Removing Perfume Scents From Fur: A Quick Guide

Fur coats and blankets are luxurious items, but they can often retain strong odours such as tobacco, perfume, and mildew. This can be due to the accumulation of dust particles, moisture, and other odour-causing agents. To prevent this, it is recommended to periodically shake out your fur items and store them in a cotton garment bag in a dry, well-ventilated location. If your fur has already retained an unpleasant odour, there are several at-home methods to remove it, including using coffee grounds, baking soda, or a specialised fur odour remover like Lana's Fur Odor Remover.

Use a commercial fur odour remover

If you want to remove perfume smells from your fur without resorting to professional dry cleaning services, you can use a commercial fur odour remover. One such product is Lana's Fur Odor Remover, which is available on Amazon with free delivery.

Lana's Fur Odor Remover is a simple and eco-friendly solution that eliminates unpleasant odours. It is designed to remove strong odours such as mildew, pets, cigarette smoke, perfume, and elderly smells. The product is easy to use and can be applied directly to the fur garment.

However, some customers have reported that the product has a strong vinegar smell and that it may not be effective in removing certain odours, such as the dust smell from a mink coat. It is important to note that the product contains vinegar and alcohol, which may be off-putting to some users.

In addition to the odour remover, Lana's also offers a Deep Fur Cleaning Kit that provides thorough fur cleaning and can help remove unpleasant odours. This kit includes a three-in-one product that cleans fur, removes odours, and restores the glazing of fur hairs. It also comes with two complimentary moth away bags for continuous protection when storing the fur.

Try a natural deodorizer like coffee grounds

Coffee grounds are an excellent natural deodorizer that can help eliminate the perfume smell from fur without using any harmful chemicals. Coffee grounds are easily available and can be used without spending much money. They are a natural material that does not contain toxic chemicals, making them safe for health and the environment.

Coffee grounds contain antioxidants and oxalic and chlorogenic acids that can absorb and neutralize odors. The nitrogen in coffee also cranks up carbon's ability to absorb sulfur, a scent often associated with being foul and unbreathable. Coffee grounds can also absorb moisture, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mould.

To use coffee grounds to remove perfume smell from fur, place an open bag of coffee grounds with the fur coat inside a closed garment bag. Leave the fur in the bag with the coffee grounds until the coat smells like coffee and the perfume smell is entirely gone, which can take anywhere from one day to a week. Then, remove the fur from the garment bag and hang it outside in the fresh air to ventilate well.

Alternatively, you can mix coffee grounds with baking soda in a 1:1 ratio, put the mixture in a cloth bag or glass jar, and then place it with the fur coat inside a closed garment bag. The baking soda will help to absorb and neutralize the perfume smell, while the coffee grounds will provide a pleasant aroma.

It is important to note that preventing odours from occurring in the first place is the best way to keep your fur coat smelling its best. Avoid exposing your fur coat to sources of odours such as perfume, tobacco, and dust. Periodically shake your coat to rid it of dust and debris, and always store your fur within a cotton garment bag in a dry location with proper ventilation.

Sprinkle on baking soda

To get perfume smells out of fur, one method is to use baking soda. This is a cheap and convenient way to deodorize fur. It is also a natural product, so it won't damage the fur.

Firstly, take your fur item and lay it out flat. Take a generous amount of baking soda and sprinkle it onto the fur. Make sure you cover the whole area, and pay particular attention to the areas that retain the most smell, such as the collar and cuffs. You can also sprinkle baking soda inside the coat, onto the lining.

Next, take a soft-bristled brush and gently work the baking soda into the fur fibers. You can also use your fingers to gently rub the powder in, but be careful not to be too rough, as to avoid damaging the fur.

Leave the baking soda on the fur for a few minutes. The powder will absorb the perfume smell, as well as any other odors. Finally, turn the coat inside out and gently shake it to remove any excess powder. You can also use a soft cloth to wipe away any visible residue.

This method is also useful for getting rid of skunk or smoke smells, and can be used on other items such as pet bedding.

Preventative measures: avoid sources of odour

Preventative measures are the best way to ensure your fur stays in top condition and doesn't absorb any unwanted odours. Sources of odour can be difficult to avoid, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to prevent smells from accumulating in your fur.

Firstly, be mindful of your surroundings. Tobacco smoke is a leading cause of unpleasant smells in fur. The smell of tobacco can linger on fur, so it is best to avoid smoking areas or being around people who are smoking when wearing fur. Similarly, strong-smelling substances like perfume can be easily absorbed by fur fibres, so it is advisable to avoid wearing perfume or being around people who are heavily perfumed when wearing fur.

Another key source of odour is moisture. Furs are susceptible to absorbing moisture from the environment, and longer, denser furs are particularly at risk of developing a musty smell. To prevent this, ensure your fur is stored in a dry location with proper ventilation. Avoid hanging your fur in damp areas like bathrooms, and if your fur gets wet, make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing it away.

Dust is another culprit of odour in fur. To prevent dust from accumulating, periodically shake out your fur coat to remove any dust and debris. Always store your fur in a cotton garment bag, and consider getting your fur professionally cleaned annually to remove any built-up dust and debris.

By taking these preventative measures, you can effectively avoid sources of odour and keep your fur smelling fresh and looking its best for years to come.

Wash and dry

If you want to get perfume smells out of fur, washing and drying can be an effective method. However, it's important to note that not all fur types can be washed, and some may require professional cleaning. Before attempting to wash any fur item, check if it is safe to do so.

When washing fur, it is important to use a gentle detergent and cold water. Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a mild detergent specifically formulated for fur. Soak the fur item in the water and gently agitate the water with your hands to activate the soap. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fur, as this can damage the fibres. After soaking, gently rinse the fur with cold water to remove any soap residue.

Alternatively, you can use a washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Place the fur item in a mesh laundry bag to protect it during the wash. Select a delicate or hand-wash cycle and use a mild detergent.

Once the fur item has been washed, it is crucial to dry it properly. Never wring out the water, as this can damage the fur. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay the item flat on a towel. Roll the fur in the towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Avoid hanging wet fur, as it can stretch and lose its shape. Change the towel as needed until the fur is completely dry.

Air drying is another option. After squeezing out excess water, hang the fur item in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This process may take several hours or even days, depending on the climate and thickness of the fur.

Proper washing and drying techniques are essential to maintain the quality and longevity of fur items. Always handle fur with care and avoid harsh chemicals or treatments that may damage the delicate fibres.

Frequently asked questions