A fur garment is a special possession that must be cared for and safeguarded, much like you would take a luxury vehicle in for service. Spring is the best time to store and service your valuable furs, leathers, shearlings and wools.

According to the Fur Information Council of America, professional storage during the spring and summer months is crucial in maximizing the longevity of your fur. Keeping your garments at home during the summer could be a costly mistake.

Both standard and cedar closets are not suitable for storage unless they are equipped with proper air circulation and set at a constant 50 degrees and 50 percent humidity to maintain valuable moisture. The smell from the use of cedar and mothballs will adhere to fur, leathers and wool, leaving lasting, unpleasant odors.

Whether you use the furrier you purchased the garment from or a reputable local furrier, it is important to work with a professional that uses the most secure, on-site, climate- and humidity-controlled vaults. Be sure to ask if the vault is on premise or if the garment will be shipped out of state, to make your garment remains in the right hands.

By properly storing and conditioning your garment every spring, you will prevent unnecessary deterioration and protect against heat, insects and high-humidity damage.

Keeping a fur garment in an air-conditioned or cool room is not a sufficient method of storage and can actually cause damage to the garment. Homes with air conditioning generally have too much humidity which can dry out the pelts. Never keep your fur in a plastic bag. Use a cloth bag when traveling or transporting your fur — fur garments require proper air circulation.

After a harsh winter, solvents, salt, dust, dirt and other destructive agents must be gently removed from the garment. A fur garment must also be conditioned to replenish its essential oils and should be cleaned and glazed at least once a year to prevent it from drying out. Most furriers can condition, clean and glaze a garment while it is in storage.

Your fur, leather or shearlings outerwear will provide you with years of enjoyable wear when they are professionally conditioned and stored. As you prepare for spring cleaning, add your fur garment to the list. Make it a rule each spring to store garments in a temperature and humidity-controlled vault.


Robert Eisenbach is president of Robert Scott Furs, formerly Leakas Furs. He has over 30 years of experience as a furrier. Since 1947, Robert Scott Furs has been the largest independent luxury garment retailer in Ohio. For more information visit, www.robertscottfurs.com or call 614-481-1895.