How to care for a coyote fur hat

A coyote fur hat wants dull, ordinary care. Shake it. Dry it slowly. Put it away where insects and heat cannot work on it. Most damage is from kindness that is too aggressive: a radiator, a hair dryer, a plastic bag, a machine wash.

After snow

• Shake or brush the snow off with your hand. Do not scrape ice out with a comb.
• Let the hat dry at room temperature, hair side out, away from sun, vents, and stoves.
• When it is dry, shake it again so the guard hairs can stand.

If it was soaked through, the same rule holds, only longer. Heat feels faster. Heat cooks the skin and makes the hair brittle. That is a ruined hat, not a dry one.

What not to use

• No washing machine, no dryer, no steam cleaner.
• No household detergent, shampoo, or “fabric” spray.
• No perfume, hairspray, or insect repellent on the fur. They gum the hair and are hard to get out.

Dirt that does not shake out is a cleaning job, not a sink job. Read how to clean real fur before you experiment.

Storage

Keep it cool, dark, and able to breathe. A cotton bag or a loose box is better than a sealed plastic sack, which holds moisture. Cedar nearby can discourage moths. Do not pack mothballs against the fur, and do not store the hat in a hot attic or a damp basement.

Hang it or set it so the crown is not crushed all summer. Flat storage is how a warm hat becomes a mat. In season, let it rest out of the sun between wears. More on lifespan is in how long real fur lasts.

These are general care notes for coyote fur hats, including pieces from SD Fur Company. They are not a warranty, and they are not a substitute for a fur cleaner when the hat is actually soiled.