Fur Coat Care: Refreshing The Scent Of Your Favorite Fur

how to refresh smell of fur coat

Fur coats are a luxurious addition to your wardrobe, but they can develop an unpleasant odour over time. The main causes of odours in fur coats are moisture, dust, tobacco, perfume, and natural oils in the pelts drying out. To prevent bad smells, it is important to store your fur coat with proper ventilation in a dry location, away from heat sources, and to avoid exposure to direct light for prolonged periods. If your coat already has an odour, there are several remedies you can try. One method is to use coffee grounds, placed in a bag with the coat for a few days until the coat smells like coffee. The coat is then hung outside to dissipate the coffee smell. Another approach is to use baking soda, which is dusted onto the coat and then brushed into the fur fibres. The coat is then shaken to remove the baking soda. These methods, along with proper storage and annual professional cleaning, will help keep your fur coat smelling fresh.

Characteristics Values
Leading causes of odours in fur coats Moisture, dust, tobacco
How to prevent odours Store with proper ventilation in a dry location, shake coat out periodically to rid it of dust, store in a cotton garment bag
How to remove odours Place coat in a garment bag with an open bag of coffee grounds for 1-7 days, then hang outside in fresh air to ventilate, dust coat with baking soda and brush into fur fibres, clean and condition coat annually
How to store fur coats Hang coat in a cool room with plenty of air circulation, use a cloth or cotton bag instead of a plastic bag, do not store in a plastic bag or a freezer
Substances to keep away from fur coats Mothballs, aerosol sprays, colognes, cigarettes, perfume, hairspray, makeup

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Use coffee grounds to absorb the smell

If your fur coat has developed an unpleasant odour, one way to remove it is to use coffee grounds to absorb the smell. This is a simple and proven approach.

First, find a vinyl garment bag and place your fur coat inside. Hang the bag up, and add an open container or bag of fresh coffee grounds to the bottom of the bag. Zip the bag shut so that the aroma of the coffee grounds can permeate the fur coat.

Stir the coffee grounds once a day and check the smell of the coat. Remember to zip the bag shut again to seal in the smell of the coffee grounds. Repeat this process until the coat smells like coffee. This should take anywhere from a few days to a week.

When the fur coat smells like coffee, remove it from the bag and hang it outside in fresh, dry air for a few hours or until the coffee smell has gone. Then, return the coat to your closet or put it into storage.

If the smell persists, repeat the process with fresh coffee grounds.

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Hang the coat in fresh, dry air

Hanging your fur coat in fresh, dry air is a great way to air out any unwanted smells. It is important to hang your coat in a dry location, as moisture is a leading cause of odours. Fur is susceptible to moisture, and denser furs are more at risk of developing a musty smell due to moisture being held within the fur.

To hang your coat, select a broad-shouldered hanger to ensure the weight of the coat is supported. Place the coat on the hanger and hang it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid hanging the coat in direct sunlight, as this can be damaging to the fur. Choose a dark, cool location, such as a closet near an air conditioner, to hang the coat. Ensure the coat has ample room and is not crowded by other garments.

If your coat is damp, simply hang it up and allow it to air-dry naturally with good ventilation. Do not use a blow dryer, clothes dryer, or any direct heat on the fur. Once dry, give the coat a gentle shake to fluff up the fur.

By hanging your coat in fresh, dry air, you can effectively remove unwanted odours and maintain the quality of your fur coat.

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Store the coat in a cotton bag or pillowcase

To store your fur coat in a cotton bag or pillowcase, you should first ensure that the coat is clean and dry. It is important to never store a fur coat in a plastic bag, as this will cut off the air supply and damage the fur. Fur coats need to breathe, so always opt for a cloth bag or cotton pillowcase.

When placing the coat in the bag or pillowcase, be careful not to overcrowd it. Allow the coat to hang freely and ensure there is ample space. If storing multiple coats, it is best to store them loosely in several closets or storage areas.

It is recommended to use broad-shouldered hangers to support the full weight of the coat and to maintain its shape. Additionally, choose a dark, cool, and dry location for storage, such as a closet that doesn't receive direct sunlight or is near an air conditioner. Avoid humid places like basements, as this can cause damage to the fur.

