Care instructions for fur jackets – how to make your fur last longer

A fur jacket or faux fur is often one of the most beloved pieces in your wardrobe. It warms, elevates your entire outfit and gives you a sense of luxury – but only if you take care of it properly. Improper washing, improper storage or too much wear can quickly shorten the lifespan of an otherwise great jacket.

In this guide, we go through everything you need to know about caring for fur jackets and faux fur: how to air, clean, wash and store the garment so that it stays looking good year after year.

Why care is extra important for fur

Unlike many regular winter jackets, fur – both real fur and faux fur – has a distinct texture and a “fall” to the hair. If you care for your fur incorrectly, it can:

• lose its luster

• feeling dry and tangled

• lose shape or become flat

• have difficult stains that won't go away

With the right care routines, however, your fur jacket will become a long-term garment, not a seasonal item. It is both more durable and more economical.

Daily care – small habits that make a big difference

The most important thing you can do for your fur jacket is actually not advanced washing – but small things you do every day:

1. Let the jacket rest on a hanger
   Always hang your jacket on a wide, sturdy hanger so that the shoulders retain their shape. Avoid hooks or thin hangers.

2. Air after use
   If the jacket has been outside in humid weather or in environments with a lot of scent (restaurant, smoke, perfume) – let it hang in an airy room or hallway for a few hours before you put it in the closet.

3. Avoid carrying heavy bags over your shoulder
   Heavy shoulder bags or backpacks can rub against the coat, especially over the shoulders and back. Switch sides or carry the bag in your hand if you want to be extra careful with your jacket.

4. Be careful with perfume and hairspray
   Do not spray perfume, hairspray or other chemicals directly onto the coat. Spray before putting on the jacket or direct away from the garment.

Caring for a real fur jacket

Real fur is a natural material and needs to be treated with respect. Here are the basics:

Airing
Real fur feels best in fresh air . If the jacket feels a little “stuck”, it is often enough to hang it out on the balcony or in an open window for a while – but not in direct, strong sunlight.

Cleaning
Small stains can sometimes be gently wiped away with a clean, slightly damp cloth . Do not rub hard – rather work gently in the direction of the fur.

For larger stains or when the jacket feels generally dirty, you should:

• never wash real fur in a regular washing machine

• take it to a professional groomer or dry cleaner who can

It may seem expensive, but is significantly cheaper than ruining the entire garment.

Drying
If the coat gets wet from snow or light rain:

• Gently shake off excess moisture.

• Hang the jacket on a wide hanger at room temperature.

• Let it dry slowly – no dryer, no heater, no hair dryer .

• When dry, you can gently “fluff up” the fur with your hand.

Faux fur care

Faux fur is often a little more durable than real fur, but also requires proper care to stay looking good.

Always read the washing instructions
Always start by reading the care label on the garment . Some faux fur can be gently machine washed, others should only be dry cleaned. Follow the recommendation – the manufacturer knows how the material behaves.

Machine wash (if the garment allows)

• Use a gentle program and low temperature.

• Choose mild detergent , preferably for wool/delicates.

• Wash the jacket separately or with few garments.

• Do not use fabric softener – it can make the fiber heavy and flat.

Drying faux fur

• Always let the garment hang to dry .

• Place a towel underneath if it drips.

• When the coat is almost dry, you can gently shake the jacket and run your fingers through the hairs to restore volume.

• Avoid using the dryer unless the washing instructions explicitly state that it is safe to do so.

Brush the coat
If the faux fur has become a little flat, you can use a soft brush (e.g. a pet brush or soft hair brush) and gently brush in the direction of the fur. Do this when the garment is dry.

How to store your fur jacket in the summer

Many people google “storage of fur jacket in summer” – and rightly so. Improper storage is one of the most common mistakes.

1. Clean or air before putting away
   Make sure the jacket is clean and completely dry . Odors, stains or moisture can worsen when the garment is stored away.

2. Use the right hanger
   Hang the garment on a wide, padded hanger so that the shoulders do not lose their shape.

3. Avoid plastic bags
   Do not store the fur in tight plastic. Instead, use a breathable fabric garment cover . Fur needs some air circulation.

4. Store cool and dark.
   A closet that is cool, dry and out of direct sunlight is best. Strong sun can fade the fur over time.

5. Let the garment have space
   Don't squeeze the jacket in between lots of other garments. The coat feels best when it hangs airy.

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are some typical mistakes that can ruin an otherwise nice fur jacket:

• Washing real fur in the washing machine

• Tumble dry faux fur on high heat

• Store the fur in a warm attic or damp basement

• Using harsh chemicals or stain removers directly on the fur

• Leave the jacket rolled up in a bag after traveling

If an accident occurs – for example, if you spill wine, grease or makeup on your jacket – it is usually better to quickly contact a professional laundry service than to experiment yourself.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about fur jacket care

How often do I need to clean my fur jacket?
If you use the jacket regularly for a full season , one professional cleaning per year may be sufficient, plus occasional airing. Faux fur can sometimes be washed a little more frequently, depending on use.

Can I use lint rollers on fur?
Yes, but be careful. Lint rollers can be good for removing hair and dust, but don't pull too hard. On real fur, it's often better to just shake the garment and run your hand through the fur.

How do I remove odor from my fur jacket?
Let the jacket hang and air out in the fresh air. Sometimes a day on the balcony (under cover) is enough. If that doesn't help, professional cleaning may be needed.

Can I store the fur jacket in the basement or attic?
Avoid damp basements and warm drafts. Moisture can cause mold and bad odors, and heat can dry out the coat. Cool, dry, and dark is best.

How do I know if it's time for professional cleaning?
If the fur feels greasy, dull, smells or has stains you can't get rid of – then it's time to hand it in.

Conclusion – take care of your fur from Nordic Furs

A fur jacket or faux fur from Nordic Furs is made to last more than one season. With the right care – airing, gentle cleaning and smart storage – your favorite jacket can stay just as soft, fluffy and beautiful for many years.

Treat your fur jacket as an investment. Take a few extra minutes to care for it after you wear it, follow the care instructions in this guide, and enjoy a warm, luxurious, and stylish winter – season after season.