How to care for natural fur: A complete guide to fur care

Natural fur is beautiful and warm, but it needs good care to stay soft and last for years. Whether you own a real fur hat, a scarf, or real fur pom poms, the basic rules are the same. Here is a simple guide to help you take care of your genuine fur.

1. Store it properly

   Never leave natural fur in a plastic bag for a long time. Fur needs to breathe. Use a soft cloth bag or a wide padded hanger if it is a larger piece. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Moths do not like cedar, so a cedar block nearby can help.

2. Avoid moisture and heat

   Water and strong heat are the biggest enemies of fur. If your real fur gets wet from snow or rain, shake off the moisture gently. Then place the item over a jar, bottle, or form so it can dry in its natural shape. Never use a radiator, hair dryer on high heat, or direct sunlight to dry it.

3. Restore the volume

   After shipping or long storage, fur can look a little flat. You can gently fluff it with a hair dryer on a cool or low setting. You can also use light steam, but always keep the fur away from open flames. Afterward, comb it carefully with a wide-tooth comb or a special fur brush.

4. Comb it regularly

   Light combing keeps the fur looking neat and prevents matting. Always comb in the direction of the hair growth. This is especially helpful for fox fur, mink fur, and rabbit fur, which can look fuller after a gentle brush.

5. Cleaning rules

   Don’t put natural fur in a washing machine. Most genuine fur items should only be dry cleaned by a specialist who knows how to work with fur. For small accessories like fur pom poms, you can sometimes refresh them by shaking and airing them out, but avoid water.

6. What to avoid

   • Do not spray perfume or hairspray directly on the fur.
   • Keep it away from open flames and strong heat.
   • Avoid wearing fur in heavy rain whenever possible.
   • Do not store it in damp basements or hot attics.

Extra tip for pom poms and small pieces

If you have real fur pom poms on your hat or beanie, always remove them before washing the knitted part. After wearing, a quick comb is usually enough to keep them fluffy.

Final advice

Good care is simple: keep natural fur dry, let it breathe, protect it from heat, and handle it gently. With these easy habits, your genuine fur pieces will stay soft, beautiful, and warm for many winters.