Did you recently inherit a fur coat? Or did you buy one for yourself or receive it as a gift from a loved one? No matter how you acquired your fur coat, you need to know how to properly care for it. With proper care, your fur coat will maintain its luxurious appearance and last for years to come.

Here are some important tips you can follow that will help you properly care for your fur coat.

Properly Store Your Fur Coat

You are not going to wear your fur coat during the warmer months of the year. When you are not wearing it, you will need to properly store it. High humidity is one of the worst enemies of a fur coat because it causes dry rotting. For this reason, the best storage spots for your fur coat are cool places with low humidity.

Some fur coat owners prefer to store their coat in a professional storage facility. The storage vaults in these facilities typically range from around 35 to 45 degrees.

Here are some more storage tips for your fur coat:

• Do not use air fresheners or mothballs, as these will dry out the fur.
• To help the coat retain its shape, hang it on a non-wire broad-shouldered coat hanger.
• Do not store the fur coat in a bag, cedar closet, or freezer.
• Keep the coat protected from direct light.

Make sure your fur coat has plenty space if you hang it in the closet. The extra space will prevent your coat from getting crumpled by other garments.

Inspect Your Fur Coat for Damage

Carefully inspect your fur before you put it into storage, and then again after you remove it from storage. The sooner you notice damage, the easier it is to fix. You can also prevent the damage from becoming worse.

You should inspect your fur coats for dry rot. This condition occurs when the natural oils in the hide dry out, which causes the skins to become thin. Common signs of dry rot include tears in the neckline, pockets, and shoulders. If your coat sheds its fur, this is another sign of dry rot.

Other signs of damage to your fur coat may include:

• Brittleness caused by too much heat
• Changes in color caused by direct sunlight
• Holes or stains caused by vermin and insects
• Rips and snags caused by normal wear and tear

If your fur coat needs repairs, go to a professional. You should never attempt to fix your damaged fur coat at home, as this could result in further damage and more expensive repairs.

Take Your Fur Coat to a Professional Cleaner

If your fur coat has a light stain, you can try to remove it with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. If you need to wash your fur coat, avoid putting it in the washing machine; detergents can stain or damage the fur. Your fur coat should also never be dry cleaned.

Fur coats require special cleaning that only a professional cleaner should perform. Professionally cleaning your coat helps to preserve its natural oils. A professional cleaning will also add luster to the fur and prevent it from matting. A professional cleaner will also condition and glaze your fur coat, which adds a protective layer against dirt, dust, and odors.

If you have a fur coat that needs cleaning and you live in the San Mateo, California, area, contact Crystal Cleaning Center. Our family owned and operated business has provided professional cleaning services since 1963. We look forward to helping you maintain your fur coats so they last for years.