FUR FACTS & INFO
Maintaining your fur garment is an important component that will dramatically impact its visual
appearance and longevity. Unlike many other fabrications fur, while extremely durable, is also susceptible
to unique wear and damage because of its inherent natural properties. Drop off your furs and
shearlings at any one of our locations. Free pick up is also available in some areas.

FOUR THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FUR
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Furs Can Crack & Mold
Yes, it’s true, if fur is not kept in the ideal setting, including temperature and humidity, it will crack and tear. Ideally, climate controlled vaults should maintain a precise temperature and humidity. After extensive wear throughout winter months, fur garments have definitely been exposed to harsh conditions and elements and should be maintained professionally to extend the life of the garment.
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Bug’s Paradise
Vermin, dust mites and moths consider a dormant fur coat their paradise. Proper temperature and humidity control during periods of non-use deters these pesky critters from setting up shop and calling your fur coat their home. We all know what moths can do to your garments if you’re not careful. And, while many believe that a cedar closet is optimal for fur storage because they deter moths and other critters, the downside is that the wood also draws moister from the air and therefore accelerates the drying and cracking of furs.
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Furs Attract & Hold Dirt
Proper cleaning removes the accumulated dirt and grease that, if left un-cleansed, will reduce the life of the garment and leave the skins looking dull and matted. Professional cleaning restores luster, softens the pelts, enhances the beauty, and assures longevity. This is especially important because road salts used during winter months, especially for longer coats, can be particularly harmful to your coat and adds urgency to having a professional cleaning.
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Ongoing Maintenance & Repair
Much like a beloved car, everything and everyone could use a little “tune up” every now and then. Parking your furs for the summer in professional storage allows the pros to give your garments a little TLC and recommend minor repairs, such as small tears in the seaming, before they become major blemishes.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR FUR
When you have your furs cleaned, take them only to an Authorized Furcare Specialist SM or QUALIFIED furrier. Fur cleaning is like no other cleaning process. It is highly advisable not take them to a drycleaner. Too many times do people end up with a destroyed fur coat and in a legal dispute with a business that was unqualified to service their fur to begin with. Authorized Furcare SpecialistsSM use equipment and materials specifically designed for fur, as well as having extensive process knowledge and skills not possessed by people or businesses that do not specialize in furs. Furs cannot be dry-cleaned and NEVER put them in a clothes washer or dryer… ever!
- Store your shearling garments in cold storage when you are done wearing them for the season or not using them. The more time a shearling garment spends in cold storage the longer it will last. Like fur, the natural oils in shearling keeps it soft and pliable. Colder temperatures and proper humidity control slows down the evaporation of these necessary oils.?Shearling and fur have the same storage requirements. (click here to learn more)
- While at home, do not keep shearlings in a cedar closet, with mothballs, or where it is exposed to direct light or heat sources.
- The fur side of shearlings should be cleaned every year to keep it in good condition. Clean the leather (suede) side of shearlings only when necessary (not annually) if it gets soiled or spilled upon. Cleaning of the leather side can cause wear or characteristic changes to the leather finish of a shearling. (i.e. uniform color changes, smoothing of suede, temporary stiffening, etc.) These changes may be unavoidable but, are not necessarily a negative. In either case the consumer should be made aware of the possibilities and risks by their Authorized Furcare SpecialistSMprior to cleaning. Cleaning the fur only will not change the look of your garment or cause unnecessary wear when done properly.
- If there are no visible stains, spots, blemishes, or dirt on the leather, then have only the fur side of your shearling cleaned.
- If stains, spots, blemishes, or soiled areas are visible on the leather then have it cleaned prior to storage as well. Heavily soiled areas can become very difficult to remove with time. If a dirty area or spots can be seen, this is when cleaning becomes necessary. Your Authorized Furcare SpecialistSM will be able to advise you on whether or not to proceed with cleaning.
- Winter salt and solvents may accumulate on your garment and can lead to discoloration and drying out. The longer these remain on a shearling the greater damage they can do. Have these areas cleaned by an Authorized Furcare SpecialistSM as soon as possible.?(Note: Salt removal from leather causes little to no wear)
- Do NOT attempt to clean a shearling, leave it to an Authorized Furcare SpecialistSM as you may cause irreparable damage. Like all fine suedes and leathers, cleaning shearling garments requires special processes (including equipment, tools and cleaning agents) to prevent discoloration, drying out, cracking or extensive wear to the sueded side or damage to the fur side. The cleaning and restoration of shearling and sueded leather truly requires the skills of a trained professional to be performed successfully, without causing damage.
- Never put your shearling into a washer or dryer!
- In case something is spilled on the sueded leather side, gently blot the excess with a damp cloth while being careful not to rub it in further or spread it into a larger area. Take it to an Authorized Furcare SpecialistSM as soon as possible for professional treatment.
- At home hang your shearling on a broad hanger and never in a bag or covered. Allow room so that it is not pressed tightly inside your closet.
- Hang your shearling away from heat sources such as heat vents and radiators. Direct heat exposure can cause the material to dry and crack.
- Hang your shearling away from direct light. Overexposure to light can alter the color of your shearling.
- Rain, sleet or snow will not damage your shearling if treated properly. Accumulated moisture or light wetness should be shaken from the garment and the garment should then be hung to dry, away from heat but in a well-ventilated area. (Do NOT attempt to dry it with a hairdryer, space heater, etc.) If the leather becomes saturated, take it to an Authorized Furcare SpecialistSM or Leather specialist to be reconditioned. (excessive wetness can cause a mottled change in color or misshaping)
- Sueded areas smoothed by wear may be able to be restored by an Authorized Furcare SpecialistSM.
- Your Authorized Furcare SpecialistSM may offer a weather protectent application service to help guard your shearling from the elements and various types of stains.
- When in doubt or if you have specific care questions always contact an Authorized Furcare SpecialistSM.
GET IN TOUCH
Have a question about your fur? Drop us a line. We love hearing from you.
Your message will be confidentially sent to Jacques Ferber.