Caring for a natural fur coat requires special attention to keep it looking its best. With the proper storage, cleaning, and maintenance, your fur can last for many years. Follow these tips to clean and care for a natural fur coat.

Evaluate the Fur Type

The first step is identifying what type of fur your coat is made from. Common fur types include:

Mink – Silky, lightweight fur that comes in a variety of colors like brown, black, and gray. Mink is durable and resists matting.
Sable – Thick, luxurious fur that is typically brown or black. Sable fur is prized for its luster and sheen.
Chinchilla – Dense, velvety fur that ranges from pale gray to bluish in tone. Chinchilla fur is very soft and plush.
Fox – Fluffy, long fur that comes in colors like red, silver, black, and platinum. Fox fur is known for being striking and elegant.
Beaver – Coarse, heavy fur that is usually brown in color. Beaver fur is quite durable and wind-resistant.
Rabbit – Delicate, lightweight fur that comes in a variety of natural colors. Rabbit fur requires gentle care.

Knowing the type of fur is the starting point for understanding how to properly care for your coat. More delicate furs like chinchilla and rabbit require special handling compared to sturdier furs like beaver.

Proper Storage

Storing your fur coat correctly is crucial to keeping it in good condition. Follow these storage tips:

Use a Fur Storage Bag

Store the coat in a breathable garment bag made specifically for furs. The bag should be unlined and allow air to circulate. The bag protects from dust and pests while letting the fur “breathe.”

Hang Vertically

Always hang fur coats vertically using wider padded or wooden hangers. Never fold or lay furs flat for storage. Hanging vertically allows the fur to retain its natural oils and shape.

Maintain a Cool, Dry Area

Store fur in a cool, dry place away from direct light or moisture. The ideal temperature is around 60-65°F with a humidity level of 45-55%. Avoid attics, basements, or garages that get too hot or damp.

Prevent Pests

Use cedar products like cedar blocks or cedar closet liners to keep moths and other insects away. Cedar also absorbs moisture to maintain optimal humidity.

Freshen with Cedar

Place cedar chips or cedar balls inside the storage bag to keep the fur smelling clean. Change the cedar every few months as it loses its scent.

Regular Brushing

Fur coats need frequent brushing to preserve the hairs and prevent matting. How often you brush depends on the fur type:

Delicate furs like chinchilla and rabbit should be gently brushed once every one to two weeks. Use a very soft brush made for fine furs.
Denser furs like beaver, fox, and mink can be brushed once a week using a bristle brush or fur comb.
Long-haired furs like sable may need brushed a few times per week. Use long strokes in the direction of fur growth.

Always brush gently and avoid over-brushing, which can damage the hairs. Work any small tangles and mats out gently using your fingers. Shed loose fur can be collected with a lint brush.

Professional Cleaning

Deep cleaning of fur coats should be done professionally once a year before summer storage. Look for a fur specialist cleaner who uses safe techniques. Common methods include:

Glazing – The fur is treated with a mild soap and placed in a rotating drum. The tumbling action dislodges dirt.
Steaming – The fur is suspended over a steaming chamber to loosen and remove embedded dirt and oils.
Dry cleaning – A specialized solvent is used to dissolve oils and lift out soils. Most furs can be safely dry cleaned except rabbit and chinchilla.

Avoid do-it-yourself wet cleanings which can ruin the fur’s natural oils. DIY cleaners are also unable to properly rinse out all detergent residues which degrades the fur over time.

Preventing Damage

Use these precautions to avoid damage to your natural fur:

Keep furs away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or direct sunlight which can dry out the natural oils.
Do not hang furs on wire or plastic hangers that can distort the pelt. Use wide padded or wooden hangers.
Prevent your fur from getting wet in rain or snow. Water can alter the fur fibers permanently.
Avoid wearing jewelry and accessories that could snag or tear the fur fibers.
When sitting in your fur, place a scarf or cloth between your neck and the coat to absorb oils and perspiration.
Only use foams and sprays made specifically for furs when freshening between professional cleanings.

Proper Fur Alterations

If your fur needs alterations for resizing or repairs, have the work done by an experienced furrier. Avoid standard tailors and seamstresses who lack expertise working with pelts. The lining fabric underneath also requires special handling that a qualified furrier will provide.

Storing Fur Over Summer

During summer months, store your fur coat properly to prevent damage:

Have the coat professionally cleaned and glazed before storing for the summer.
Keep the fur in a breathable garment bag in a cool closet or ideally in a temperature-controlled storage facility.
Use cedar chips or blocks to keep moths and humidity at bay.
If possible, store furs at a fur storage facility which offers cold vaults for ideal temperature and humidity control.

Warning Signs of Damage

Inspect your fur periodically for any signs of damage:

Brittleness in the fur fibers
Coarse, dry texture compared to normal soft plushness
Breakage of the fur hairs
Matted, tangled areas of fur
Bald patches where fur is missing
Discoloration or fading of the fur
Fur slipping or separating from the leather side
Moldy, musty odor in the fur

If you see any of these warning signs, bring the coat to a professional furrier to assess the damage and recommend any possible restoration needed. Catching problems early makes repairs much easier.

DIY Fur Refreshing Between Cleanings

To freshen your fur between professional cleanings:

Use Cornstarch

Lightly sprinkle cornstarch on the fur side of the coat. Let sit for 30 minutes so the powder can absorb oils. Gently shake out the excess. The cornstarch helps revive the fur’s natural oils.

