One of the questions we're asked most often about faux fur blankets is a very sensible one:
Can you actually wash faux fur without ruining it?
The answer is yes — provided your blanket is designed to be washable and you follow its care instructions.
A beautiful faux fur blanket shouldn't be something you're afraid to use. It should be curled up under, shared with children, claimed by the dog and occasionally subjected to everything everyday family life brings with it.
That's why Minimink blankets are designed to be machine washable.
Can You Machine Wash a Faux Fur Blanket?
Many faux fur blankets can be machine washed, but you should always check the manufacturer's care instructions first.
Different faux furs, linings and construction methods can require different care.
Minimink faux fur blankets are machine washable and have been designed for real homes and everyday use. Our blankets combine our ultra-soft faux fur with a cotton velour lining, so they're made to be enjoyed rather than saved for special occasions.
And considering some of our customers have been using their Minimink for close to two decades — and even longer — we know they can become very much part of everyday family life.
How to Wash a Minimink Faux Fur Blanket
Caring for your Minimink is surprisingly simple.
1. Machine wash on gentle cycle
Follow the care instructions supplied with your blanket and choose a gentle wash cycle.
2. Give your blanket room
Don't cram a large blanket into a washing machine that's too small for it. Your blanket needs enough room to move during the wash cycle.
This is particularly important for our larger and heavier blankets.
3. Use a gentle detergent
A normal gentle laundry detergent is all that's needed. Avoid harsh laundry products that aren't recommended on the care label.
4. Follow the care label
This sounds obvious, but it's important. Not every faux fur product is made the same way, so always follow the instructions for the particular blanket you own.
How to Dry a Faux Fur Blanket
For Minimink blankets, you can air dry or tumble dry on low, following the care instructions on your blanket.
If air drying, allow plenty of room for air to circulate around the blanket.
Remember that larger Minimink blankets can hold quite a lot of water after washing and will be considerably heavier when wet, so make sure your drying rack or line can comfortably support the weight, and place a towel or container underneath to catch any water.
If using a tumble dryer, follow the care label and use the recommended low setting.
Avoid high heat.
Excessive heat is one of the things most likely to damage synthetic faux fur fibres.
How Do You Keep Faux Fur Soft After Washing?
The most important thing is actually what you don't do.
Avoid excessive heat, don't iron the faux fur and don't use washing or drying methods that contradict its natural movement.
A well-made faux fur blanket shouldn't require complicated maintenance to remain beautiful.
Can You Wash a Faux Fur Blanket Regularly?
Yes — if the manufacturer's instructions allow it.
How often you need to wash yours will depend entirely on how it's used.
A decorative throw at the end of a guest bed will naturally need washing less frequently than the blanket that's permanently on the family sofa — particularly if children and pets have decided it's theirs.
Rather than washing according to a rigid schedule, wash your blanket when it needs it.
What About Large Faux Fur Blankets?
This deserves special mention.
A large faux fur blanket can become very heavy when wet, so washing-machine capacity matters.
If your blanket cannot move comfortably inside your machine, don't force it in. A suitable larger-capacity machine may be a better option.
Always check both your blanket's care instructions and the capacity of your washing machine.
Made to Be Lived In
We don't think a beautiful blanket should spend its life being protected from everyday living.
Minimink has been part of Australian homes since 2003, and over the years we've heard from customers whose blankets have followed children through childhood, moved from beds to sofas, travelled with families and inevitably been claimed by pets.
That's exactly how we think they should be used.
Soft. Machine washable. Made to be lived in.
Looking for a faux fur blanket designed for warmth, softness and everyday family life?
