A natural mink fur coat can last for many years without losing its insulating properties if it is properly cared for. Any fur after seasonal wear has traces of dirt and a stale appearance. It loses its bright shine and ceases to shimmer effectively in the sun's rays. In isolated cases, you can clean a mink coat of minor dirt at home, but real results can only be provided by professional dry cleaning specialists.
How to clean a mink?
The need for quality cleaning
Numerous reviews about dry cleaning of mink coats show that it should definitely be done before storing the item for summer storage. Carrying out the procedure using special means:
- will return the product to its spectacular appearance;
- refreshes the shade and shine;
- will remove any types of stains;
- will carry out prevention against moths;
- will eliminate foreign odors.
White products are especially in need of this service. This color easily absorbs dust, fades in the sun and reveals every dirt. If necessary, specialists will change the lining and make minor repairs. After the craftsmen clean a white or dark mink coat, it can be packed in a special case for storage in the summer.
How to properly clean fur products at home
Regardless of the type of fur, there are several rules that must be followed when cleaning the product yourself:
- The fur product should be laid out on a flat surface covered with a light cloth.
- Lighting in the room should be as close to natural as possible. It is better to carry out the cleaning process during the day.
- When using chemicals, care must be taken to ensure good ventilation, but drafts should be avoided.
- Before using chemicals (even seemingly gentle ones), you need to apply them in an inconspicuous place on the reverse side of the product.
- After cleaning, you need to dry a natural fur coat in a well-ventilated area or outdoors in the shade. Direct sunlight, hot air and drafts are best avoided.
- Fur coats with short piles are brushed against the growth of hairs, while those with long piles are brushed in the direction of hair growth.
If after cleaning the fur coat has lost its shape, there is no need to try to iron it. Even if the iron does not damage the hairs, they will be crushed and natural fur will lose its attractiveness.
Features of cleaning mink fur products
Not all women can afford even a short fur coat. This fur is one of the most expensive, largely due to its characteristics:
- light weight of the finished product;
- soft, pleasant to the touch pile;
- noble shades from black to snow-white;
- good heat resistance.
This fur is very delicate, to avoid damage it is prohibited:
- use any washing powder and other non-specialized detergents;
- wash the entire fur coat or individual areas in the usual way (by hand or in a washing machine);
- rub and scratch the pile vigorously;
- neutralize unpleasant odors using perfumes, deodorants and other means;
- dry the cleaned fur coat on a radiator, near an open fire or using a hairdryer;
- iron to return to shape;
- remove dust with a vacuum cleaner.
Process Features
Modern dry cleaning of mink coats involves the use of new materials and reagents. They are cleaned with extreme care, carefully selecting methods and techniques for removing stains and dirt. This applies to products of different shades, especially white or blue mink. Among the many options, experts highlight two of the most effective:
- A dry type of classic cleaning, for which an improved type of powdered reagent is used. The entire process occurs without the use of moisture.
- Chemical cleaning is important in case of severe stains or deposits. In this case, it is cleaned with components such as perchlorethylene or alcohol-containing preparations.
Regardless of the option chosen, a mink coat will return to its former shine after dry cleaning. User reviews talk about the restoration of the pile, the beauty of the fur and the spectacular appearance of the product.
How does cleaning work?
Before accepting it for dry cleaning, the master carefully examines the mink coat, discussing how the process will take place and what reagents can be used. The conversation is conducted to clarify the nature of the origin of the stains in order to select the reagents as correctly as possible and not spoil the product.
To find out how a mink coat is cleaned in a dry cleaner, you can get acquainted with the work of specialists based on visitor reviews:
- The fur product is placed in the drum of a special washing machine.
- Add dry wash powder.
- Scroll thoroughly for the required time.
After this, the dry cleaner places the mink coat on the mannequin and carefully brushes each piece with a brush. The stains found during the process are cleaned with liquid compounds that are suitable for capricious white fur. If necessary or at the request of the client, the lining is replaced. If it is impossible to return the product to its original appearance, painting in dark colors or adding a refreshing shade may be suggested.
On the forums you can find numerous reviews about dry cleaning a mink coat, which did not bring the desired result. Often, girls first try to refresh the product at home and clean their favorite white fur coat using traditional methods. This can lead to damage or shedding of the fur. Both the initial quality of the pile, as well as the method of painting, sewing, and proper storage are of great importance.
A mink coat is versatile and unpretentious for everyday wear, but requires careful handling. There is no need to risk an expensive item. It is better to leave it in the hands of a professional who will provide complete care.
Where can I dry clean my fur coat?
Dry cleaning is an establishment that specializes in fur cleaning. In addition to the fact that the specialists of this establishment will not only help you clean the fur of your fur coat, they will also bring it back in order: they will repair the product and paint it (if necessary). Here you can leave your fur coat for storage.
A professional dry cleaner should have an ironing machine at their disposal to smooth out the fur. But since this equipment is quite expensive, every establishment can afford to purchase it. In principle, the presence of an ironing machine indicates that the establishment receives a lot of orders and values its reputation, because the product must be returned to you not only in its pure form. It must be wearable and look well-groomed.
In big cities, in addition to dry cleaners, there are ateliers and fur salons that sew fur clothes. They can also offer you dry cleaning services for the product.
Review
Phew, there are so many dry cleaners now, you don’t know who to believe. My fur coat became shiny over time, but I didn’t want to spend 60 thousand on a new one. I read the reviews, which seemed good, and took them to the Grand Canon. The furrier asked for 3,500 for the work, but I asked for a discount and ended up paying 3,000. They cleaned it well, I’m happy with the quality. The fur coat became clean, the fur shone, I even forgot that it was like this before
