What Not To Do When Drying Faux Fur & More Tips – Complete Care Guide

Introduction

In this short tutorial, Big Z Fabric shares important care tips for drying faux fur fabric properly.

Faux fur is a beautiful and textured fabric, but it needs to be handled carefully when washed or dried. The main focus of this video is what not to do when drying faux fur, because heat and improper drying methods can permanently damage the fibers.

This guide is useful for anyone working with faux fur for garments, costumes, cosplay, blankets, pillows, plush projects, jackets, accessories, home décor, or craft pieces.

Materials Needed

Fabric

Faux fur fabric
Faux fur garment or finished project

Care Supplies

Towel
Lint roller
Wide-tooth comb or pet brush
Hanger or drying rack
Cool, well-ventilated drying area

Tools to Avoid

High-heat dryer
Hot iron
Direct heat source
Hair dryer on hot setting

Project Overview

The video explains that faux fur should not be dried with high heat.

Faux fur fibers are often synthetic, which means they can melt, shrink, mat, curl, frizz, or lose their soft texture if exposed to too much heat. Once the fibers are heat damaged, the texture usually cannot be fully restored.

The safest approach is to let faux fur air dry naturally and then gently brush or fluff the fibers once dry.

Why Faux Fur Requires Special Drying Care

Faux fur is made with a fabric backing and a raised pile of fibers on the surface.

Because the pile is what gives faux fur its soft and fluffy appearance, the drying process matters a lot. If the fibers are overheated or crushed while wet, the fur can lose its original texture.

Improper drying can cause:

Matted fibers
Frizz
Flattened pile
Curling
Rough texture
Loss of softness
Permanent heat damage
A less realistic or less plush appearance

This is why faux fur should be dried gently.

What Not To Do When Drying Faux Fur

Do Not Use High Heat

The most important warning is to avoid high heat.

High heat can damage synthetic faux fur fibers. This can make the fur look melted, frizzy, clumped, or rough.

Once this happens, the fabric may not return to its original softness.

Do Not Put Faux Fur in a Hot Dryer

Avoid drying faux fur in a dryer on a hot setting.

Even if the fabric looks durable, the pile can be sensitive to heat. A hot dryer may cause the fur fibers to shrink, curl, or mat together.

If a dryer must be used, it should only be done according to the fabric’s care instructions, and only with a no-heat or air-fluff setting when appropriate.

Do Not Iron Faux Fur

Do not press the furry side of faux fur with a hot iron.

An iron can flatten or melt the pile almost immediately. It can also leave permanent marks on the fur surface.

If the backing needs to be smoothed, use extreme caution and follow the fabric care instructions. Never place direct heat on the fur pile.

Do Not Use Direct Heat Sources

Avoid placing faux fur near direct heat sources such as:

Heaters
Radiators
Hot air vents
Fireplaces
Hot blow dryers
Direct high heat from appliances

Direct heat can damage the fibers even if the fabric is not inside a dryer.

Step 1: Remove Excess Water Gently

After washing or dampening faux fur, remove excess water gently.

Do not twist or wring the fabric aggressively. Wringing can distort the backing and crush the pile.

Instead, press the fabric gently between towels to absorb extra moisture.

Step 2: Lay the Faux Fur Flat or Hang Carefully

Place the faux fur on a drying rack, clean towel, or hanger depending on the project shape.

For yardage or flat pieces, laying the fabric flat can help prevent stretching.

For garments, hanging may work if the fabric is not too heavy when wet. If the project becomes heavy with water, support it properly so the shape does not stretch out.

Step 3: Let the Faux Fur Air Dry

Allow the faux fur to air dry naturally.

Choose a cool, well-ventilated area. Air circulation helps the fabric dry without needing heat.

This method takes longer than using a dryer, but it is much safer for preserving the softness and texture of the fur.

Step 4: Avoid Crushing the Pile While Drying

Make sure the faux fur is not folded, compressed, or trapped under heavy objects while drying.

If the pile dries while crushed, it may stay flattened or matted.

Give the fur enough space so the fibers can dry in a more natural position.

Step 5: Brush the Fur Gently Once Dry

Once the faux fur is fully dry, gently brush the pile.

Use a wide-tooth comb, pet brush, or soft brush depending on the fur type.

Brushing helps separate the fibers, restore fluffiness, and improve the final appearance.

Do not brush too aggressively, especially if the fur is long pile or delicate.

Step 6: Fluff the Fur by Hand

After brushing, use your hands to fluff and shape the fur.

This helps restore volume and movement.

For long-pile faux fur, gently shake or lift the fibers with your fingers to bring back a fuller look.

Step 7: Check for Matted Areas

Inspect the faux fur for any areas that look clumped or flat.

If you notice matted spots, brush them gently in small sections. Work slowly so you do not pull out fibers or damage the backing.

If the matting was caused by heat, it may not fully come out, which is why avoiding heat is so important.

Step 8: Store Faux Fur Properly After Drying

Once the faux fur is clean and fully dry, store it in a way that protects the pile.

Avoid crushing it under heavy items. If storing fabric yardage, roll it loosely instead of folding it tightly when possible.

For garments or costume pieces, hang them with enough space so the fur does not get flattened.

Final Result

When dried correctly, faux fur should stay:

Soft
Fluffy
Textured
Smooth to the touch
Full in volume
Free from heat damage
Ready to use or wear again

Proper drying helps preserve the fabric’s original appearance and extends the life of the project.

Tips from the Video

Do not dry faux fur with high heat.
Avoid putting faux fur in a hot dryer.
Air drying is the safest option.
Do not iron the fur pile.
Keep faux fur away from direct heat sources.
Remove excess water gently with a towel.
Do not twist or wring the fabric aggressively.
Let the fur dry in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid crushing the pile while it dries.
Brush the fur gently after it is fully dry.
Use a wide-tooth comb or soft brush to restore fluffiness.
Store faux fur without compressing it.

Main Takeaway

This video teaches that faux fur should be dried gently and protected from heat.

The main lesson is to avoid high heat, hot dryers, and direct heat sources because they can permanently damage the faux fur fibers. Air drying, gentle towel pressing, and light brushing after drying are the safest ways to keep faux fur soft, fluffy, and looking its best.