An elegant mink coat is not like a cotton t-shirt, and in more ways than one. For one thing, they’re totally out of league in terms of cost. For another, you can machine wash cotton, wrinkle it up, stuff it in a drawer, and still get years of use out of it.
Furs are not like this. They are much more temperamental and require much greater care and consideration, not only in terms of maintenance and cleaning but also in how they should stored.
This concern is precisely the reason that so many wise fur owners choose professional fur storage options when they know they won’t be wearing their furs for a prolonged period of time.
Here’s what you should know – and why proper fur storage is critical.
Temperature Control
Anything under 55℉ is a good temperature for storing fur, but most fur storage professionals agree that between 35℉ and 45℉ is ideal.
The reason for the necessity of cold storage has to do with the fact that fur is made of natural materials. At lower temperatures, molecules slow down and biological activity is hampered.
In plain terms, colder temperatures slow the decay and decline of your fur garments. Cold temperatures also slow the evaporation of natural oils from the pelt that keep it soft and pliable.
Not freezing, though. Repeated freezing and warming cycles can actually hasten the deterioration of fur garments by damaging the pelt and lining.
This is the chief reason that professional cold storage fur storage facilities keep furs stored in consistent, cool environments.
Humidity Regulation
Warm temperatures are not the only enemy of fur garments. There are a number of issues that can befall a fur coat if the humidity is too high, too.
For one, the pelt can rot. Humid conditions cause the pelts and linings of fur garments to absorb moisture. Extremely humid conditions can accelerate the growth of mold and mildew which will ruin the garment.
Storing your fur garment in a location in which the humidity is too low can cause the garment to become dry and damaged, too. Even relatively low humidity levels (especially when paired with warm conditions) can exacerbate a condition known as “dry rot” in which the pelt of the fur will dry out, become brittle, and crack.
Once that happens, there’s very little you can do to restore the coat. The best thing you can do is keep your fur in a cold storage facility that regulates the humidity and maintains it at a level between 45% to 55%.
Protection Against Light
While not as serious as concerns about temperature and humidity, prolonged exposure to light, especially direct sunlight which radiates UV, can damage a fur coat.
Mostly, the damage will be cosmetic, and the UV exposure will cause discolorated to exposed areas of the coat, and its fur.
However, over time, UV exposure will not only change the color of the fur, but damage it, which is why fur storage facilities store furs in dark locations.
Protection Against Pests
One final consideration you should take for your furs is that they are stored in a facility that is completely vermin and insect-proof.
Many different species of insects and their larvae, including silverfish, carpet beetles, firebrats, carpet mites, and clothes moths all eat fur and leather. This makes them a marked threat to both a fur garment as well as to its pelt.
Fortunately, cold fur storage facilities usually have several protections in place to protect against these vermin, not the least of which is temperature.
Before storing your furs in a facility, always ask about what safeguards they use against pests that exhibit an affinity for furs.
Protect Your Investment with Proper Fur Storage
Not sure where to start with fur storage? Get a little help from the professionals at Maximilian. They can help answer your questions and they also offer storage options. For more information, visit their website or get in touch with them at info@maximilian.com or at 1-800-TLC-FURS.
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