Genuine Fur Care & Storage Guide

Your fur garment is a natural luxury item. The care tips below apply broadly to genuine animal fur — including mink, chinchilla, fox, raccoon, and muskrat — but individual garments may have specific requirements. Always check the care label sewn into your piece and consult a professional furrier when in doubt.

Cleaning Your Fur

Spot-clean only at home. Blot — never rub — small stains with a clean, dry cloth. Rubbing can mat the guard hairs and damage the pelt.
Never use household detergents, dry-cleaning solvents, or water on your fur. These can strip the natural oils from the pelt and cause cracking or shedding.
Shake gently after wearing to remove dust and restore the natural loft of the fur.
For routine upkeep, have your fur professionally cleaned at least once per season or after heavy use. Only use a cleaner that specializes in fur — standard dry-cleaners are not equipped to handle genuine fur.

Drying Your Fur

If your fur gets wet, shake off excess moisture and hang it in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources.
Never use a hair dryer, clothes dryer, or radiator. Concentrated heat dries out the pelt, causing it to crack and stiffen.
Allow the fur to dry naturally at room temperature. Once dry, give it a gentle shake to restore its natural drape.
Do not comb or brush wet fur — wait until it is completely dry.

Deodorizing Your Fur

Air the garment in a cool, shaded outdoor area for 30–60 minutes to freshen it naturally. Avoid direct sunlight, which can bleach and fade fur.
Never spray perfume, cologne, or aerosol deodorant directly onto fur. The alcohol in these products dries out the pelt and can discolor guard hairs.
If odors persist, take the garment to a professional fur cleaner. Fur specialists have conditioning treatments that deodorize without damaging the pelt.

Everyday Storage: Padded Hangers

Always hang your fur on a broad, padded hanger that supports the full width of the shoulders. Wire or narrow hangers concentrate weight and can deform the pelt over time.
Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated closet — not a tightly packed wardrobe where garments are compressed together.
Do not store in a plastic garment bag. Plastic traps moisture and prevents the fur from breathing. Use a cloth garment bag or leave the piece uncovered with adequate space around it.
Keep fur away from direct sunlight and artificial light, both of which can cause fading.

Seasonal Storage

For long-term storage — typically late spring through early fall — professional cold storage is strongly recommended. A climate-controlled fur vault maintains the ideal temperature (around 34–40°F / 1–4°C) and humidity (45–55%) to preserve the pelt and prevent drying.
Have the garment professionally cleaned before it goes into storage. Storing fur with oils, perspiration, or residues on it can attract pests and cause pelt damage over time.
If professional cold storage is not available, choose the coolest, driest area of your home. Avoid attics, basements, or areas with fluctuating temperatures.

Protecting Against Moisture & Humidity

Excess moisture causes the pelt to stretch and can promote mold or mildew growth.
Never store fur in a damp area such as a basement. If your home is particularly humid, a dehumidifier in the storage room helps.
Do not seal fur in an airtight container — it needs air circulation.
If the garment becomes saturated (e.g., caught in heavy rain), take it to a professional fur cleaner as soon as possible rather than attempting to dry it yourself.

Protecting Against Heat & Light

Heat is one of the most damaging elements for genuine fur. It causes the leather pelt to dry out, crack, and become brittle.
Keep fur away from radiators, heating vents, fireplaces, and sunny windowsills.
UV light fades color in all fur types. Store your garment in a dark or low-light space whenever possible.
Avoid leaving fur in a parked car, where temperatures can spike rapidly.

When to Use a Professional Fur Cleaner

Some situations call for expert care rather than at-home remedies. Visit a qualified fur specialist if you notice any of the following:

Matted, clumped, or shedding guard hairs that do not improve after gentle shaking
A stiff, cracking, or dry-feeling pelt
Persistent odors that do not air out naturally
Heavy soiling, staining, or liquid saturation
Visible damage to the lining, seams, or closures
Beginning or end of each storage season (at minimum, an annual professional cleaning is recommended)

A professional furrier can also condition the pelt, re-glaze the fur's natural sheen, and make minor repairs before small issues become costly ones.

Questions about caring for a specific piece? Contact us — we're happy to connect you with guidance tailored to your garment before recommending any treatment or cleaning service.