Fur Care & Storage Guide

Natural fur is made to last for decades. A little care through the seasons keeps each piece soft, full and beautiful, whether it’s a hat you wear every winter or a throw that lives on your sofa.

Everyday Wear and Use

  • Let it breathe. After wearing, hang or set your piece somewhere with good air circulation before putting it away.
  • Shake, don’t brush. A gentle shake restores loft and settles the hair. If you need to tidy it, smooth the fur with your hand in the direction it naturally lies. Never brush against the grain.
  • Keep products off the fur. Perfume, hairspray and lotions can dry and stain the hair and leather. Apply them before you dress, and let them dry first.
  • Watch for friction. Shoulder bags, seatbelts and rough surfaces can wear fur down over time. Earmuffs and headbands should be put on and taken off gently rather than pulled.

If Your Fur Gets Wet

Fur sheds snow and light rain well. If it does get damp:

  1. Shake off any excess water or snow.
  2. Hang it or lay it flat in a well-ventilated room at normal room temperature.
  3. Let it dry naturally. Never use a hairdryer, radiator, heater or direct sunlight, as heat dries out the leather and can make it brittle.
  4. Once it’s dry, give it a gentle shake to fluff the hair back up.

A piece that has been soaked through should be seen by a professional furrier.

Cleaning

  • Never machine wash, dry clean or iron natural fur. Water, solvents and heat damage the leather underneath.
  • For a small spot, blot gently with a dry, clean cloth. Don’t rub.
  • For a deeper clean, take your piece to a professional furrier who offers fur cleaning. Once a year is ideal for items that are worn often.

Storing Your Fur

Cool, dark and breathable is the rule for every piece.

  • Use a breathable cloth bag. Cotton or another breathable fabric is ideal. Never store fur in plastic, which traps moisture and can dry out the leather.
  • Give it room. Don’t crush fur in a packed closet or drawer. Crowding flattens the hair.
  • Hats and earmuffs: store them in their shape, loosely stuffed with acid-free tissue if needed, rather than flattened under other items.
  • Headbands and scrunchies: keep them in a cloth pouch, away from heat and direct light.
  • Throws, pillows and bedding: fold loosely, with the fur side in, and store in a breathable bag or cotton sheet.
  • Avoid heat and humidity. Skip attics, basements, cars and spots near radiators or vents. A steady, cool, dry place is best.
  • Keep it clean before storage. Put pieces away clean and dry. Moths are drawn to soiled fabric and fibers.
  • Skip mothballs and cedar contact. Mothball odor is hard to remove, and cedar can dry out the leather if it touches the fur directly.

For longer fur garments, many furriers offer climate-controlled summer storage, which is the best option for valuable pieces in the warm months.

Caring for Fur in Your Home

  • Mind the sunlight. Direct sunlight fades fur over time. Keep throws, pillows and teddy bears out of strong window light, or rotate them every so often.
  • Shake regularly. A gentle shake outdoors every few weeks lifts dust and keeps the hair full.
  • Keep it away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and heating vents.

Built to Last

With proper care, natural fur often grows softer and richer with age. Many pieces can be repaired, relined or restored rather than replaced. If you have a question about caring for a Northern Classics piece, get in touch and we’ll be glad to help.