Properly Storing Your Fur
Professional storage during the summer months is the most important in maximizing the longevity of your fur. Home storage, using air conditioning or a cedar closet, will not protect your fur from drying out or from dust, dirt or insect damage. Fur vaults are specifically designed to protect the lasting quality of your fur, offering temperature-, humidity-, and light-controlled environments. Homes are not equipped to provide these combined conditions. When fur is not stored in a vault, the hair itself may appear fine, but the oils of the leather may dry out. If the leather dries, rips and tears will begin to appear and these cannot be repaired adequately, nor can the oils be replaced. Annual fur storage is a necessary and inexpensive way to maintain the quality of your fur.

Cleaning and Glazing Your Fur
Furs should be cleaned once a year. They may not look dirty, but they need conditioning in order to keep them soft and fresh. Cleaning and glazing is a dry process. It cannot damage your fur, rather it enhances it. It will not shrink, discolor, or change the shape of your fur. When a fur is cleaned and glazed by an expert furrier, it will be softer and shinier, providing you with many years of fashionable wear.

Tips to Help Protect Your Fur

1. Always hang your fur on a broad-shouldered hanger, never on a wire hanger. Give your fur enough room in the closet so the fur is not crushed.
2. Never hang your fur in a plastic bag or rubber-lined bag. Plastic prevents air from circulating and can dry out the leather. When traveling, store your fur in a cloth garment bag provided by your furrier.
3. If your fur gets wet, shake it out and hang it to dry in a well-ventilated room. Keep it away from direct heat or a radiator, which can cause both fur and leather to dry out. After it is dry, shake it again. Most furs will take some rain and snow far better than a wool or winter coat will. If the fur is soaked through, however, take it immediately to your fur retailer for proper treatment. Never comb or brush the fur.
4. Never pin jewelry on your fur. Do not use shoulder straps of a hangbag on a consistent basis.
5. Never attempt to mothproof your fur yourself. Home treatments are no substitute for professional cleaning and storage.
6. Avoid spraying perfume or hairspray onto your fur.
7. Always store your fur during warm weather with your furrier - never at a dry cleaner. Your furrier is equipped with temperature, humidity and light-controlled storage facilities to protect fur.
8. Have fur cleaned annually by a fur specialist, definitely not a dry cleaner.
9. Have small rips or tears repaired immediately by your furrier. This will prevent more expensive repairs later.
10. Avoid leaving a fur hanging in a bright place. The light can cause the fur to oxidize or change color.

For additional information on how to keep your fur in peak condition, visit the web sites of the
Fur Council of Canada
Fur Information Council of America