Comments on: 5 Great Ways to Recycle Old Fur Clothing

By: Marj Ketchum

Marj Ketchum — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:51:27 +0000

In reply to Shannon. Pay for quality leather conditioner. They don't go rancid. Whale oil used to work great, but guess why you can't get it anymore.

By: Marj Ketchum

Marj Ketchum — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:46:18 +0000

In reply to Maryellen Barry. Buy a small bag of charcoal briquets. Not the kind with added starter fluid. Charcoal works great at absorbing odors. Of course you don't want the charcoal to touch your fur. I'd try putting them both in a closet that is enclosed. Give it a month. Make sure you open the bag of charcoal.

By: Marj Ketchum

Marj Ketchum — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:41:24 +0000

In reply to Shirley Underwood. Just like leather can be reconditioned, so can the leather side of a fur coat, with a good quality leather conditioner.

By: Simon Ward, editor, Truth About Fur

Simon Ward, editor, Truth About Fur — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 03:09:37 +0000

In reply to Recycle.

It’s just a suggestion … Why don’t you try asking International Fur Dressers & Dyers at intfur@mymts.net

By: Recycle

Recycle — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:31:32 +0000

Is there a black dye vat suitable for light fur ?

By: David Davidson

David Davidson — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 18:29:55 +0000

Many animal rehabilitation shelters accept old fur coats which they use in cages of recuperating animals. They are in shock / healing and need to be kept warm. For old furs you cant use otherwise it is a better use than a landfill.

By: Simon Ward, editor, Truth About Fur

Simon Ward, editor, Truth About Fur — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 02:51:31 +0000

In reply to Kim. Hi Kim. If possible, you need to show your jacket to a furrier who specialises in remodelling vintage furs. They use a combination of tape and hand stitching to save fragile leather, and they can work wonders. But usually there is a caveat that the restored garment must be treated gently. For example, the simple act of sitting down places stress on the leather, particularly with full-length coats. So if you value your jacket highly, we strongly recommend showing it to an expert. Good luck!

By: Kim

Kim — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 09:37:43 +0000

Hi, thank you so much for this wonderful advice. I am remodelling a real fur child’s jacket my grandmother gave me but the leather is quite thin and stitches rip easily. Is there something I can adhere to the edges before sewing please? Any advice gratefully received. Thank you.

By: Helen

Helen — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 12:07:10 +0000

In reply to Page. I know here in Australia with all the bush fires I have heard of them being used for orphan animals

By: Shirley Underwood

Shirley Underwood — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 03:55:30 +0000

I have 3 beautiful old fur coats that I inherited, and all are no longer supple, the seams are cracking, and quite brittle. They are very similar in color and look, I am thinking of using them to cover a seat, make a pillow, or covering a headboard. – or also making a blanket or throw.
I would like advice on the headboard in particular, it would be a hard backing, a good quality board, and thinking with no padding. I am considering using 2- sided tape, or glue? as I don’t believe that they can be re-conditioned. FYI- I received them in this shape…..I believe one is a sheared beaver, one is mink and one is coyote. Thanks, any advice you can give me is helpful. I am an accomplished DIY-er,,,,