With fur garments making a major comeback, whether through high-end new collections or unique vintage finds, one question eventually arises: “How do I clean this?”
If you’ve invested in a new piece, you want it to last a lifetime. If you’ve scored a vintage treasure, you likely want to restore its “diva” status by making it look fluffier and newer.
Key Takeaways for Fur Care
Avoid DIY Deep Cleaning: Never put fur in a washing machine or a standard dry cleaner. The chemicals and water will cause permanent damage.
The Professional Standard: Use a specialist furrier once a year for “drumming,” a process that uses sawdust to lift dirt and natural oils to remoisturize the leather.
The “Shake & Brush” Rule: For daily upkeep, gently shake the coat by the shoulders and use a soft-bristled fur brush only in the direction of hair growth.
Storage is Everything: Fur must “breathe.” Always store it in a cool, dark place with at least 5 cm of space from other clothes, and never use plastic bags.
Summer Protection: During hot months, professional climate-controlled storage is the best way to prevent the skin from drying out and the fur from shedding.
Here is everything you need to know about keeping your fur coat in pristine condition.
1. Leave It to the Professionals
A fur garment is a luxury investment that requires expert handling. Standard cleaning methods will ruin it.
No Washing Machines: Water and agitation will destroy the delicate pelts.
No Standard Dry Cleaning: Traditional dry cleaning chemicals strip the natural oils from the fur, making it brittle and prone to shedding.
What is "Drumming"?
Professional furriers use a specialized process called drumming. They place the coat in a large drum with sawdust (and sometimes crushed walnut shells) soaked in a specialized cleaning solution. This “wood dust” pulls dirt and oils out of the hair. Afterward, they apply non-toxic oils to the underside to remoisturize the skin, ensuring the leather remains supple.
Pro Tip: Aim to have your fur professionally cleaned once a year. If you wear it fewer than 10 times a season, you can push this to once every two years.
2. At-Home Maintenance: Quick Refresh
Accidents happen, and dust is inevitable. If you need to freshen up your coat between professional cleanings, follow these steps:
Step 1: The Shake
Hold the coat firmly by the shoulders and give it a gentle shake. This naturally loosens dust, debris, and helps the guard hairs “stand up” for better volume.
Step 2: Brushing
Use a specialized fur brush or a very soft-bristled brush. Always brush in the direction of the hair growth using short, gentle strokes. This prevents matting and keeps the coat looking sleek.
A Note of Caution: While many “DIY fur cleaning” videos exist online, we strongly advise against them. Home remedies can lead to permanent stains or cracked leather. Paying for a professional service is an investment that ensures your garment lasts for decades rather than one season.
3. Storage Tips: How to Protect Your Investment
Proper storage can change the dur garment to last 5 years to 5 decades
Give it Space: Hang your coat at least 5 cm away from other garments. Fur needs “breathing room” so the hairs don’t get crushed or “smushed.”
Avoid Heat: Keep your coat in a cool, dark place. High temperatures can permanently distort the color and dry out the skin.
Let it Breathe: Never store fur in a plastic bag or synthetic cover. Plastic traps moisture and prevents air circulation. Use a breathable cotton garment bag if necessary.
Summer Care: During the hottest months, consider using a professional fur storage vault where the temperature and humidity are strictly controlled.
Summary
Fur garments are generational luxury pieces, but their organic nature makes them sensitive to heat, moisture, and chemicals. This guide covers why professional “drumming” is the only safe way to deep-clean fur, how to perform daily maintenance at home using the “shake and brush” method, and the essential storage rules,blike avoiding plastic and heat, to ensure your coat remains “diva-ready” for decades.