Tips on Fur Cleaning and Maintenance

Woman cleaning fur coat

Blog / September 9, 2024

Fur cleaning is essential to keep your fur coat looking good and lasting long. Here at Jerry’s Antiques and Estate Sales, we know how crucial it is for you to take care of the things that mean a lot to you. This blog post provides precise tips on cleaning, keeping, and treating your fur coat to stay in top condition.

How to Clean a Fur Coat

Follow this process to clean a fur coat:

  • Professional Cleaning: A fur coat must be taken to a professional furrier for cleaning. They possess the correct equipment and knowledge to clean the fur without harming it.
  • Routine Care: Between professional cleanings, softly brush away dust and grime from the fur with a brush with gentle bristles. Brush along the direction of hair growth to prevent harm to it.
  • Spot Cleaning: If you accidentally spill something on your fur coat, gently blot the area using a clean cloth. Do not rub it, as this might push the stain further into the fur. For stubborn stains, you should contact a professional for assistance.
  • Moisture Prevention: Keep your fur coat from getting wet in rain or snow. If it does become damp, shake off the extra water and let it dry by itself. 

How to Store a Fur Coat

To keep your fur coat in good condition and looking elegant, it is essential to store it properly. Here are some valuable suggestions for ideal storage:

  • Find a Cool Place: Locate a cool and dry area that doesn’t have excessive heat or humidity, like a closet or room. 
  • Use a Breathable Bag: Put your fur coat in a cloth bag that allows air to pass through. This will safeguard the coat from dust while enabling ventilation.
  • Avoid Plastic Bags: Don’t use plastic bags for storing your fur coat, as these can hold moisture and cause damage. 
  • Say No to Mothballs: Never put mothballs near or inside your fur coat because they release harmful chemicals that can ruin the material. . 
  • Be Gentle with Hangers: Use wide-shoulder hangers, ideally made of wood, to maintain the perfect form of your fur garment when hanging it up. 
  • Keep Away from Sunlight and Heat Sources: Do not expose your fur coat to direct sunlight or heat sources (such as radiators) since this could make the skin dry and brittle. 
  • Regularly Check for Signs of Damage: Regularly inspecting your stored fur clothes helps identify issues early on before they become severe problems.
  • Remember Service Timeframe: Every year, you should service your furs during warm seasons like springtime when you won’t wear them so much anymore. This ensures their cleanliness and allows professionals to examine them for damage from moths, etc.

How to Condition a Fur Coat

Conditioning is crucial to maintaining the softness and shine of your fur coat. Here are some ways to condition a fur coat:

  1. Hang it Correctly: Find a sturdy hanger that can support the weight of the coat without causing any damage. Ensure enough space for air circulation around each part of the coat. 
  2. Keep it in a Cool Environment: The ideal temperature for storing a fur coat is 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius). This helps preserve its quality and prevents any damage from heat or humidity. 
  3. Prevent Excessive Heat and Moisture: Avoid placing your fur near direct sunlight, heaters, or vents as they can cause excessive drying out, leading to shedding hair over time. 
  4. Clean Regularly: Cleaning a fur coat should be done by professionals who specialize in handling furs properly; this entails thorough cleaning using special techniques and materials designed specifically for furs. 
  5. Brush Gently: Use a brush with broad bristles made specifically for furs, gently combing through its hair lengthwise. 
  6. Conditioning Method One – Steaming Process: Place your fur on a flat surface (like an ironing board), keeping distance between it and the steamer nozzle about 12 inches apart at most; slowly move steam across all areas of garment, ensuring uniform coverage over entire length/width
  7. Conditioning Method Two – Hairdryer Process: Set your dryer on low heat settings, then hold it at least one foot away from the surface you want condition, such as collar, cuffs or hemline, while moving back forth to ensure even airflow across said areas until they become warm but not hot when touched by hand. Be sure to keep the hair dryer at a distance of no less than four inches to avoid damaging the fur. Do not allow the hair dryer to touch the fur.

Cleaning, storage, and conditioning are crucial for maintaining your fur coat. Knowing the correct way to clean a fur coat, storing it in the proper environment, and giving it regular conditioning will ensure that it lasts longer and looks good. At Jerry’s Antiques, we can assist you in keeping your valuable items well-maintained – from estate sales and liquidations to professional appraisals up until estate cleanouts; we have it all covered for you. Contact us for more information about luxurious furs and appraisals today.