Fur Coat Bleaching: What You Need To Know

Whether natural or artificial, white fur is prone to discolouration over time. The fur on your coat may bleach if exposed to the sun or moisture for extended periods. Additionally, factors such as dirt, food, and smoke can cause fur to yellow. While dry cleaning is an option, it can be expensive and may not always yield the desired results. There are several home remedies to clean and whiten fur, including using refined gasoline, sawdust, vinegar, glycerin, and hydrogen peroxide. However, it's important to exercise caution when handling these substances, especially when working with highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide, as it can be harmful to the skin.

Home remedies for bleaching fur

It is highly unlikely that you will be able to bleach faux fur at home, especially if you are aiming to achieve a specific colour. At best, you might be able to lighten the colour a little, but this could also negatively affect the quality and texture of the fur.

If you are determined to try bleaching your faux fur at home, you could try using a concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution or sodium chlorite. However, it is important to note that these chemicals can be dangerous and may not be suitable for all types of faux fur.

Lemon juice and olive or coconut oil：

Mix 4 tablespoons of lemon juice with 4 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your fur using your fingertips or a squeeze bottle. Leave it on for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then shampoo and condition your fur. Repeat this process 2-3 times a month.

Baking soda and water:

Make a paste by mixing 2-4 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water. You can also add other lightening ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, or honey. Apply the paste to your fur using your fingertips, making sure to work it in from root to tip. Leave it on for 15 minutes to an hour, then shampoo and condition your fur. Repeat this process 2-3 times a month.

Hydrogen peroxide:

Pour 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and apply it to your fur, using your fingers to distribute it evenly. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes, then shampoo and condition your fur. Repeat this process 1-2 times a month.

Chamomile tea and lemon juice:

Brew 2 cups of chamomile tea using 6-8 tea bags or 2-3 tablespoons of loose chamomile flowers. Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice for faster lightening (optional). Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to your fur. Let your fur dry naturally, then rinse and repeat 2-3 times a month. For faster results, let your fur dry in the sun.

Please note that these methods may not produce the same colour results as professional bleaching, and they may take longer to show effects. Always do a patch test on a small area of the fur first to check for any negative reactions.

Commercial fur whitening products

There are a variety of commercial fur whitening products available on the market. One such product is Lana's Fur Whitening Solution, which is designed to restore the natural whiteness of fur coats that have become yellowed with age. The product is easy to use and is made from all-natural, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle on the fur. The process involves brushing the area to be treated, spraying on the whitening solution, working it in with a soft pad, and then letting the garment dry in a lighted area. The procedure can be repeated for a whiter finish. Lana's also offers a complete fur whitening kit, which includes a brush and pad, for $24.95.

Another option for fur whitening is to use a whitening shampoo. There are several brands available, including:

• Chris Christensen White on White Whitening Treatment Dog Shampoo
• Lillian Ruff Ultra-Brightening Professional Whitening Shampoo
• Arm & Hammer for Pets Brightening Dog Shampoo
• BioSilk for Dogs Silk Therapy Whitening Shampoo

How to bleach dog fur

It is not recommended to bleach a dog's fur as it can be harmful to their skin and, if ingested, it can be lethal. If you are trying to remove stains from a dog's white coat, there are several alternative methods you can try.

Firstly, you can use a whitening shampoo and conditioner, such as Magic Coat® Bright White Shampoo, to remove discolouration and restore a coat's natural shine. It is important to thoroughly rinse the shampoo out of your dog's coat to avoid it looking dull and grey.

You can also try using household ingredients such as cornstarch, baking soda, or lemon juice. Cornstarch absorbs oils, covers stains, and removes odours. Simply sprinkle it on, rub it in, and brush it through the coat. To use baking soda, make a paste with water, brush it into the stain, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth after it dries. Lemon juice can be used in the same way as baking soda but be sure to dilute it with water first.

If your dog has berry stains on their fur, you can try using a damp cloth to blot the stain, and then apply a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water. If the stain is still visible, you can try a mild bleach solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Always test a small area of your dog's fur first to ensure they do not have an allergic reaction.

How to bleach faux fur

What You'll Need:

• Faux fur item
• Chlorine bleach (check active ingredient is sodium hypochlorite)
• Water
• Bucket
• Stirring implement (e.g. large spoon or dowel rod)
• Washing machine (optional)

Method:

It's important to note that bleach will likely damage the fibres of your faux fur item, so this process should be approached with caution. It is recommended that you test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first.

Firstly, fill a bucket with water. The water should be as hot as possible, but still comfortable to the touch. Next, add the bleach to the water, aiming for a ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Stir the mixture thoroughly.

Now, submerge your faux fur item in the bleach solution. Allow it to soak for an hour. You may need to weigh the fur down with something heavy to ensure it is fully submerged.

After an hour, remove the item from the bucket and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. You may wish to put it through a delicate wash in your washing machine to ensure all bleach residue is removed.

Finally, leave the item to air dry.

Tips:

• If you are unhappy with the colour after the first soak, you can repeat the process, this time leaving the item to soak for up to 3 hours.
• Be aware that bleach may not be effective on all faux fur fabrics, particularly those made from synthetic fibres like polyester.
• If you are looking for a safer alternative to bleach, you could try a dye remover like Rit Color Remover or Jacquard Color Remover.
• Dyeing your faux fur a lighter colour is another option. You can do this using fabric dye that works with synthetic materials, such as Rit Synthetic.

Hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with the formula H2O2. It is a very pale blue liquid that is slightly more viscous than water. It is commonly used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic. It is available in dilute solutions (3%–6% by weight) for consumer use and in higher concentrations for industrial use.

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective bleaching agent because it is an oxidizing disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses, mould, fungi, and more. It oxidises chromophores, breaking the chemical bonds that cause staining and removing colour from fabric or fibre. This makes it ideal for applications such as pulp bleaching in the paper industry, as it causes less textile fibre damage than chlorine-based bleach.

Although hydrogen peroxide is not commonly referred to as "bleach", it is one of the most common bleaching agents. It is seen as an environmentally safe alternative to chlorine-based bleaches because it degrades into water and oxygen. It is generally recognized as safe for use as an antimicrobial agent by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Hydrogen peroxide has been used for various bleaching applications, including:

• Pulp and paper-bleaching
• Laundry detergents
• Flour bleaching
• Tooth and bone whitening
• Hair bleaching
• Removing blood stains
• Removing yellowing from aged plastics

However, it is important to note that hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous. It forms explosive mixtures upon contact with organic compounds and is corrosive, especially in concentrated forms. It can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes, and skin, and swallowing or inhaling high concentrations can be harmful.

Frequently asked questions