Fur Storage & Conditioning: Why It’s Important

Whether you have a fox fur jacket, a sable fur stroller, a mink stole, or a coyote fur coat, ALL fur, even pieces trimmed with fur, takes specialized care to keep it looking it’s best for years to come. Even most faux fur needs to be cleaned by professional fur cleaning methods, NOT dry cleaning!

Fur is organic, like our skin and hair, and needs to be professionally conditioned EVERY YEAR. Even if you don’t wear it often, natural fur gathers dust, oils and odors.

And fur hates the heat.  Well, not the actual fur, but the hide or leather underneath the fur. So, not only conditioning your fur every season is important, but also keeping it in a temperature and humidity controlled atmosphere.  Furs that are conditioned and stored properly during the hot weather of summer can last up to fifty years or more!

At Mano Swartz, not only do we offer storage and conditioning for your furs, but as a professional furrier we also inspect your furs for rips, tears, and stains, and any issues with your fur that can be addressed while you won’t need it to stay warm in the middle of the year.

I’m asked all the time, “When should I bring my fur in for storage?”, and my answer is, “When you’re not cold anymore!”  As the weather continues to turn, when you are ready, you can plan to get your fur to Mano Swartz via our website at: https://www.manoswartz.com/pickup-delivery/

Until you get your fur to us for seasonal services, here are some tips for fur care:

• Do not store your fur in a cedar chest or closet! The oils can harm the fur and cedar will dry it out.
• Putting fur near moth balls. Furs will absorb the odor and smell badly.
• Do not keep fur in sunlight or a garment bag, especially a plastic bag.
  Fur needs air circulation to keep from drying out, but keep it in the dark.
• Avoid using hairspray or perfumes when wearing your coat. Most contain alcohol which dry, or oils that penetrate the fur and eventually become nasty smelling. The odor is extremely difficult to remove.
• When you sit down, unbutton your coat to relieve stress across the fur. If sitting for a long period, take your coat off to avoid crushing the fur. (I put mine in my lap like a blanket to keep me warm!)

Until next, take care and be well!

Tina