Heavy Backpacks: The Enemy Of Your Fur Coat

Fur coats are delicate and expensive items that require careful storage to avoid damage. Improper storage can lead to irreversible damage, such as mould, discolouration, and shedding. One of the key considerations when storing a fur coat is choosing the right type of bag. Plastic bags and non-woven fabrics should be avoided as they can cause damage due to lack of air circulation, trapping moisture, and allowing pests to enter. Instead, cotton or breathable garment bags are recommended to protect the coat from elements like dust, odours, and insects while allowing air circulation. Additionally, factors like humidity, temperature, and exposure to direct sunlight should be considered to prevent damage and maintain the coat's longevity.

Fur coat storage: hanger type and closet space

Storing fur coats requires care and attention to ensure they are kept in pristine condition. Fur is a delicate material that is prone to damage over time. Here are some tips for storing your fur coat at home, focusing on hanger type and closet space:

Hanger Type

• Choose a hanger that provides ample support for the weight of your coat. Fur coats should be hung on broad-shouldered hangers to prevent the coat from stretching, losing its form, or tearing.
• Avoid thin hangers at all costs, as they can cause the coat to stretch and lose its shape over time.
• You can purchase broad-shouldered hangers at most department stores or online.

Closet Space

• Store your fur coat in a dark, cool place, such as a closet. Fur is sensitive to light and heat, so avoid direct sunlight and opt for a cool, dark location.
• Ensure the closet has good airflow and is not cramped. The coat needs room to breathe, so avoid over-filling the closet with other garments.
• Maintain low humidity levels in the closet. Excessive humidity can cause the fur to rot, while very low humidity can lead to the natural oils in the fur evaporating, resulting in dryness and deterioration.
• Avoid using plastic bags to store your fur coat. Plastic restricts airflow, leading to dryness. Instead, opt for a cloth garment bag to protect your coat.
• Do not use cedar closets or mothballs, as these can increase humidity levels and cause odour absorption.

By following these guidelines for hanger type and closet space, you can help ensure your fur coat remains in excellent condition.

Plastic bags are not suitable for fur coat storage

Fur coats are expensive and they can even increase in value over time. Therefore, it is important to know how to store them properly. One of the worst things you can do is store your fur coat in a plastic bag.

Firstly, fur coats need to breathe. Plastic bags prohibit this, damaging the fur, the lining, or both. Plastic will dry out a coat. This is especially true of dry cleaning bags, which contain the chemical anti-oxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). When BHT comes into contact with impurities in the air and moisture, it forms a yellow pigment that transfers to the fabric, causing unsightly yellow spots.

Secondly, plastic bags can cause mould to grow on fur coats, destroying the fabric and causing a foul odour. This is particularly true in warm and humid climates.

Thirdly, plastic bags can cause fading and discolouration (yellowing) in cotton, silk, embellished pieces, wedding gowns and other delicate fabrics, especially when stored long-term. This is because clothes need fresh air to rejuvenate and nourish fabric fibres.

Finally, plastic bags are ineffective at keeping out dirt, dust, moths, and other critters, especially when stored long-term. They tend to crumble, fall apart or disintegrate, allowing these things to enter the bag and cause further damage.

Instead of using a plastic bag, store your fur coat in a cloth or cotton bag. This will help to preserve and protect your coat.

The importance of breathability in fur coat storage bags

Storing a fur coat in a bag is one of the most common blunders people make. Fur, like hair, requires breathing room to stay fresh and hydrated. Therefore, breathability is an important factor when storing fur coats.

Avoiding moisture damage

Fur does not do well with moisture. Too little moisture can cause the fur to become brittle and break, while too much can lead to mould. Getting the level of humidity just right is nearly impossible to do at home. Fur coats require specific storage conditions to stay in good shape.

Avoiding odour damage

Fur absorbs moisture and odours very quickly, and these odours can be hard to get rid of. Fur coats need to breathe, and you don't want to add anything that will cause a bad smell. Avoid using plastic bags or mothballs to store your fur coat, as these can cause discolouration and odour issues.

Avoiding damage from insects

Insects, such as moths, can be a fur coat's worst enemy. When moths get into furs, they nest and create holes. Storing a fur coat in a breathable bag can help prevent insects from nesting in the fur.

Choosing the right storage bag material

Cotton is a versatile and natural fabric that is lightweight, breathable, and hygienic. It is nurturing towards natural fabrics such as wool, leather, and fur. Cotton storage bags are a safe, sustainable, and eco-friendly option for storing fur coats and can help prolong their lifespan.

Fur coat storage temperature and humidity

Fur coats are expensive and easily damaged, so proper storage is essential. Fur is a biological material that will naturally deteriorate over time, but this process is accelerated by high temperatures. Therefore, it is important to store fur coats in a cool, dark place, like a closet, that doesn't receive direct light. Basements are not ideal storage places, as they tend to be humid, and fur is susceptible to damage from both high and low humidity.

The optimal temperature range for storing fur coats is between 2° and 12° Celsius, but any temperature below 55° Fahrenheit (12.7° Celsius) is considered worthwhile. The colder the temperature, the slower the deterioration of the fur.

The optimal humidity range for storing fur coats is between 45% and 55%. If the humidity is too low, the natural oils in the pelts will evaporate more quickly, causing the coat to dry out and deteriorate. If the humidity is too high, the pelts can rot.

To maintain your fur coat, avoid storing it in plastic, as fur needs to breathe. Instead, store it in a cloth bag. Keep the coat away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as these can cause discolouration.

Insects as a common cause of fur coat damage

Insects are a common cause of fur coat damage. Fur coat owners need to be aware of the potential damage that insects can cause and take steps to prevent infestations. The most common insects that damage fur coats are clothes moths and carpet beetles. These insects are attracted to fur because it is made from animal-based materials, such as wool, fur, and hair, which contain the protein keratin.

Clothes moths are the most commonly cited cause of fabric infestations and damage. The larval stage of the clothes moth is a caterpillar that feeds on animal-based materials. The larvae can go undetected for long periods, causing extensive damage to fur coats. Adult clothes moths are small, buff-colored insects that rest in dark, undisturbed areas.

Carpet beetles have similar habits and feeding preferences to clothes moths. Carpet beetle larvae also feed on animal-based materials, including fur. Adult carpet beetles are small and may be black or mottled with white, grey, orange, yellow, or red.

To prevent insect damage, fur coats should be stored in dark, cool places with low humidity. Fur coats should be hung on broad-shouldered hangers and placed inside cloth garment bags. It is important to avoid over-filling the storage area and to allow the coats to breathe. Professional storage is recommended if it is within your budget.

In addition to proper storage, there are other ways to prevent insect infestations. Regular cleaning and vacuuming of the storage area can help remove larvae. Sealed storage containers or bags can be used, and insecticides or repellents can be applied to the storage area or containers. However, it is important to read and follow the instructions on insecticide labels carefully. While home remedies such as dried lavender and orange peels are commonly recommended, they are not effective in preventing insect infestations.

Frequently asked questions