Yes, you can wash fur rugs, but the specific cleaning method and products you use depend heavily on whether your rug is made of faux fur or authentic (real) fur. Understanding the material is crucial to prevent damage and ensure effective cleaning.
Understanding Different Types of Fur Rugs
Before attempting any cleaning, identify the material of your rug:
- Faux Fur Rugs: These rugs are crafted from synthetic fibers like acrylic, polyester, or modacrylic, designed to imitate the appearance and texture of real animal fur. They are generally more robust for home cleaning.
- Authentic (Real) Fur Rugs: These are made from genuine animal hides or shearling, often from sheep (wool). Real fur requires delicate care, often necessitating professional cleaning to maintain its natural texture and the integrity of the hide.
Washing Faux Fur Rugs
Faux fur rugs are typically easier to clean and can often be managed at home. Faux fur rugs can be treated with mild detergents and solutions to remove surface-level stains or deeper stains.
Here’s a guide to safely cleaning your faux fur rug:
- Always Check the Care Label: Your rug's care label is the most important guide, indicating whether it's suitable for machine washing, hand washing, or spot cleaning.
- Spot Cleaning for Minor Stains:
- Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing a small amount of mild detergent (one suitable for delicate fabrics) with cool water.
- Dampen a clean, white cloth with the solution and gently blot the stained area. Avoid rubbing, which can damage the fibers.
- Rinse by blotting with a separate cloth dampened with plain cool water.
- Blot dry with a clean towel and allow the area to air dry completely.
- Hand Washing for Deeper Cleaning:
- Fill a bathtub or large basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Submerge the rug and gently agitate it to release dirt. Do not scrub harshly or twist the rug.
- Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cool water for rinsing. Repeat until all soap residue is gone.
- Carefully press out excess water without wringing or twisting the rug.
- Machine Washing (If Permitted by Label):
- For protection, place the rug inside a large mesh laundry bag.
- Select a delicate or wool cycle with cold water and use a mild detergent.
- Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage synthetic fibers.
- Drying Faux Fur:
- Gently roll the rug in a clean, dry towel to absorb as much water as possible.
- Lay the rug flat or hang it over a drying rack, keeping it away from direct heat sources or sunlight.
- Once mostly dry, you can gently brush the fibers with a soft-bristled brush to restore their fluffiness.
Washing Authentic (Real) Fur Rugs
Cleaning authentic fur rugs is a more delicate process, and professional cleaning is often the safest and most recommended option to preserve the hide and fur. If you decide to clean it at home, proceed with extreme caution.
- Spot Cleaning for Small Spills:
- Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub.
- For more persistent spots, you may use a tiny amount of detergent approved for wool, diluted in cool water, applied very sparingly with a cloth.
- Gently blot the area, then rinse by blotting with a cloth dampened with plain cool water.
- Blot dry thoroughly and allow to air dry completely, away from any heat source.
- Avoid Submerging: Real fur rugs should almost never be fully submerged in water. This can cause the leather hide backing to stiffen, shrink, or crack, leading to irreversible damage.
- Professional Cleaning is Recommended: For thorough cleaning or significant stains, it's highly advisable to consult a professional cleaner specializing in fur, leather, or delicate rugs. They possess the expertise and specialized tools to clean and restore real fur safely.
- Detergent Choice: In the case of authentic wool fur rugs, be sure to choose a detergent that is approved for wool. Regular or harsh detergents can strip the natural oils from the fur and damage the hide.
- Drying Real Fur:
- After any spot treatment, lay the rug flat on a clean surface or hang it over a rack.
- Ensure it air dries slowly and completely, away from direct heat sources, which can cause the hide to become brittle or shrink.
- Never put a real fur rug in a machine dryer.
Comparison of Washing Methods
| Feature | Faux Fur Rugs | Authentic (Real) Fur Rugs |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Synthetic fibers (polyester, acrylic) | Animal hide, wool, shearling |
| Detergent | Mild detergent, gentle solutions | Detergent approved for wool (if applicable), very mild |
| Washing Method | Spot clean, hand wash, (sometimes) machine wash | Spot clean only, professional cleaning highly recommended |
| Submersion | Generally safe (for hand/machine wash) | Avoid full submersion (can damage hide) |
| Drying | Air dry, gentle brushing | Air dry flat, away from heat, never machine dry |
| Risk of Damage | Lower, mainly matting or heat damage | High (shrinking, cracking, stiffness of hide) |
Important Washing Tips for All Fur Rugs
- Test a Small Area First: Before applying any cleaning solution to a visible area, always test it on an inconspicuous spot of the rug to check for colorfastness or any adverse reactions.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, strong solvents, and aggressive cleaners can strip natural oils from real fur and cause irreversible damage to synthetic fibers in faux fur.
- Handle Gently: Fur fibers are delicate. Avoid harsh scrubbing, wringing, or twisting, which can lead to matting or damage.
- Regular Maintenance: Frequent gentle vacuuming (without a beater bar for real fur) and shaking out your rug can significantly reduce the need for deep cleaning.
- Control Humidity: For real fur rugs, maintaining stable humidity levels in your home helps prevent the leather hide from drying out and cracking over time.
By carefully assessing your rug's material and following the appropriate cleaning guidelines, you can ensure your fur rug remains beautiful and well-maintained.
