Cleaning a Smelly Thrift Store Coat
October 14, 2019 6:59 AM Subscribe
I have a Persian Lamb coat from a thrift store. Like always, there is that thrift store smell. If I take it to be cleaned at a professional fur cleaner, will the smell likely be gone afterward? From what I understand, they will tumble it with some sawdust and gentle cleaning fluid, then vacuum it, and coat it with conditioning oils. Will any part of the typical process remove the smell? Anyone have direct experience with such things?
I've been in this position before with Persian Lamb from a thrift store, and have not had good luck with things like coffee grounds/charcoal/etc. and would like to really try to address this properly if possible. I'm desperate enough that I'm thinking about submerging the whole coat in water and Dr Bronners, and taking it to a furrier to be spruced up/oiled once I feel like its actually clean. (I read an article suggesting this is not an entirely ludicrous idea.) All ideas/guidance welcome.
I've been in this position before with Persian Lamb from a thrift store, and have not had good luck with things like coffee grounds/charcoal/etc. and would like to really try to address this properly if possible. I'm desperate enough that I'm thinking about submerging the whole coat in water and Dr Bronners, and taking it to a furrier to be spruced up/oiled once I feel like its actually clean. (I read an article suggesting this is not an entirely ludicrous idea.) All ideas/guidance welcome.
No, professional cleaning will not always remove smells.
Do try hanging outside, as crush says. Spritzing with straight vodka or vinegar can also be helpful. You can also put a layer of charcoal in a plastic bin and lay the coat on that. Snap on the lid and check after a few days.
Do get it cleaned professionally as well, it will help keep the fur and skins conditioned.
posted by ananci at 9:55 AM on October 14, 2019 [1 favorite]
Do try hanging outside, as crush says. Spritzing with straight vodka or vinegar can also be helpful. You can also put a layer of charcoal in a plastic bin and lay the coat on that. Snap on the lid and check after a few days.
Do get it cleaned professionally as well, it will help keep the fur and skins conditioned.
posted by ananci at 9:55 AM on October 14, 2019 [1 favorite]
Jolie Kerr suggests you try burying the garment in kitty litter:
One quirky way to de-funk accessories like beaded clutches, leather jackets and shoes that can’t be machine- or hand-washed is to bury them in kitty litter. Clean litter, please! An ingredient commonly found in kitty litter formulas is active charcoal, and it is an excellent odor absorber.
(The article also echoes crush & ananci above, that dry cleaning is not good at odour elimination).
posted by tamarack at 6:11 AM on October 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
One quirky way to de-funk accessories like beaded clutches, leather jackets and shoes that can’t be machine- or hand-washed is to bury them in kitty litter. Clean litter, please! An ingredient commonly found in kitty litter formulas is active charcoal, and it is an excellent odor absorber.
(The article also echoes crush & ananci above, that dry cleaning is not good at odour elimination).
posted by tamarack at 6:11 AM on October 15, 2019 [1 favorite]
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posted by crush at 7:42 AM on October 14, 2019 [8 favorites]