Natural fur products will last for generations to come with proper care and storage. We often get questions from our customers about storing these beautiful products. Here are some tips for storing your treasured fur coats and jackets, and rugs or hides.
How to Store Natural Fur Coats, Jackets, and Clothing
Storing natural fur garments like coats, jackets, and vests really isn’t that different from storing other clothing. However, there are a few unique steps to take to ensure your fur garments stay pristine and beautiful for years to come.
Use a cool and dark storage location
Natural fur can fade if exposed to direct sunlight and heat for long periods of time. Make sure your storage location is away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Pick the right hanger
Natural fur garments are typically heavier than your traditional peacoat or fleece vest. Using a wire or plastic hanger could cause the shoulders to stretch or lose shape. Use a sturdy wooden hanger made for broad shouldered garments to avoid this. You can also use a dress form; these can serve as a storage tool as well as a way to display your garments!
Keep it breezy
Natural fur loves air flow. In addition to using a cool and dark storage location, make sure there is enough room between garments for air to circulate and flow through the hide. Do not use plastic to cover the garment. This prohibits airflow and can cause the fur to dry out.
Avoid storage enhancements
We strongly recommend that you avoid using things like moth balls in your storage location. Moth balls, and products like them, can cause your garments to take on odors that can be hard to remove. The same goes for cedar wood blocks; while these smell wonderful, they can cause odors to seep into the fur. Additionally, cedar blocks can dry out the air in your storage location and potentially cause your fur to dry out.
How to Store Natural Fur Rugs and Hides
Just like natural fur garments, fur rugs and hides are easy to store properly. Using these tips to store your favorite rug or hide will help make sure it will be enjoyed for years to come.
Clean First
Before you store your rug, give it a good shake to clean out any large particles and dust. If needed, you can gently brush out any tangles or matting with a wide-toothed wired brush. You can also use the hose of your vacuum to gently clean your rug. Don’t use any kind of attachments with beaters.
Keep it cool
Just like your natural fur garments, rugs and hides prefer cool and dark spaces. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight and high heat; these can dry out the leather backing of your rug or hide and cause it to crack and dry out.
No plastic
If you take away one thing from this blog, it should be this – never use plastic wrapping or storage bins to store your natural fur. Plastic prevents airflow for your natural fur rug or hide. Overtime, this will cause the fur to dry out, become stiff, and crack the back lining. If you must wrap your rug or hide, use a breathable material such as a cotton sheet or canvas drop cloth.
Storing natural fur may seem overwhelming at first, but using our tips, you can tackle this process quickly and easily. If you have specific questions about storing your natural fur piece, contact us. Looking for more details on how to clean and care for your natural fur? Read our suggestions on caring for your natural fur here.
Sliver fox / mink 3/4 length
Should i store in cloth garment bags
Hi Sherry,
Yes, cardboard or canvas works the best.
Thanks,
Barb & Merlin
I have a collection of tanned furs I use in school presentations on the fur trade. I have stores them in cardboard boards which are wearing out from being hauled about for several year. Is there a better way to store these pelts?
Hi Bill,
It sounds like your method was sound. We recommend cardboard or canvas so the hide can air naturally.
Thanks,
Barb & Merlin
What about wolf’s fur.
Hi Tommy,
Wolf’s fur doesn’t require any special treatment. Follow the same recommendations above.
Thanks,
Barb & Merlin
I have wolf fur it has 2 holes where I think a mice or rat knwed at it same with my mohair jumper why has it been. Attacked like this can they smell the animal
Hi Omer, sorry to hear that! Yes, mice and other pests are often attracted to natural fibers—they can smell the animal scent or any residues. We recommend storing hides and garments in sealed containers or using cedar to help deter them.
I have a Canadian beaver jacket that has been in a cedar chest for literally 25 years but we are now selling the chest. The jacket seems fine and I wanted to put it in a regular wood dresser. Concerned about moths as we have an old ranch style house in Southern California and it is not cold enough really to wear this. Thanks for any help!
Thank you for the comment, Susan.
It would not be a bad idea to include a couple of moth balls when you put your coat in the wood dresser.
Have a great day!
I just purchased a silver fox jacket from an estate sale. I have a dark inner closet that is somewhat cool in the summer. My fear is moths. How should I store this and should I put a few moth balls in the closet?
Hi Debbi, It should be fine in a dark closet. Moth balls could cause some undesirable odors. You could also put it in a canvas bag to protect it, but don’t use plastic.
Barb
I have a Buffalo face mask. Is it acceptable to trim up the fur around the mouth opening to stop the fur from blowing up my nose when riding the bike?
Rick
Hi Harold, Yes, you can trim it as you like. Just be careful not to trim it too short as it will look blunt and I’m afraid it won’t grow back. 🙂
Barb
Hello i have a shadow fox fur Throw, how should i store it at home?
Hi Zane, Never store it in plastic. Cardboard or canvas works great. It’s best if it can stay out as the fur needs to breathe.
Barb
It’s as if no one in the “questions” section actually read the article😂 great article though. Answered my question
Hi there! I was recently gifted a small rabbit hide that is quite dry and VERY fragile and I don’t know if there is anything I can do to bring it back to life and help preserve it! Thanks in advance!
Hi Jessie! Yes, applying some our Skidmore’s Leather Cream may help. It’s hard to know without seeing the hide of course. If you don’t have Skidmore’s, lanolin or jojoba oil are gentle alternatives that can help soften the skin side. Apply a small amount gently, and avoid the fur side to prevent matting. Always test on a small area first, as it may darken the hide slightly.
Do you buy buffalo hides? We purchased a beautiful hair on hide a few years ago to display over a railing in our log home. My husband has passed away and my daughters want me to move nearer them. I would have no place to display this. It completely covers a queen size bed. it is in very nice condition. We purchased it in Gallup, N.M. or do you make custom coats for your customers?
Hi Marjorie, we’re so sorry for your loss. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] with a few photos of the hide, and we’d be happy to discuss options with you there.
I recently purchased a few rabbit fur pelts for a project. And I was wondering how I should store them before I sew them. Thanks
Hi Braeden! Great question. Our article above has some helpful tips. In short: store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and avoid plastic bags so the pelts can breathe. Good luck with your project!
Hi, I’ve gotten a Silver fox scarf – I have a canvas bag I was given to store it in but was wondering if a wardrobe would be appropriate to store it in if I keep the bag separated from other garments
Hi Chloe! Yes, storing it in a wardrobe is totally fine—as long as it’s cool, dry, and the scarf isn’t crushed. Your canvas bag is a great choice too! More tips are in the article above.
I have a ton of vintage muffs in various furs and two rather large one made of ostrich feathers. I have currently all stuffed them with acid-free tissue paper and stored them in cardboard boxes I had on hand in my wardrobe. Is this a sound long term solution, or are there extra precautions or changes in my method I should make?
Hi Vima! Acid-free tissue is a great start. For long-term storage, you might consider breathable cotton bags instead of cardboard, and keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Avoid plastic so the furs and feathers can breathe.