Furcare.org was designed as a consumer advocacy website and licensing program to help owners of fur garments and accessories understand how to care for their items.   There is a lot of information available on the topic in the form of “old wives tales,” advice from friends and recommendations from businesses that do not specialize in furs.  Much of this information is incorrect and can actually cause damage to furs and speed up biodegradation.  The intent of this website is to make clear how to care for your furs, and in some cases, explain the reasoning and science behind fur care methods and actions.

Caring for your fur is very easy when you have the correct knowledge.  Simple precautions and inexpensive maintenance can assure an extended life of beauty for your fur.  Please refer to the list below for most everything you need to know.  And remember... only trust the advice of an Authorized Fur Care Specialist SM.

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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR FUR
  • Store your fur garments in cold storage when you are done wearing them for the season or not using them.  The more time fur garments spend in cold storage the longer they will last. (click here to find out why)
  • Clean your fur garments at least once per year.  If you wear your fur a lot (more than 6 times per season) or it is exposed to beauty products or smoke, then have it cleaned mid season as well.  (click here to learn more)
  • Have your fur garment cleaned by Authorized Fur Care Specialist SM methods only. Dry-cleaning, washing or laundering may severely damage your fur. (click here to learn why)
  • Use broad-shouldered hangers when hanging a fur garment.
  • When hanging in a closet, allow space to prevent it from being crushed or creased by other garments.
  • Have rips, loose seams and damage repaired as soon as possible by a professional furrier.  This prevents minor problems from becoming major, more expensive problems.(click here to learn more)
  • Never store your fur in a cedar closet. (click here to find out why)
  • Never store your fur with moth balls. (click here to find out why)
  • Do not store your fur in a bag of any type while at home or in a storage facility. (click here to learn more)
  • Hang your fur away from heat sources such as radiators and heat vents. (click here to learn more)
  • Do not allow your fur to be exposed to direct light for a lengthy period of time.  Long-term exposure to direct light can cause oxidization and discoloration.
  • Do NOT store your fur in a freezer…  bad idea.  (click here to find out why)
  • Never spray chemicals directly on your fur. (including all alcohol, solvent, and silicon based substances) (click here to find out why)
  • Avoid perfume, hairspray, or makeup from coming into direct contact with your fur. The alcohol content in these products will dry the leather and stiffen the guard hairs.(click here to find out why)
  • One of the beauties of fur is that it can be repaired or remodeled over time to provide a garment that can be worn for many years, through many phases of fashion.  If part of your fur has been worn away, matching fur can be sewn in to replace the worn areas.(click here to learn more)
  • Yes, it is OK to wear your fur in snow or light rain. (click here to learn more)
  • Cloth car upholstery should be covered to prevent damage to your fur.  Cloth car upholstery stretches under weight and will grab the guard hairs on your fur and pull them out when you leave your seat.
  • Be certain your fur garments are adequately insured.(click here to learn more)
  • How do I clean and care for a shearling garment? (click here)
  • How do I clean and care for a fur-trimmed cloth or leather garment? (click here)
(Click here to find a Furcare.org Authorized Fur Care Specialist SM in your area)
Only Licensed Authorized Fur Care Specialists SM have permission to display the Authorized Fur Care Specialist SM logo on their premises, literature and Products.
Furcare.org is available for information purposes only. There is no one available for contact. If you have questions please contact an
Authorized Fur Care Specialist SM, your local furrier or The Fur Information Coucil of America (FICA).