How To Take Care Of A Fur Coat
Imagine this… the winter season has finally arrived and you rush to your closet to take out the fur coat you have been dying to wear for months. Prepare for your heart to shatter once you’ve realized that you have failed to clean and care for this iconic piece before placing it in storage. A fur coat that has been maintained properly can last for years on end!
Are you someone who is afraid of damaging the fur coat? Have you been wondering how to wash real fur material and how to store it when the temperatures start to rise? Well, you’re not alone. Cleaning your fur coat is not always the easiest thing to do. That is why it’s best to leave it to the professionals. When well preserved, these fur garments can even be family heirlooms, passed down to your children and grandchildren.
We have created a very simple, how to clean fur guide for you to follow in order to have a clear understanding of how to care for your most loved fur coats.
Fur Coat
Why Fur Coats Should Be Cleaned Regularly
There are two specific reasons why your fur coats need cleaning done regularly, even if they look like they are in the best possible condition.
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To Remove Stains & Dirt.
No matter how careful you are when wearing your fur coat, accidents are still likely to happen. In order to remove stains from a natural fur coat, you should not throw your coat in an at-home washing machine. Although, if you have a fresh stain on your fur coat, quickly dab the coat with a clean cloth. Then, use another clean cloth that is slightly damp, to gently blot the stain. Lastly, allow the fur coat to air dry. Be sure to never use stain remover or detergents on fur coats. Besides drink and food stains on fur coats, this can also include dirt and debris from the elements which can stick to the fur material. -
Maintain The Natural Fibers Of The Coat.
A lot people who own fur coats don’t realize that the reason why real fur looks and feels so good is because of the natural oils that the hair of the material releases. That is what maintains that sheen you love so much! However, as the coat gets dusty and dirty within time, the oils begin to absorb everything. Also, this means it cannot keep the coat looking pristine and polished. When that dust and dirt builds up over time it wears away the nature fibers leading to a dull and unhealthy looking fur coat.
In fact, all fur coats, especially those made of all natural fur, need to undergo professional cleaning at least once or twice a year. When the coats are not in use during the summer time is when they should undergo cleaning. However, if your fur becomes stained and grimy because of excessive use during the winter, clean it once every 6 months to retain its quality and shine!
Cleaning A Fur Coat
Natural Fur Coat
Choosing The Right Hanger
Your fur coats must always be hung on a broad, sturdy and padded hanger. The importance of this specific type of hanger as opposed to a floppy hanger is to keep the shoulders of the fur coat 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.
Along with this, frequent sunlight exposure can damage the quality of the fur. Therefore, the best way to store your fur coat at home is to keep it in a dark location. Specifically, a closet that does not attract any sunlight. Feel free to read our published blog post to learn more about choosing the right hanger for your clothes.
Fur Coats On Hangers
Protect Your Fur Coat From Dust
During the hot summer seasons, people don’t usually wear their fur coats. That is why it is very important to use a 100 percent cotton bag when storing your fur coat away in order to keep dust out of the fur. Don’t hang your fur in a plastic bag because your coat needs air circulation to keep it from drying out and cracking and so that the coat won’t lose its sheen and luster.
In addition, don’t store the fur coat in a closet or chest made up of cedar. The oils from the wood will pull moisture from the fur making it weak and brittle. In order to keep moths away, place cedar packets in the pockets only. Along with this, never use mothballs with natural fur. The chemicals in the balls may react with the fur’s natural oils to create toxic gas.
Cotton Storage Bag
Eliminate Excess Moisture
When caught in the rain or the snow in your fur coat, simply shake out the fur to remove as much water as you possibly can. Hang it to dry in a well-ventilated room with air circulation. Do not use a blow-dryer or any sort of direct heat on to the fur. Then, when the fur is dry, shake it again to fluff the fur. It’s important to not brush the fur without having the proper equipment. You can comb through the material with your hands instead.
On the other hand, if your fur coat happens to get completely soaked with water, take it to a professional fur cleaner immediately. This way, treatment can be done professionally in order to prevent shrinkage.
Wet Fur Coat
Prevent Matting
It’s very important to remember not to leave jewelry such as a brooch pinned to your coat. This can mat the fur. When wearing your coat, remember to not use a shoulder bag consistently. Wearing g a shoulder bag can wear away the fur and leave a bald spot.
Bag & Fur Coat
Prevent Crushing
When you are sitting for a long period, be sure to take your fur coat off to avoid crushing the fur. If you are unable to take the coat off, then try to change positions you are sitting in often so that the fur won’t crush in one particular spot.
Try to remove your coat, and use it like a blanket on your lap. Or, drape it over your shoulders. You can even place your fur coat on the back of your chair.
Fur Coat On Chair
Get Your Fur Coats Cleaned Professionally
To care for your fur coats in the best way possible, schedule a professional fur cleaning once or twice a year. Within this timeframe, stored coats will begin to gather odor, oil, and dust that must be removed in order to avoid damage.
A professional fur cleaner can also provide fur coat repair, fur restoration, and fur coat alterations. Along with this, a professional will inspect your coat for stains, rips, and tears. Reach out to Avon Cleaners today in order to learn more in detail about our fur cleaning services. We are here to help care for your fashionable fur coats in the best way possible!
Fashionable Fur Coats
