As an experienced furrier, we here at Starlight Furs have seen a lot of coats throughout our career, and something that we have seen often come up is the misinformation about how to properly take care of a fur garment. That is why we have decided to share with you this guide containing tips and tricks to help you take care of your fur garment so that we can ensure its durability and good shape. This will answer the most often questions asked about how to take care of a fur garment, hope you find this information helpful.
- How often to clean a natural fur coat:
If you have a new or vintage natural fur coat or any fur garment or garment trimmed with animal fur, it takes special care to keep it looking its best. Check out our tips to help you protect your garment.
Friendly reminder: don’t attempt to wash real fur at home or you may permanently damage it.
Even if you don’t wear your fur garments often, animal hides can dry out if not properly cleaned and conditioned early by a professional furrier or a dry cleaner who specializes in cleaning fur. Animal fur gathers dust, oils and odors. A professional cleaning will add luster and shine to the fur and ensure its durability by keeping it from shedding.
- How to store a natural fur coat at home:
Step one is to choose the right hanger. It’s important to always hang your coat on a broad, sturdy, padded hanger to keep the shoulders from losing their shape. The neck of the hanger should be long enough to keep the collar of the coat away from the hanging rod.
Step two, protect your fur from dust. Unless you wear your fur every day, you should use a 100% cotton bag to keep dust out of the fur. Don’t hang your fur in a plastic bag that doesn't let your fur garment breathe, without air circulation, your hide risks from drying out and cracking.
- Avoid stains and perfume:
Wearing a scarf around your neck under your coat will prevent makeup, perfume and body oils from soiling your coat collar. You should avoid applying hairspray or perfume when wearing your fur garments. Most hair sprays and perfume brands use alcohol in their formulas, which can dry the hides. Any oils in the products may penetrate the fur and eventually become rancid and the odor is nearly impossible to remove.
Warning: removing stains on a natural fur garment should be handled by a professional. If you have a fresh stain on your fur garment, quickly dab it with a clean cloth. If possible, use another clean cloth, slightly damp, to gently blot the stain, and then let it air-dry. Don’t use any stain remover or detergents on fur!
- Prevent matting the fur or crushing it:
If you wear jewelry on your fur, please remove it before storage. Leaving jewelry, like a brooch, pinned to your garment can mat the fur. When wearing your fur garment, avoid using a shoulder bag consistently or switch sides when you do it; it can wear away the fur, therefore, leaving a bald spot. When sitting for long periods of time, in order to prevent crushing your fur, it’s suggested to take off your fur garment. If it’s not possible, try to change positions often so that the fur won’t be crushed in a particular spot. When possible remove your fur garment and place it in the back of a chair, place it over your shoulders, or use it like a blanket on your lap. When in storage, avoid crushing it as well.
- Eliminate excess moisture on your fur:
If you got caught in light rain or snow, all you need to do is shake off the water from your fur garment, try to remove as much as possible. Hang it to dry, in a well-ventilated room, if possible. Please, do not use a blow-dryer, clothes dryer, or any kind of method that includes direct heat on the fur. Once it is dry, shake your fur garment again to fluff the fur. Use your hands to smooth the fur, do not use combs or brushes.
Warning: If your fur garment gets completely soaked, it should be taken to a professional fur cleaner immediately so the hides can be treated correctly in order to prevent shrinkage. If you have a natural fur hat, glover or any fur accessor, take special care if it becomes wet. For the hats, proper reshaping is necessary to help them hold their shape.
We hope that you not only enjoyed this guide but that it also comes in handy! Adopting good habits with your fur will allow you to enjoy it for much longer. If you need further assistance, help with cleaning, storage or remodeling, please don’t hesitate to contact us. And if you don't own a fur garment yet, please remember that natural fibers are sustainable and biodegradable. Choose slow fashion, choose fur now!
Enjoy!