Note: The contents of this page can also be found on Furcare.org, an affiliate website owned and operated by the American Fur Council.
You do not clean a fur coat just because it gets dirty. The number one concern with fur material is that the natural oils in the pelts will dry out. Once this happens the pelts become so brittle or tender that they will tear with incredible ease, rendering the garment useless. If you feel a fur and then rub your fingers you should be able to feel a very slight oiliness. This is normal. Dust, pollutants, and airborne particulates are attracted to this and get caught in the hairs of the fur. They then act as a sponge drawing the natural oils out of the pelts. These particles also have an abrasive effect on the hairs of the fur that can wear on the natural shine of the fur over time, causing it to look old and tired. When you clean a fur your primary goal is to remove these materials from the hairs. For this reason, when an expert furrier recommends cleaning your fur yearly, he/she is doing so in your best interest.
What Does This Mean to the Average Consumer?
Have your furs cleaned once every year while it is spending the summer months in cold storage. Clean it a second time during the winter season if you wear it a lot or it is often exposed to smoke, hairspray, makeup or perfumes.
Authorized Furcare Specialist℠
When you have your furs cleaned, take them only to an Authorized Furcare Specialist℠ or QUALIFIED furrier. Fur cleaning is like no other cleaning process. It is highly advisable not take them to a drycleaner. Too many times do people end up with a destroyed fur coat and in a legal dispute with a business that was unqualified to service their fur to begin with. Authorized Furcare Specialists℠ use equipment and materials specifically designed for fur, as well as having extensive process knowledge and skills not possessed by people or businesses that do not specialize in furs. Furs cannot be dry-cleaned and NEVER put them in a clothes washer or dryer…ever!
LEGAL INFORMATION. The information contained on this page is intended only as a Guideline. The recommendations on this website are generally accepted good practice options for care of fur garments. Please see a professional, Authorized Furcare Specialist℠ for a physical inspection of your fur garments to determine condition and advise on proper care treatments and courses of action. Although the individual businesses listed as “Authorized Furcare Specialist℠” have been reasonably verified to specialize in fur products, AFC and its operators do not endorse, nor imply endorsement, of said business entities. It is the consumers responsibility to verify that their chosen furriers facilities and services are suitable for their garments specific needs. Furcare.org assumes no liability and is not responsible for recomendations and services provided by “Authorized Furcare Specialist℠” listed herein. AFC and its operators do not settle disputes between consumers and businesses, nor does it retain any obligation to act as a third party arbitrator. Due to the biological nature, variation of products, unknown origin, material sources and manufacturing processes of individual fur products discussed on this website furcare.org and its operators are not responsible for the effects of the care recommendations listed on this website on any such products that you may own.