve both the certification and the soft hand feel.
• Tile Bolster Pillow: Textured geometry, refined scale. The Tile cotton bolster pillow features an intricate, summer-inspired woven pattern in soft, versatile tones designed to mix and match effortlessly across the collection. Crafted from 100% cotton, it adds visual depth and subtle contrast to beds and sofas. Finished with an invisible zipper and plush insert, it balances structure with relaxed softness. Removable cover. The cotton cover and removable insert mean you can wash the cover without exposing the insert to water, which is a good habit for any pillow that sits near a faux fur throw.