By following these steps, you can effectively store your fur coat in a cotton bag or pillowcase, ensuring its longevity and maintaining its luxurious appearance.

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Avoid moisture, dust, and tobacco

Moisture, dust, and tobacco are three of the leading causes of off-putting odours in fur coats. To keep your coat in top shape, there are several precautions you can take.

Avoid Moisture

Firstly, avoid moisture at all costs. If your coat gets wet, simply shake out as much water as possible, then hang it to dry in a well-ventilated room. Do not use a blow dryer, clothes dryer, or any direct heat on the fur. Once dry, shake the coat again to fluff the fur. If your coat gets completely soaked, take it to a professional fur cleaner immediately to prevent shrinkage.

Avoid Dust

Secondly, always protect your coat from dust. Unless you're wearing your fur every day, use a 100% cotton bag to keep dust out of the fur. Do not hang your coat in a plastic bag, as it needs air circulation to keep the hide from drying out and cracking. Every so often, bring your coat outdoors on a dry day and shake it out to dislodge accumulated dust and debris.

Avoid Tobacco

Finally, keep your coat away from tobacco smoke. Tobacco is a source of odour that is difficult to remove. If your coat does come into contact with tobacco smoke, try placing it in a closed garment bag with an open bag of coffee grounds. Leave the coat in the bag until it smells like coffee, which can take one day to a week. Then, remove the coat from the garment bag and hang it outside in the fresh air to ventilate.

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Clean and condition the coat annually

To keep your fur coat in good condition, it's important to clean and condition it annually. This process helps to protect the natural oils of the pelt and prevent them from drying out. Here are some detailed steps to properly clean and condition your fur coat:

Cleaning:

  • Take your fur coat to a reputable professional furrier or a dry cleaner specialising in fur coats for a thorough cleaning. This is crucial as washing a fur coat at home can permanently damage it.
  • During a professional cleaning, the furrier will inspect the coat for any stains, rips, or tears. They will then hand-clean the lining, paying close attention to spots, stains, and odours.
  • The fur is then placed in a large drum with sawdust and an environmentally safe fur-cleaning solution. This process draws out dirt and oils from the fur.
  • After tumbling in the drum, the coat is vacuumed to remove the sawdust and then hand-steamed to eliminate any remaining residue.
  • The next step involves "electrifying" the coat, where electricity is used to make each hair lift, separate, and lie in the same direction, adding shine and preventing shedding.
  • Finally, the furrier reintroduces oils to the fur by applying a conditioner to both the hair and pelt.

Conditioning:

  • You can also condition your fur coat at home. Mix hair conditioner with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the coat with this solution and work it into the fibres by gently brushing it with a hairbrush.
  • Allow the coat to hang dry.

Additional Care Tips:

  • Always hang your fur coat on a broad, sturdy, padded hanger to prevent the shoulders from losing their shape.
  • Protect the fur from dust by storing it in a 100% cotton bag when not in use. Avoid using plastic bags, as fur requires proper air circulation.
  • Avoid exposing your fur coat to substances like perfume, hairspray, mothballs, and cigarette smoke, as these can cause unpleasant odours and prematurely age the coat.
  • If your fur coat gets wet, simply shake off as much water as possible and let it air dry naturally. Never use heat to dry fur.
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Frequently asked questions

Place your fur coat in a garment bag and hang it up. Add an open container or bag of fresh coffee grounds to the bottom of the bag and leave it sealed for a few days. Remove the coat from the bag and hang it outside until the coffee smell has gone.

Keep substances like mothballs, aerosol sprays, colognes, perfumes, hairspray, makeup, and cigarettes away from your coat. Prevent moisture by storing your coat with proper ventilation in a dry location. Hang your coat away from heat sources.

Clean your fur coat at least once per year. Avoid direct contact with perfume, hairspray, or makeup. Keep your coat away from heat sources and direct light. Do not store your coat in a plastic bag or a cedar closet/chest.

The smell could be caused by carpet mites, moisture, dust, or tobacco.

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  • Byeon
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