What Happens If You Put a Faux Fur Throw in the Dryer?
For a touch of elegance, snuggle under a deluxe faux fur blanket; you can't go wrong! But if you've ever wondered about the proper way to maintain your fake fur blanket or faux fur throw, you may be curious if it's safe to throw it into the dryer. Although the convenience of machine drying might be tempting, tossing your faux fur blanket in the dryer could cause some major damage. Here’s why you might reconsider throwing your faux fur blanket in the dryer.
How to Dry a Faux Fur Blanket in the Dryer (and the Risks Involved)
Starting the dryer with your faux fur blanket can lead to many problems, making the finish and structure differ from what they used to be. Here’s what can go wrong:
· Damage to the Fibers: Faux fur is made of synthetic fibers that can't handle the heat and extreme tumbling action of a dryer. The heat can cause the fibers to clump together, lose their softness, or even melt, which means that your faux fur blanket will lose its snuggly texture.
· Loss of Shape: The tumbling action of a dryer can end up matting the fibers together, leaving your faux fur throw flat and uneven. This creates a blanket that is no longer soft or cozy.
· Color Loss: If you've splurged on a colored or patterned faux fur blanket, tumble drying it can lead to color loss over time. The warmth and movement can damage the fibers in the throw, causing it to lose its color.
Step-by-Step Guide on Drying a Faux Fur Blanket
Air drying is the safest way to do so to keep your faux fur blanket looking its best. So here’s the right way to dry your faux fur blanket:
· Air Dry Flat: Spread out your faux fur throw flat (like on a drying rack or towel) to air dry naturally. This allows the fibers to keep their shape and texture without exposing them to the heat of a dryer.
· Air Dry Away from the Sun: Although air drying is the most effective, do not place your faux fur blanket directly in the sun. While this might still fade the color or damage the fibers over time, it is a much less intensive method that is easier on fabrics. The best way to dry is hanging indoors in the shade and in a well-ventilated place.
· Shake and Fluff: Once your faux fur blanket is completely dry, give it a gentle shake and fluff it back up for that soft, full texture.
Is the Dryer Allowed at a Low Temperature?
The dryer should generally be avoided, but if you find yourself needing to use it, here are some tips:
· Use a Low Heat Setting: If your blanket is especially dirty or you require an expedited drying process, use the lowest heat setting on your dryer. Whenever possible, make the setting as low as possible and never use a high setting.
· Put in a Protective Bag: Stuff your fake fur blanket into a protective mesh laundry bag before putting it in the dryer to minimize damage. This will limit friction and agitation while still allowing the blanket to dry more uniformly.
· Add Dryer Balls: Toss a couple of dryer balls into the dryer with your faux fur throw on the lowest heat setting to fluff the fibers and prevent matting. This helps keep the texture intact, although air drying is still the best option.
Faux Fur Throw Blanket by Battilo Home
For anyone on the hunt for a new luxury faux fur blanket, Battilo Home has curated a collection of stylishly designed faux fur pieces to choose from. The artificial fur blankets that they offer will inspire the designer in you as they are both comfortable and stylish. With the right care (avoiding the dryer), they can deliver years of warmth and sophistication to any room.
Drying Faux Fur Blankets without a Dryer
In case your faux fur blanket is wet or requires cleaning, it’s vital to skip the dryer. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
· Spot Cleaning: For small spills or stains, use a mild detergent and cold water to spot clean the faux fur throw. Blot the area gently without rubbing the fibers.
· Professional Cleaning: If your fake fur blanket is very delicate or heavily soiled, you can take it to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in faux fur. They can ensure it’s cleaned without harming the fabric.
Conclusion
"Running a faux fur throw blanket in the dryer is a no-no and can damage the fibers, lose the shape, and fade the color." To keep the fluffiness and softness of your faux fur blanket, dry them using air drying methods as much as possible. Although you might be tempted to speed things up in a dryer, resisting the urge means your blanket will remain the soft, fluffy, vibrant item you know and love for many years to come. If you follow the correct care instructions, particularly with regard to drying, your faux fur blanket will remain a comfortable and stylish feature of your home.