Try Baking Soda

Add a cup of baking soda to a bath towel. Roll the fur coat in the towel to lightly scrub the baking soda through the fur. Let sit 10 minutes before unrolling and gently shaking out the coat.

Freshen with Vodka

Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist onto the inside of the fur and let dry. The alcohol in the vodka eliminates odors between professional cleanings.

Remove Odors with Lemon

Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side gently over the fur to eliminate musty odors. The acidity in lemons helps neutralize odors.

Steam Away Odors

Hang the fur coat outdoors on a clothesline on a sunny day or use a handheld garment steamer. The steam freshens the fur and removes odors.

Caring for Fur Collars and Cuffs

Fur coats trimmed with fur collars and cuffs require special attention:

Wipe fur collars and cuffs by hand with a damp cloth to clean. Avoid immersing them in water.
Use leather cleaner and conditioner made for furs on any leather sides of collars or cuffs. Avoid regular leather products.
Brush fur trims gently to prevent matting, especially behind collars where grease accumulates.
Have fur collars and cuffs professionally cleaned separately from coat body since trims get dirtier faster.
Take care to avoid damaging edges and seams where trims are attached to the coat lining.

Caring for Shearling Fur

Shearling fur coats made from sheepskin require slightly different care:

Shearling can be gently hand washed using mild soap and cool water. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry away from direct heat.
A sheared side can be steam cleaned. Keep the leather side dry.
Use a rubber shearling brush or dog slicker brush to remove dirt from the sheared side.
Apply shearling leather cleanser and shearling leather conditioner to the suede side as needed.
Shearling is prone to becoming stiff so flex and massage the leather frequently.
Shearling is sensitive to high heat. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Restoring Vintage or Damaged Fur

For vintage or damaged fur coats, professional restoration is available to extend the life. Typical services include:

Re-glazing – This reconditions the fur using a special tumbling process with sawdust. Glazing can restore oils to dried-out fur.
Re-dyeing – Faded or discolored fur is carefully re-dyed to refresh the color. This is done strand-by-strand to match the original shade.
Re-lining – Damaged coat linings can be replaced while preserving the fur exterior. This involves delicate seamwork.
Pelting – For seriously damaged fur, the coat can be dismantled and the fur completely removed from the old lining. It is then re-applied to a new lining.
Repairs – Rips, bald spots, and missing fur sections can be repaired by skilled furriers. This may involve piecing in fur segments.

While restoration can be expensive, it returns damaged fur to wearable condition and restores value. For heirloom quality fur, the investment is worthwhile.

Questions and Answers About Caring for Fur Coats

How often should I have my fur coat professionally cleaned?

Fur coats should be professionally cleaned once a year before summer storage. Delicate furs prone to soiling like sable and rabbit may need cleaning twice a year.

Can I use a wire hanger to hang my fur coat?

No, wire hangers are too narrow and can distort the shape of the fur. Always use wide, padded hangers designed specifically for fur garments.

Is it okay to keep my fur coat folded up in a box during summer?

Never store furs folded or laid flat. Furs need to hang straight vertically on wide hangers to maintain their natural oils and shape. Storing flat will ruin the fur over time.

Can I use a homemade cleaner like vodka and water to fully clean my fur coat?

No, homemade cleaners cannot properly clean a fur coat and may end up damaging the fur. You need a professional fur cleaner to deep clean fur coats using safe methods.

How can I make an old fur coat look new again?

Take an older, damaged fur to a pro furrier for restoration services. Options like re-glazing, re-dyeing, re-lining, and repairing bald spots can restore vintage and heirloom fur to like-new condition again.

What temperature should I keep my fur storage area?

Ideally, furs should be stored around 60-65°F with a relative humidity of 45-55%. Avoid too hot, too cold, or too damp storage conditions which can damage fur.

Can I use commercially available stain removers if I spill something on my fur?

No, do not use any conventional spot removers or cleaning fluids on furs which may contain harsh chemicals. Blot gently and have a professional fur cleaner treat stains.

How can I get rid of a musty smell in an old fur coat?

Try hanging the coat outdoors in fresh air and sunlight, or use a garment steamer. Odors can also be eliminated by gently rubbing the fur with lemon halves or spraying with vodka and water.

Is it okay to keep my fur coat in a plastic garment bag for storage?

Never use plastic bags, which trap moisture and prevent airflow. Store furs in unlined, breathable garment bags made specifically for fur. Proper airflow preserves the fur.

Conclusion

With the proper care and handling, a high-quality natural fur coat can provide years of luxurious wear and retain its value over time. Keys are gently brushing often, professional cleaning and glazing annually, and correct storage techniques to prevent damage from heat, moisture, light, and pests. Avoid DIY cleanings, plastic bags, wire hangers, and folding to keep your fur coat looking its absolute best while protecting your investment. Treat your fur with the delicate care it deserves, and it will reward you with lasting beauty and comfort.

How to Clean and Care for a Natural Fur Coat

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about properly caring for a natural fur coat, including:

Identifying different types of fur and how to handle them
Storing fur coats for optimal protection
Brushing techniques based on fur type
Professional cleaning methods to deep clean fur
Preventing and spotting damage
DIY tips for freshening fur between cleanings
Special care instructions for fur collars, cuffs, shearling, and vintage coats
Restoration options for damaged fur
Answers to common questions on fur care

Caring for your fur coat properly helps preserve its natural oils, shape, and luster for many years of stylish wear. Follow these tips and enjoy your fur for a lifetime.