Fur consists of a leather base + hair fibers. The leather base contains natural oils, and the hair has delicate scales. This means fur cannot be washed like regular clothing, and not all dry cleaners can handle it properly. Wrong cleaning is the main cause of fur damage. Correct care depends on different situations and materials.

 

1. Daily Dust Removal

After daily wear, fur easily collects dust. Regular cleaning reduces the need for deep washing.

 

• Use a soft fur brush and gently brush in the direction of hair growth to remove dust and loose hair.
• For heavier dust: use a wrung-out warm towel to wipe lightly, then blow dry on low heat while brushing. Air dry in a ventilated area.
• Avoid direct sunlight at all times.

 

2. Local Stain Treatment

For small stains like oil, juice, or coffee:

 

• Oil stains: Use a cotton swab with mild fur cleaner or neutral detergent, dab gently, then absorb moisture with a clean tissue.
• Colored stains (juice, coffee): Use 95% alcohol to wipe lightly. Alcohol evaporates quickly and prevents stains from soaking into the leather.
• Yellowing on white fur: Mix hydrogen peroxide and water at 1:10, spray evenly, wait 5 minutes, brush lightly, rinse, and air dry.

 

3. Deep Cleaning (Once per Year)

Fur does NOT need frequent deep cleaning. Once a year after the wearing season is enough.

 

• Only use professional fur care services - regular dry-cleaning chemicals damage the leather base.
• Professionals use special solvents, disinfection, and oil replenishment to keep fur soft and shiny.

 

Special Notes for Different Fur Types

• Rabbit fur: Extremely delicate, easy to felt. Never clean at home - only professional care.
• Mink fur: Can be wiped with magnesium oxide + talcum powder (1:1), leave for 1 day, blow clean, then send for professional cleaning.
• Sheep fur: Can be lightly cleaned with alcohol + talcum powder mix, then brush gently.

 

4. Emergency Rescue

If fur is accidentally washed or sun-damaged:

 

• Washed fur: Squeeze out water gently (do not rub), pad with silk cloth, iron on low heat with a cloth barrier, then air dry completely. Send for repair if seriously deformed.
• Sun-damaged fur: Air in shade for 2 days. For severe fading or hardening, send to professionals for softening and recoloring.

 

Daily Fur Maintenance Rules

Proper maintenance is more important than cleaning. The core principles: keep away from heat, avoid friction, prevent moisture and insects.

 

Daily Wear Taboos

1. Stay away from heat sources (heaters, vents, stoves) - heat removes oil from leather, causing dry and broken hair.
2. Avoid friction with keys, metal bags, watches - prevents snagging and wear.
3. Do not wear in rain or snow - if wet, shake off water and air dry in shade.
4. No perfume directly on fur - alcohol dries and damages hair.
5. Use a scarf to protect neckline from skin oil and cosmetics.

 

Seasonal Storage

1. Use a wide wooden hanger to maintain shape.
2. Cover with breathable cotton or silk dust cover - never plastic bags (mold risk).
3. Keep in cool, dry, ventilated environment: temperature 5–20℃, humidity 40–60%.
4. Use natural insect repellents (lavender, cedar wood). Never use mothballs - they corrode leather and cause hair loss.
5. Use silica gel desiccant, replace monthly.

 

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Machine-wash or hand-wash: Causes shrinkage and felting, often irreversible.
2. Sun drying: Fades, hardens, and cracks the leather base.
3. Mothballs: Corrode leather and damage luster.
4. Thin hangers: Deform shoulder shape.
5. Frequent dry cleaning: Removes natural oils and speeds up aging.

 

The key to fur care is gentle handling. Prevention is always better than repair.