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How do you care for a fur coat?

Luxury care for a fur coat is the secret to making a high-end investment last a lifetime. Because premium fur hardly loses value, it remains one of the best wardrobe investments you can make. When you maintain these garments properly, they look as stunning ten years later as they did on the day of purchase. To achieve this, you must understand how to store a fur coat and the specific risks involved when you wash fur clothes.

A luxurious blue fur coat worn by a young lady

Cleaning Protocols: Why You Should Never Wash Fur Clothes at Home

The most important rule is to avoid the washing machine at all costs. Traditional laundry methods destroy the natural oils in the pelt, leading to cracking and shedding. If your coat suffers from deep stains, you must use a professional fur specialist. These experts have the specific equipment required to safely wash fur clothes without damaging the delicate structure of the natural leather.

Professional Cleaning vs. Superficial Care

For superficial dust or light moisture, hang your coat on a sturdy hanger and use a soft brush. Always allow the garment to dry naturally. Never use a hair dryer or any direct heat source. Furthermore, schedule a professional cleaning annually. This process removes hidden odors and accumulated dust, restoring the fur’s original, vibrant shine.

Expert Tips to Maintain Your Fur Coat Daily

Daily habits significantly impact the lifespan of your luxury outerwear. To properly care for a fur coat, you must be mindful of how you move and what products you use while wearing it.

Protecting the Pelt from Chemicals and Friction

  • Avoid Perfumes and Hairspray: Alcohol and oils in beauty products dry out the fur and create unpleasant odors.

  • Minimize Friction: Avoid wearing heavy shoulder bags. Constant rubbing leads to “bald spots” where the hair breaks off.

  • Sitting Mindfully: If you sit for long periods, change your position frequently to prevent the fur from flattening permanently.

  • Travel Care: Never crush a natural fur coat into a suitcase. Instead, use a breathable cotton garment bag and a wide-shoulder hanger.

Browse our collection of durable shearling jackets designed for active lifestyles.

The Gold Standard: How to Store a Fur Coat Properly

When the season ends, you must store a fur coat in an environment that mimics its natural habitat. Ideally, keep your fur at a temperature of approximately 22°C with 50% humidity. Darker spaces are preferable to prevent the colors from fading under UV light.

Always use a wide, sturdy hanger to maintain the shoulder shape. Most importantly, use cotton garment bags rather than plastic. Plastic blocks airflow, causing the leather to dry out and eventually crack. Ensure the closet is not overcrowded, as fur needs space to “breathe” and retain its fluffiness.

author avatar
Andrei V. Shearling, Fur & Leather Goods Manufacturer since 1994
A&A Vesa is a Romanian shearling and leather manufacturer established in 1994, with its own tannery and production facility in Arad, Romania. With over 30 years of hands-on experience working with genuine leather, sheepskin, and fur, the A&A Vesa team produces outerwear for customers across Romania, Europe, and the United States. Every jacket, coat, and accessory is crafted in-house — from raw skin processing to finished garment — with a daily tannery capacity of 500 skins. Our expertise spans full-grain leather, nappa, shearling, and natural fur, making us one of the few vertically integrated leather factories in Eastern Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash fur clothes in a gentle cycle at home?
No. Even a gentle cycle can cause irreparable damage to the leather backing. Always choose professional dry cleaning.
How often should I professionally clean my fur?
We recommend professional cleaning once a year, usually at the end of the winter season, before long-term storage.
Is it okay to use mothballs when I store a fur coat?
Avoid mothballs, as they carry a strong odor that fur absorbs easily. Instead, ensure your storage area is clean and well-ventilated.
What should I do if my fur coat gets wet from snow?
Shake off the excess water gently. Hang it on a wide hanger in a well-ventilated room. Never place it near a radiator.
Why is alcohol bad for fur?
Alcohol acts as a drying agent. It strips the natural oils from the hair and the leather, making the garment brittle.
Can a flattened fur coat be fixed?
Minor flattening can often be fixed with a professional steaming and "glazing" process performed by a furrier.