How to Make a Fur Coat Stop Shedding

Co-authored by Seleh Rahman

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

If you have a fur coat, it is important to care for it properly. This will ensure that it stays in good shape and that it lasts a long time. If your coat begins to shed, you need to adjust how you care for it in order to stop the shedding. This care includes protecting the coat while you are wearing it and being mindful about how you store it. If you are careful with your fur coat when your are wearing it and when you are not, it will minimize the coat's shedding and help its longevity.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Minimizing Shedding

1
Keep your fur dry. Don't wear your fur coat if you think it is going to rain or snow excessively. Getting a lot of water on your fur coat can damage it and can lead to shedding.
- You cannot always avoid getting a little rain or snow on your fur coat. However, if you are outside and it begins to rain or snow, take shelter. It's important to minimize how much water gets on the coat if at all possible.
2
Don't use heat to dry a wet fur coat. If you do get water on your fur coat, don't try to use heat to dry it. This can damage your coat severely and cause even more shedding.^{[1]
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- Instead, shake the water off and let the coat air dry in a room with good ventilation.
- You can also take your coat to a furrier to have the water damage dealt with.
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3
Avoid rubbing up against the coat. Friction can cause a lot of damage to a fur coat. If you are wearing it, try to avoid having a purse or other item rubbing up against it repeatedly.
- This includes when it is stored in a closet. Make sure nothing is rubbing up against the coat or putting pressure on it.
- If your coat still sheds a lot, try shaking it out once a month.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Seleh Rahman
  Professional Tailor & Furrier
  Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.}
4
Avoid applying perfumes or other chemicals while wearing your fur. The hairs on a fur coat can be damaged very easily by harsh chemicals, such as hair spray. If you are wearing your coat and you need to refresh your perfume or hair spray, take the coat off first. This will protect the hairs from getting dried out or from becoming brittle.
5
Take a shedding fur to a furrier. If your coat is shedding that means that it needs some care. Take it to a furrier, tell them what it going on, and ask them to condition your coat.
- Only take the coat to an experienced furrier. They will have the knowledge and experience to care for your coat properly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Storing Your Coat Properly

1
Provide air circulation. Do not store the coat in a plastic bag or other air-tight container, as furs require air circulation. If you put one in a plastic bag, it will not be able to breathe and this can cause the fur to begin shedding.^{[3]
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Research source}^{[4]
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Expert Source

Seleh Rahman
Professional Tailor & Furrier
Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.}
- Storing your fur in a plastic bag will make it dry.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Seleh Rahman
  Professional Tailor & Furrier
  Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.} Circulation is key to preventing the hide from drying out and becoming brittle. A dried out hide can release hairs more easily.
2
Keep the coat out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can dry out a fur coat and cause it to begin shedding. To avoid this, store the coat in a cool, dark place where it is not exposed to light or heat.^{[6]
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- This does not mean that you can't wear your coat out in the sunlight ever. It simply means that long-term exposure to lots and lots of light can damage a fur.
3
Hang the coat on a wide, sturdy hanger. In order to keep the shoulders of your fur coat in good condition, you should only hang it on a wide sturdy hanger. Thinner hangers, such as wire hangers, will compress the top of the shoulders, creating a crease and increasing the likelihood of shedding in that area.^{[7]
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- A fur coat, especially a long one, can be quite heavy. This weight needs to be dispersed on a wide strong hanger. If you put it on a narrow, flimsy hanger, it will put too much weight on the shoulders of the coat.
4
Consider storing your fur at a furrier. Furriers are professionals that know how to care for and store furs properly. Not only can they clean your fur, they can properly store them during the warm months when you will not be wearing your fur.^{[8]
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- Furriers store furs in climate controlled conditions that are prefect for keeping your coat in good condition.