Possum fur cleaning

All furs should only be cleaned by a professional specialist fur cleaner. It is a very specialised process and uses special chemicals and machines. Most dry cleaning companies with a good reputation will have a business relationship with a professional fur cleaner and can act as an agent for a fur cleaner in your area. Make sure that they are passing the fur onto a fur professional and do not let the dry cleaning company treat your fur themselves.

No matter what other websites say, furs can not be dry-cleaned like fabric, it is not that simple, it really does use a special set of chemicals and other techniques to clean a fur properly to extend its life, so don't be fooled. Sometimes the backing on the throw or blanket needs to be removed and treated separately if it is soiled. The fur specialist will then check your fur for any weakened areas or holes and repair if necessary.


In Auckland we recommend Leather Smiths to clean possum fur. Expect to pay about NZ$150 as a starting point for a possum fur throw but this can increase if the size is larger than normal. A fur coat will cost about NZ$70-$90 but again this will be priced on a case-by-case basis depending on what is required. Couriers to and from the fur specialist may be added to these price guidelines and every dry cleaner has their own pricing structure.

At home minor spills can be soaked up with a paper towel or cloth. It is possible to gently wipe the fur in the direction that the fur grows with a clean damp cloth but make sure that no water gets through to the leather underneath the fur.

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Eight tips for possum fur storage

• Store fur in a cool dry place away from sunlight - if possible avoid humidity, heat and light
• Do not put your possum fur throw/blanket into a plastic bag; it needs to be able to breathe. Instead use a loose weave cotton bag with plenty of room to move or wrap it loosely in an old but clean sheet
• Do not use those plastic storage bags that you suck the air out with a vacuum cleaner – they will crush the fur and leather and suffocate the fur
• Do not store in a cupboard with mothballs – the fur may absorb the smell and it will be hard to remove
• Do not allow the fur leather to get wet – so make sure the storage location is away from all possible leaks & moisture
• Do not put other objects on top of the stored fur – remember we are trying to keep air circulation at all times
• Store away from kitchens or other activities that create smells that can absorb into the fur over time
• When the fur throw/blanket comes out of storage give it a good vigorous shake to fluff up the fur and if needed air it out in fresh air

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