How to Care for Real Fur

Owning a real fur coat is beyond happiness, and there’s no doubt about it. However, keeping this luxurious item looking great for many years can feel like a technical task, yet it’s not.

The beauty of fur is in its look because each piece has its own story. Besides, as the saying goes, “With greater power comes great responsibility.” In the fur world, with beauty comes the reliability of caring for it.

Real fur coats attract dust and lint. Although a little rain may worry you, you want your fur to last, shine, and stay an amazing part of your wardrobe.  So, for that, you’re welcome to continue reading.

This simple and free guide contains expert advice on how to care for your fur coat and make it look as stylish as new.

So, without further delay, let’s get to the good stuff!

How to Care for a Fur Coat

Although cleaning is crucial, caring for your fur coat is very important. Here are some essential tips for you:

The Right Hanger

Always hang your fur on a strong, broad-shouldered hanger. This helps keep the shoulder shape and overall look.

You must ensure that the hanger's neck is long enough to keep the collar away from the hanging rod, avoiding unnecessary creases.

Dust Protection

Get a breathable cotton bag if you don’t wear your fur daily. This will let the coat breathe while keeping dust away, which is crucial in preventing hide from drying out or cracking.

Note: Avoid plastic bags! They trap moisture and may deteriorate it.

Damage from Jewelry

Be careful with jewelry. Pins can damage the fur and cause bald patches. Also, if you wear a shoulder bag very often, you should switch sides to reduce wear on one coat area.

Prevent Stains

Wear a scarf around your neck when you’re dressing. This simple step is very powerful, as it can help prevent body oils and makeup from soiling your coat's collar.

Oils can create unpleasant smells, and the alcohol can dry out the hides, so avoid using hairspray or perfume while wearing your fur.

Handle Stains

This is for small stains only. Gently dab the stained area with a clean, soft cloth. Then, follow up with another slightly damp cloth. Finally, let it air dry.

Avoid the use of detergents or stain removers on real fur, as these can cause irreparable damage.

Avoid Crushing

Take off your coat to avoid flattening the fur fiber when you’re sitting for a long time. If you’re unable to do that, consider a position shift to balance out pressure and minimize wear.

When wearing fur, try to avoid sitting for extended periods to prevent damaging the fur. If you must sit, use a cushion or drape the coat over the back of the chair to maintain the integrity of the material.

Managing Moisture in a Well Ventilated Room

If you get caught in light rain or snow, simply shake the coat to remove excess water. Hang it in a well-ventilated room to dry. Once it’s dry, give it a gentle shake to fluff the fur back up.

Note: Never use a blow dryer or any direct heat source.

Monitor Pests

Regularly checking your fur will help it get rid of insects, especially in warmer months. Never use mothballs, as they can negatively impact the natural oils in the fur. Additionally, while cedar closets are often recommended for their insect-repelling properties, the scent of cedar oil diminishes over time, reducing their effectiveness. Mothballs containing harmful chemicals like naphthalene and p-DCB also pose safety concerns, making alternative methods like cedar blocks or sprays more advisable.

How to Clean a Real Fur Coat

Here’s the key rule! Never, if you know how to wash a fur coat, don’t try to wash it yourself, especially when it comes to real fur. The subtle nature of the material means that home cleaning can cause serious damage. Instead, it’s better to opt for a professional fur cleaner or a fur professional, but… only those who specialize in fur maintenance.

Now, this may raise a question, “What can you expect when you take your coat in for a cleaning?” Well, you’ll see the fur specialist first.

Inspect

A fur professional will thoroughly check your coat for any rips, tears, or stains. This step is essential so any needed repairs are handled before cleaning begins.

Lining Care

The lining of your fur coat gets special treatment. It will be hand-cleaned using products made specifically for fur and focus on areas that might have odors or stains.

Tumble Cleaning

Your natural fur is placed in a large drum filled with sawdust and an eco-friendly cleaning mixture. Here, all the oil and dirt are pulled out of the fur fiber.

Vacuum and Steam

The coat is then vacuumed after the tumbling to remove any leftover sawdust. Then, it’s steamed to make sure all traces of residue have disappeared.

Electrifying the Fur

The next process is called “electrifying”. This method uses large rollers to lift and entangle each hair to make sure they lie in the same direction and to retain their natural feel.

Finally, the Conditioning

Just like your hair needs a conditioner, a special fur conditioner is applied into the coat to refresh the natural oils, which keeps various fur types soft and dazzling.

All in All

Caring for your real fur coat may seem a bit energy-draining at first, but with the right knowledge and a little work, you can keep it looking amazing for many seasons. Properly store your fur during the off-season by using professional storage services that provide controlled environments to prevent damage.

Remember, it’s important to seek professional assistance, but regular maintenance can make all the difference.

With these tips on how to clean real fur coats and everyday care practices, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy your luxurious garment to the fullest.

Viola! You’re all set to don your fur coat again!