Minky Care
What's the best way to clean minky and/or items made of minky?
Minky can be run through the wash and dried on low heat or permanent press. It's generally best to avoid high heat settings, but a little heat won't damage the fabric.
Items made of minky, especially pieces like handmade plush and fursuits, usually want to be spot-cleaned to avoid damage to the stitching. For surface-level dirt, spot cleaning with a sponge or washcloth and water may be enough to take it off. If you need to get a bit deeper, unscented and undyed stain remover (like for baby clothes) or soap can be used. Avoid submerging or soaking anything full of stuffing in water.
How do I get creases out of minky?
For large sections of minky with relatively light creasing, I recommend throwing the whole thing in the dryer on permanent press. The heat and agitation will do a lot for any creased fibers!
A clothing steamer with a brush attachment is the best option for smaller sections and more aggressive creasing. Steam on medium, brushing the pile in the direction that it naturally wants to lay.
You can also use an iron, but if you do so I suggest always using a barrier like a piece of tissue paper and sticking to lower temperature settings. The heat from the iron can easily damage minky fibers.
Do I need to pre-wash minky?
You don't need to, but there are benefits to doing so. Pre-washing will get out any creases and fluff up the pile a bit, so whatever you're making will be super smooth and soft in the end.
How should I store minky?
Much like with any fabric, minky should be stored in a dry area, ideally folded or rolled to limit creasing over time.