How to clean a fur collar yourself

Outerwear with a collar made of natural or artificial fur always attracts attention with its elegance and style. However, over time it gets dirty and gradually loses its original appearance. In this case, you have two main options: contact a professional dry cleaner or try to clean the collar yourself using available means. This process can be done easily if you act correctly and use the appropriate methods. In this article, we’ll look at some effective ways to clean a dodgy collar and give you some helpful tips to get the best results.

Natural fur

Cleaning a natural fur collar can be a dry or wet process, and the choice of method depends on the type and degree of contamination, as well as the type of fur and its color.

Dry cleaning

Dry cleaning is the most optimal way to remove salt and other dry dirt. For this, you can use such means as talcum powder, flour, dry bleach or sand . These substances effectively absorb dirt and grease without harming the fur collar. Dry cleaning is also ideal for light-colored fur, such as mink or fox, which is not recommended for wet cleaning.

1. Before proceeding with dry cleaning of the collar on a jacket or down jacket, it is recommended to unfasten it from outer clothing. Then shake off the dust and other dry particles well and carefully clean with a brush in the direction of the pile. The brush should have blunt teeth.
2. Next, spread one of your chosen products evenly over the collar, being careful not to apply too much pressure to help the product absorb all the dirt and dust. Talc, flour or dry whitewash will actively collect dirt and, at the same time, be easily removed. The fur will become clean and shiny.
3. After distributing the product and absorbing the dirt, shake the collar to remove the remaining dry particles. If necessary, repeat the procedure. It is recommended to hang the semi-dry collar on the balcony for ventilation.

Wet cleaning of dark fur

If the fur collar is dark, it is best to use the wet cleaning method.

1. Prepare a special soapy solution using water and shampoo in a ratio of 1 tablespoon of shampoo to 1 liter of warm water.
2. Apply the resulting solution to the collar with a soft sponge and wait 10-15 minutes until the foam disappears.
3. Rinse in cool water, avoid wringing.
4. Spread the collar on the fabric to absorb excess moisture.
5. Spread the pile in the right direction, combing it as it dries. Use a fine-toothed comb when the fur is still wet, and after it is completely dry, give it the desired direction with a massage brush.

Artificial fur

Cleaning a faux fur collar can be done by both dry and wet methods.

Dry cleaning is the safest method, although it may not be effective for heavy dirt and greasy stains.

Such products as starch, flour or talc are suitable for dry cleaning of the collar. Carrying out this type of cleaning is similar to cleaning fur products, such as fox, mink and others.

If the collar is light , it can be cleaned with starch diluted with gasoline in an equal ratio. The specified mixture is applied to the fur product and left for some time to dry. After that, the product is shaken well and cleaned of product residues using a brush. To remove gasoline residues and air the product, it is necessary to allow it to dry in the fresh air, but not under sunlight.

To remove yellowness from a white collar , you can use starch or semolina. The collar spread out on the table should be sprinkled with cereal or starch. After that, carefully treat the surface with a cloth napkin, rubbing the powder into the product. The process should be completed by shaking off the remains of the product.

Wet cleaning

Wet cleaning is recommended for heavy soiling. However, direct contact of artificial fur with water should be avoided, as this may cause the pile to detach from the base.

To remove heavy dirt, you can wash the collar by slightly wetting the pile in a solution of shampoo or washing powder. Soapy water will perfectly cope with pollution. To do this, add shampoo or washing powder to water and beat until foam is formed. Using a sponge, apply the foaming solution in the direction of the pile. After that, remove the remaining solution with a towel and dry the product at room temperature.

It is important to remember that artificial fur should not be dried near heaters, as this can damage the material.

Stain removal

Very often, greasy spots and traces of sweat appear on the fur collar, which can significantly spoil its appearance. You can clean them with purified gasoline or alcohol:

1. Soak a cotton swab in the selected product and apply it to the stain for 3-4 minutes.
2. After that, wash the treated area with warm water and leave to dry.

You can also remove greasy stains from the collar using a mixture of ammonia and salt:

1. Take half a liter of water, a teaspoon of alcohol and 3 teaspoons of salt.
2. Combine all this and apply it to the stain using a cloth.
3. Rub the stain until it disappears, then dry and comb the fur.

If spots have appeared on a light fur collar, hydrogen peroxide can help you. Stains from foundation or lipstick can be removed with alcohol. Of course, today there are special means for removing stains, but it should be remembered that dyed fur cannot be treated with solvents.

Choose the right stain removal method and your fur collar will shine like new again.