How Much Does Fur Coat Cleaning Cost?

Last Updated on March 5, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Getting your luxurious fur coat professionally cleaned can be an expensive endeavor, but it’s crucial for preserving the quality and extending the lifespan of your fur.

In this article, we’ll break down the average costs associated with professional fur cleaning services and the factors that influence the price. We’ll also highlight the benefits of professional fur care and provide tips for choosing a reputable fur cleaner.

How Much Does Fur Coat Cleaning Cost?

The cost of professionally cleaning a fur coat can range quite a bit based on several factors. For a short fur jacket, expect to pay around $50 to $70.

A full-length fur coat will typically cost between $80 and $200 per cleaning, depending on the fur type and services needed. Designer fur coats or those made from more delicate furs like chinchilla can cost over $300 per cleaning.

Kaufman Furs offers fur cleaning for shearlings, leather, sheared furs, reversible garments, chinchilla coats, and jackets at a cost of $85. They also provide special hand cleaning for delicate furs, with the option of adding an anti-bacterial agent for $65.

ML Furs provides a range of cleaning and glazing services for various fur and leather items. Prices start at $75 for hats, headbands, flings, and muffs, and at $195 for cleaning shearling jackets and vests. The cost of cleaning leather coats starts at $250.

A user in a Reddit thread mentioned that the cost of dry cleaning a winter coat in NYC was about $40, with a small section of the lining repaired at the same time, reducing the cleaning cost to around $30.

What is Fur Coat Cleaning?

Cleaning a fur coat requires specialized techniques and solutions to gently clean the fur fibers while maintaining their softness and luster. Fur coat cleaning differs from regular dry cleaning, which can damage a fur garment.

The process involves a deep conditioning treatment to replenish oils in the fur, gentle shampooing and rinsing, drying flat, and brushing to restore the fur’s natural shine and volume. Unlike regular clothes, fur coats should only be professionally cleaned around once a year to limit wear.

Factors Affecting Fur Coat Cleaning Cost

Several key factors determine the price charged by professional fur cleaners:

• Coat size – A short fur jacket will cost much less than a full-length fur coat. Pricing is usually based on the garment size.
• Fur type – Delicate furs like chinchilla, beaver, or fox can require more care and attention when cleaning, driving up costs. Sturdier pelts like mink and shearling are less expensive.
• Level of soiling – Heavily soiled coats require extra cleaning time and care, adding to the price. Lightly worn coats cost less.
• Services – Added services like repairs, conditioning, and storage will increase the total bill. Basic cleaning is the lowest cost.
• Brand name – Designer and luxury brand fur coats often command higher cleaning prices. Unknown brands or vintage coats tend to cost less.

Benefits of Professional Fur Cleaning

Investing in professional fur cleaning offers many benefits:

Also check out our articles about the cost of the most expensive furs, a Hermes scarf, and dry cleaning services.

• Extends fur life – Proper storage and cleaning preserves the natural oils in fur, preventing drying and damage. This extends the coat’s wearable lifespan.
• Maintains appearance – Specialized processes and solutions keep fur lustrous, soft, and full. Do-it-yourself methods often damage fur.
• Improves pelt health – Conditioning treatments nourish the leather side of fur pelts preventing cracks and tears.
• Removes stains/odors – Professionals have chemical solutions to remove stains, sweat, and odors that damage fur over time.
• Provides expertise – Reputable fur cleaners have extensive training in delicate fur care. They know how to properly clean each fur type.

Choosing the Right Fur Cleaning Service

To ensure your cherished fur receives the best care, keep these tips in mind when selecting a service:

• Check credentials – Look for membership in industry groups like the National Furriers Guild or Fur Information Council of America.
• Read reviews – Search online for customer reviews and check ratings services like the Better Business Bureau.
• Ask about process – Inquire about their specific cleaning methods and solutions used. Avoid cleaners relying solely on dry cleaning solvents.
• See sample furs – Ask to view some cleaned fur samples so you can inspect the quality of their work.
• Consider fur specialists – Rather than a regular dry cleaner, choose a service focused specifically on fur care.
• Get an estimate – Reputable cleaners will provide a written estimate of all charges before work begins.

Additional Fur Coat Services

In addition to basic cleaning, many fur specialists offer other services to care for and prolong the life of fur garments:

• Conditioning – Special oils and conditioners applied during cleaning keep fur pelts supple and lustrous.
• Glazing – Polishing the leather side of the fur provides extra protection and sheen.
• Storage – Offsite insured storage facilities protect furs from heat, humidity, and pests during summer months.
• Fur Repairs – Services like re-lining, seam work, and pelt patching repair damage and wear.
• Appraisals – For insurance purposes, some cleaners offer appraisals to determine current fur coat value.

DIY vs. Professional Fur Coat Cleaning

To save on costs, some fur owners attempt do-it-yourself cleaning methods at home. However, this often leads to disastrous results for fine fur garments. Improper storage and cleaning destroy furs over time. The risks include:

• Fur drying and damage – Home cleaning solutions strip oils and lead to fur breakage.
• Pelt injuries – Harsh chemicals and improper brushing can cut leather side of pelts.
• Shrinkage or felting – Getting furs too wet results in irreversible damage and size changes.
• Failed odor removal – Home methods cannot eliminate stubborn odors like a professional cleaning.
• No conditioning – DIY cannot mimic the rejuvenating conditioner treatments of a specialty cleaner.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

In addition to cleaning your fur yearly, a few habits can keep fur coats looking their best:

• Store properly in cool, dark place in summer months – do not use plastic bags.
• Spot clean stains quickly with a damp cloth – do not over wet the fur.
• Brush regularly with a specialty fur brush to distribute oils.
• Use padded fur hangers to avoid stretch marks on shoulders.
• Condition the fur before storing at the end of each season.
• Repair minor damage and small rips immediately before they worsen.
• Consider occasional professional deep conditioning treatments.

Conclusion

Choosing a qualified fur specialist for cleaning and storage is the best way to protect your valuable fur investment and extend its usable lifespan.

While professional fur cleaning is more costly than regular dry cleaning, those extra costs help maintain the luxury, comfort, and natural beauty of real fur for many years to come. Proper maintenance and care is well worth the investment for your treasured fur coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a fur coat be cleaned?

It is recommended to have fur coats professionally cleaned around once a year. Annual cleaning helps remove accumulated dirt, oils, and odors from the fur fibers to keep pelts looking their best.

Some delicate furs like chinchilla may need professional cleaning every six months with light at-home brushing between cleanings. Furs worn often or exposed to cigarette smoke or stains need more frequent attention.

Always spot clean spills right away, but leave deep cleanings to a fur specialist to avoid over-washing the delicate fur fibers.

How much does it cost to store a fur coat?

Fur storage at a professional, insured fur storage facility typically costs between $100 and $300 per coat depending on the length of storage. Short-term seasonal storage for a few months averages around $150.

Year-round cold storage can average $200 to $250. Additional services like cleaning and conditioning prior to storage will increase the total storage fees.

Storage protects furs from heat, humidity, and pests during summer months or when not being worn. Proper storage is key to maintaining your fur investment.

Are fur coats still worth money?

Depending on the quality and current condition, most fur coats – even vintage and used – still retain considerable value. For example, a mint condition mink coat can easily sell for $2,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the brand and fur quality.

Vintage designer furs from luxury brands like Chanel or Dior also command top dollar. More common fur types sell for less, but still garner decent resale value.

With proper storage, care, and maintenance, a quality fur coat will hold its value and can even appreciate over time. Check current market rates if considering reselling your fur. Consignment shops specializing in furs are the best option.