Fur coats need the proper TLC to last a lifetime. Fur coats are investment pieces and when cared for properly, they can serve as heirlooms and passed

from one generation to the next.

1. Store the fur coat somewhere it will not be in direct sunlight, such as a closet. You may cover it with a cotton sheet, if necessary. Expose the coat to air from time to time. Once or twice every few months will be enough to prevent the coat from drying out, but will also prevent it from molting. This is ideal for someone who has a fur coat, but does not necessarily wear it often.

2. The coat should be stored away if you are not wearing it for a long time. If you own a fur coat and wear it during the winter months, you most likely do not wear it for the remaining months out of a year. Store the fur someplace it will hang freely and won’t be too crowded. However, do not store the fur coat in the basement. Most basements have far too much humidity, which can lead to the destruction of a fur coat.

3. Let fur air dry. If you find yourself in light rain or snow and your fur gets wet, let it air dry. Some people blow dry their fur dry, but the heat can be bad for the fur depending on the setting. Because fur coats are comprised of natural hair, it’s best if the coat or fur piece simply air dries. Hang up the coat when you get in or lay it flat to dry on a towel. You do not want to lay it flat if water has saturated any piece of the fur. If it is very wet, hang it to dry on a shower rod to allow both sides of the coat breathing room.

It’s important to know how to care for your fur coat whether you buy it new or inherit it from a family member.