Fur Care & Storage Guide
Ranch & Hide CO | Fur-Check
Protect Your Investment
Whether you've just completed your first brain-tanned hide or you own precious fur garments, proper care and storage are essential to preserve their beauty, softness, and durability for decades. Fur and leather are natural materials that require specific conditions to prevent damage from pests, moisture, heat, and light. This comprehensive guide will teach you professional storage techniques, seasonal maintenance routines, and troubleshooting solutions to keep your furs looking and feeling their best.
Optimal Storage Conditions
Temperature Control
Ideal Range: 55-65°F (13-18°C)
Fur and leather are sensitive to temperature extremes. Heat causes oils to dry out, making leather stiff and brittle. Cold alone isn't harmful, but temperature fluctuations cause expansion and contraction that weakens fibers.
Pro Tip: A cool, climate-controlled closet or spare room is ideal. Avoid attics (too hot in summer), basements (too damp), and garages (temperature swings).
Humidity Management
Ideal Range: 45-55% Relative Humidity
Too much humidity promotes mold, mildew, and bacterial growth. Too little causes leather to dry out and crack. Fur hair becomes brittle in very dry conditions.
Solutions for High Humidity:
- • Use a dehumidifier in storage area
- • Place silica gel packets in storage bags
- • Ensure good air circulation
Solutions for Low Humidity:
- • Use a humidifier in storage area
- • Avoid storing near heating vents
- • Consider a humidity monitor
Light Exposure
Rule: Store in Complete Darkness
UV rays from sunlight and even fluorescent lights cause irreversible damage to fur and leather. Colors fade, leather becomes discolored, and fibers weaken over time.
Best Practices: Store in dark closets, use opaque garment bags, keep away from windows, and turn off closet lights when not accessing items.
Air Circulation
Fur and leather need to breathe. Trapped moisture and stagnant air create perfect conditions for mold and musty odors.
Important: Always use breathable cotton or canvas garment bags. Never use plastic bags or airtight containers. Leave space between hanging items. Air out furs quarterly by hanging in a well-ventilated area (away from direct sunlight).
Cleaning & Maintenance
Regular Brushing
Frequency: After each wear, or monthly during storage
Brushing removes dust, dirt, and debris while keeping fur fibers aligned and fluffy. It also helps you spot any damage early.
How to Brush:
- • Use a soft-bristle brush designed for fur
- • Brush in the direction of hair growth
- • Use gentle strokes - don't pull or tug
- • Pay attention to collars, cuffs, and high-wear areas
Spot Cleaning
For minor stains and spills, immediate action prevents permanent damage.
For Wet Spills:
- • Blot immediately with clean, dry cloth
- • Never rub - this pushes liquid deeper
- • Shake gently to remove excess moisture
- • Air dry away from heat sources
For Dirt/Mud:
- • Let dry completely first
- • Brush off gently with soft brush
- • For stubborn spots, use slightly damp cloth
- • Never use soap or chemicals without testing
Professional Cleaning
Recommended: Every 2-3 years, or as needed
Professional fur cleaners use specialized techniques and solutions that safely clean without damaging delicate fur and leather. This is especially important for valuable garments.
Warning: Never machine wash, dry clean at regular cleaners, or use home cleaning products on fur or brain-tanned leather. These methods can cause irreversible damage. Always seek a specialist who understands natural tanning.
Moth & Pest Prevention
Why Pests Love Fur
Moths, carpet beetles, and other insects are attracted to the natural proteins in fur and leather. They lay eggs in dark, undisturbed areas, and their larvae feed on the fibers, causing irreparable holes and damage. Prevention is critical because once damage occurs, it cannot be reversed.
Natural Repellents
Natural moth repellents are safe, effective, and won't damage your furs like chemical mothballs can.
Cedar
Cedar blocks, chips, or sachets naturally repel moths. Refresh by sanding lightly every 6 months to release fresh oils.
Lavender
Dried lavender sachets are effective and smell wonderful. Replace annually for best results.
Rosemary
Dried rosemary bundles work similarly to lavender. Crush occasionally to release scent.
Cloves
Whole cloves in small mesh bags are a traditional moth deterrent.
Monthly Inspection Routine
Early detection is your best defense against pest damage.
What to Look For:
- • Small holes or thinning areas in fur
- • Tiny white eggs (size of a pinhead)
- • Small larvae or cocoons
- • Fine dust or debris (insect droppings)
- • Musty or unusual odors
- • Loose or shedding fur in patches
Emergency Response
If you discover pest activity, act immediately:
- Isolate: Remove affected items from storage area immediately
- Freeze: Place items in sealed bags and freeze for 72 hours to kill all life stages
- Clean: Vacuum storage area thoroughly, dispose of vacuum bag
- Inspect: Check all other stored items carefully
- Professional Help: For valuable items or severe infestations, consult a fur specialist
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Plastic Bags
Traps moisture, prevents air circulation, causes mildew and odors. Always use breathable fabric bags.
Wire Hangers
Causes stress points and distortion. Use wide, padded hangers that support the garment's weight evenly.
Folding Fur
Creates permanent creases and damages fur fibers. Always hang or roll fur items for storage.
Attic Storage
Extreme heat in summer dries out oils and damages leather. Temperature swings cause fiber breakdown.
Basement Storage
High humidity promotes mold and mildew. If you must use basement, ensure dehumidifier runs constantly.
Perfume/Cologne
Alcohol and chemicals in fragrances can stain and damage fur. Apply before dressing, never directly on fur.
Ignoring Damage
Small problems become big ones. Address tears, loose seams, and pest damage immediately.
Overcrowding
Compressed fur loses its loft and shape. Leave space between hanging items for air circulation.
Professional Storage Tips
Related Resources
Questions about fur care?
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Yellowhead County, Alberta