Best Practices for Reducing Excessive Shedding of Faux Fur: Tips and Insights
Managing the shedding of faux fur can be a delicate process, but with proper care, you can maintain the quality and appearance of your faux fur items for a longer period. Here are some effective techniques to help you limit excess shedding:
Wash Carefully
Follow Care Instructions: Always refer to the care label on your faux fur item. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can break down fibers.
Air Dry
Avoid the Dryer: Using a dryer to dry faux fur can damage the fabric. Instead, air dry by laying the item flat on a clean surface or hanging it up, while avoiding direct sunlight.
Brush Gently
Use a Specialized Brush: Employ a wide-toothed comb or a special faux fur brush to gently detangle the fabric. This can help reduce shedding while maintaining the appearance of the fur.
Avoid Excessive Friction
Minimize Rubbing: Reduce rubbing or pulling on the faux fur to prevent loosening of fibers. Be cautious when wearing or storing the item.
Proper Storage
Use Breathable Containers: When not in use, store faux fur items in a breathable garment bag or container. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause damage.
Regular Cleaning
Shake Out Regularly: Shake out or lightly vacuum faux fur items regularly to remove loose fibers and dust, which can help reduce shedding.
Invest in High-Quality Fabric
The better the quality of the fabric, the less likely it is to shed. Therefore, investing in quality faux fur items from the outset can significantly help in minimizing shedding.
Cutting Faux Fur
Proper Cutting Techniques: When cutting faux fur fabric, it is essential to cut at the base of the fabric, not the fur itself. Push the fur out of the way and only cut on the strip of fabric that holds the fur together.
Rotary Cutter Versus Scissors: In my experience, a rotary cutter is much easier for this task, but some customers prefer scissors. Try both and see what works best for you.
Cutting Seam Issues: Some faux fur fabric can tear along the seam. To test for this, make a small cut to start and gently pull the two sides apart. The fabric should follow the seam straight through, requiring minimal additional force.
Using Faux Fur
Cleaning Workspaces: After cutting faux fur, use a handheld vacuum or the hose on your vacuum cleaner to clean up your workspace and give the fabric a quick once-over. This helps remove all loose hairs.
Light Brushing: Don’t overstoke but give the fabric a light brush now and then to keep it tangle-free. If tangles do occur, they can snap off a large chunk of the fur.
Some customers I met at Joanna's recommended using a little hairspray to help manage faux fur, but I haven't personally tried this method. Your feedback on this suggestion would be greatly appreciated!