Faux Fur Slippers: Warmth, Matting and How to Wash Fuzzy Pairs
Faux fur slippers explained: what the fuzzy pile is made of, how to tell faux from real fur, what makes a pair warm, and how to clean and fluff matted fur.
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Faux fur slippers have a synthetic pile, usually polyester or acrylic, made to look like fur. Warmth comes mostly from coverage and lining depth, so a faux fur slipper boot is warmer than an open slide. Keep fuzzy pairs out of the washing machine, spot clean them gently and brush out matting once they are dry.
What faux fur slippers are made of
Faux fur is “a pile fabric engineered to have the appearance and warmth of fur,” according to Wikipedia. The fibers are usually polyester, nylon or acrylic, and acrylic and modacrylic are common choices. The same family of piles shows up as sherpa, plush and “fuzzy” linings on slipper listings.
Faux fur turns up in three places on a slipper: the lining, the upper and the collar. A pair can have a smooth outer and a fuzzy lining, a fuzzy outer and a fleece lining, or fur all over. Our sherpa vs fleece vs faux fur comparison explains how those fabrics differ on blankets, and the same differences apply to slippers.
How to tell faux fur slippers from real fur
Faux fur slippers should say so in the fiber content, and that line is worth reading. In 2013 the FTC announced settlements with three retailers it charged with marketing products as “faux fur” that “contained real fur.” One was a short boot.
The FTC’s business guidance says online ads for real fur must disclose “the animal that produced the fur” and “the fur’s country of origin.” So a few checks help:
- Look for a synthetic fiber name, such as polyester, acrylic or modacrylic.
- Treat an animal name as real fur. Rabbit, fox or mink on the label means an animal pelt.
- Remember sheepskin is real. A sheepskin lining is wool left on the hide. Our UGG slippers guide covers sheepskin pairs.
Women's faux fur and fuzzy slippers on eBay
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What makes faux fur slippers warm
Faux fur slippers feel warm the moment they go on, but the fur is only part of the story. In our reading, three things decide how warm a pair will feel:
| Feature | Warmer choice | Cooler choice |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Slipper boot or closed back | Open slide or scuff |
| Lining | Deep pile all around | Fur trim on a thin lining |
| Sole | Thick sole off a cold floor | Thin fabric sole |
A fur-trimmed slide looks cozy, but it leaves the heel and the top of the foot open. If you run cold, our women’s slippers guide compares slipper boots and closed-back styles.
How to wash faux fur slippers
Faux fur slippers need gentler cleaning than a fleece pair. Dearfoams keeps fur out of the washing machine and gives these steps:
- Spot clean. Spray the dirty area lightly “with the least amount of water possible,” then blot.
- Freshen. Sprinkle baking soda inside, leave it overnight, then shake it out.
- Vacuum. An upholstery attachment lifts dust and leftover powder from the pile.
- Air dry. Dearfoams does not recommend the dryer for any slippers, since it “can cause them to misshapen.”
Tip
How to store faux fur slippers between seasons
Faux fur slippers last longer between winters if they are stored with care. Wikipedia advises keeping faux fur away from humidity, heat and sunlight, and notes that moths do not damage it the way they can real fur. A clean, dry pair in a breathable bag or box is ready for the first cold night.
Sherpa, fuzzy and faux fur slippers on eBay
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Faux fur slippers or another lining?
Faux fur slippers suit anyone who wants plush warmth without animal hide. If you want something easier to wash, look at knit or fleece pairs, or our slipper socks guide. If you prefer real leather with a natural lining, our leather slippers guide covers suede and sheepskin. Every style is compared in our slippers guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put faux fur slippers in the washing machine?
Check the label first. Dearfoams says fur slippers should stay out of the washing machine and suggests spot cleaning with the least amount of water possible. Some fleece and knit pairs are machine washable, but a plush fur pile is usually not.
How do you fix matted faux fur slippers?
Dearfoams suggests using a wool wire brush to brush out matted fur. Work gently in small sections once the slipper is fully dry, and avoid the dryer, which Dearfoams says can leave slippers misshapen.
How can you tell if fur slippers are faux or real?
Read the fiber content. Faux fur is usually polyester, nylon, acrylic or modacrylic. The FTC says online ads for real fur must name the animal and its country of origin, so an animal name on the label means real fur. Sheepskin is a real animal hide.
Are faux fur slippers warm?
They can be. Warmth comes mostly from how much of the foot the slipper covers and how thick the lining is. A faux fur slipper boot covers more than an open faux fur slide, so it will feel warmer on a cold floor.
How do you get smells out of fuzzy slippers?
Dearfoams suggests sprinkling baking soda inside the fur slippers, leaving it overnight, then shaking or vacuuming it out with an upholstery attachment.
Sources
- Fake furWikipedia
- Care InstructionsDearfoams
- Retailers Agree to Settle FTC Charges They Marketed Real Fur Products as Fake FurFederal Trade Commission
- Faux claims for faux furFederal Trade Commission
- UGG Australia Cleaning and CareUGG (via Zappos)
Part of our guide to Best Slippers: House Slippers, Slipper Boots and Memory Foam.
