Proper Fur Storage
Store your fur garments in cold storage when you are done
wearing it for the season or not using it. This is one of the most important
steps you can take in preserving your furs. There are no rules or set dates in
regard to when furs should be stored. Whenever it is warm enough outside to be
done wearing a fur coat for the season is when you should put it in storage. By
the same token, when it is cold enough to justify wearing a fur (depending on
your furs individual level of warmth) bring it home from storage. (Usually when
it is cold enough to wear a winter jacket, it is time to put on your mink
coat). The more time a fur is in cold storage, the longer it will last.
Professional Cold Storage facilities should have the following characteristics:
- 34-45° Fahrenheit is optimal, but any temperature under 55° is worthwhile.
- Humidity controlled between 45 and 55%
- Vermin and insect proof
- Theft protection (vault architecture, alarms, guards or other methods)
- Minimal U.V. light exposure
- Ample space for each garment
- Easily accessible (you may want your garment for an event or suddenly cold weather)
The Importance of Humidity Control
Humidity level is important when a fur will be hanging in
one place for a significant amount of time. If the humidity is too low (dry
air) the natural oils in the pelts will evaporate more rapidly causing the garment
to become dry and deteriorate. If the humidity is too high (damp air) they
pelts can rot at a fast rate.
Cedar Closets
Never store your fur in a cedar closet. Cedar closets are
great for materials that contain no moisture. They work well for preventing
odors in such materials. This is because Cedar wood absorbs moisture from the
air. Needless to say, this is very bad for fur, as it will dry it out. Natural
oils in the leather and hairs of fur are necessary, and once depleted the
biodegradation process speeds up exponentially. Once the natural oils are gone
from a fur there is no way to replenish them. The leather in your fur may begin
to tear as easily as tissue paper. This is the end for a fur garment.
Moth Balls
Do not store your fur with moth balls. Moth balls are made
from naphthalene, a toxic hydrocarbon derived from coal tar. Moth balls react
with moisture in the air (and in the natural oils of your fur) and exudes gas
acting as a fumigant. This chemical reaction can cause irreparable damage to
fur and leather very quickly. Please note: Mothballs are a danger to both
children and pets and can be fatal if swallowed. Naphthalene has also been
linked to nasal cancer.
Garment Bags
Do not store your fur in a bag of any type. Bags (especially
plastic) reduce air flow and therefore circulation of moisture, which can speed
up the drying out (biodegradation) of your fur. Bags (especially cloth) can
also cause wear and broken hairs over time, at the points where it rests
against the fur. For the same reason do not try to protect your fur from dust
by hanging a piece of cloth over the shoulders. Use of garment bags is OK for
travel and short periods of time when you are specifically trying to protect
your fur.
Fur and Heat Sources
Hang your fur away from heat sources such as radiators and
heat vents. Heat can cause dry-rotting. Dry-rot is when the natural oils in the
leather and hairs of the fur are evaporated and the biodegradation process
speeds up exponentially. Once the natural oils are depleted from a fur there is
no way to replenish them. The leather in your fur may begin to tear as easily
as tissue paper. This is the end for a fur garment.
LEGAL INFORMATION. The information contained on this page is
intended only as a Guideline. The recommendations on this website are generally
accepted good practice options for care of fur garments. Due to the biological
nature, variation of products, unknown origin, material sources and
manufacturing processes of individual fur products discussed on this website are
not responsible for the effects of the care recommendations listed on this
website on any such products that you may own.