I make a lot of different critters here in the Monster Lab. Different materials and construction methods mean that some pieces can be machine washed, while others should only ever be spot cleaned.

When in doubt, use the gentlest cleaning method available or contact me BEFORE attempting anything more thorough.

General Faux Fur Care
Plushies & Art Dolls
Partial Suits & Cosplay
Electronics
Repairs

General Faux Fur Care

These recommendations apply to nearly all faux fur creations.

Brushing

Regular brushing keeps faux fur soft, fluffy, and free of tangles.

  • Use a wire pet slicker brush for most faux furs.
  • Brush gently in the direction of the fur whenever possible.
  • Use short strokes, especially around seams, sculpted details, eyes, noses, claws, and other delicate areas.
  • Brush after cleaning and whenever the fur begins to look compressed.

Heat

🚨HEAT IS THE FASTEST WAY TO PERMANENTLY DAMAGE FAUX FUR!!🚨

Avoid:

  • Hot water & steam
  • Clothes dryers
  • Hair dryers on hot settings
  • Space heaters
  • Radiators
  • Leaving your piece in a hot vehicle
  • Prolonged direct sunlight

Always allow faux fur to air dry naturally. You can set it near a fan or dehumidifier to speed the process, rotating it regularly for even drying.

Storage

Store your creation:

  • Clean and completely dry
  • In a cool, dry location
  • Away from direct sunlight
  • Away from excessive humidity

Long-term storage in damp conditions can lead to odors or mildew.

Plushies & Art Dolls

Plushies, soft sculptures, and art dolls often contain sculpted details, specialty stuffing, armatures, weighted materials, or finishes that are not intended for machine washing.

Routine Care

Brush as needed with a slicker brush to restore the fur.

Cleaning

Spot clean using cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.

Avoid soaking the entire piece unless specifically instructed otherwise.

After cleaning, gently blot away excess moisture with a towel and allow the piece to air dry completely before brushing.

Partial Suits & Cosplay

Most costume parts, including bodysuits, sleeves, paws, tails, and many accessories, can generally be machine washed gently in cold water.

Unless otherwise noted for your specific piece:

  • Wash inside out.
  • Use cold water.
  • Select a gentle or delicate cycle.
  • Use a mild liquid detergent.
  • Do not use bleach.
  • Do not use fabric softener.
  • Air dry completely before wearing or storing. Fans and dehumidifiers are helpful.
  • Brush gently intermittently throughout air drying time maintain texture
  • Electric shoe driers on low or fan-only setting are very popular for helping things dry faster from inside.
  • If you use a hair dryer, make VERY VERY SURE that it’s set to cool blow only!!

Some components—including heads, electronics, airbrushed markings, rigid parts, resin parts, or specialty finishes—may require different care. Please follow any instructions included with your specific item.

Electronics

Items containing LEDs, batteries, wiring, fans, sound modules, or other electronics should 🚨NEVER BE SUBMERGED IN WATER🚨. I design my work as much as possible to be able to remove all electronic components to facilitate maintenance, repairs, and cleaning, but depending on the parameters of the commission, this may not be possible in some cases.

All pieces with electronics will come with an info sheet listing all components, their locations, & how to access them, and will also indicate whether the item has non-removable electronics to account for.

In pieces where all components can be fully removed, the rest of the item can be cleaned identically to an “analog” item of the same type; see the relevant subsection of this same page for further advice. 🚨If all components CANNOT be removed, it will have to be spot-cleaned by hand!!🚨This constraint will always be discussed during project planning.

I use a standard rechargeable USB power bank to run all my pieces, which is included along with a charging cable, and allows them to be compatible with any other USB power banks you may happen to own as well. Remember to remove batteries before all cleaning.

Individual designs may come with personalized instructions where applicable in cases that have any special material concerns not covered here.

Repairs

Many items, cosplay items especially, naturally experience wear with use.

Loose threads, worn fur, detached accessories, or other damage can often be repaired.

If your piece needs maintenance, please get in touch BEFORE attempting major repairs yourself. I’m happy to advise you on the safest approach.