Fur Cleaning
You don’t have to wait for a fur coat to get dirty before you clean it. The concern with fur material is that the natural oils in the pelts dries out. Once this happens the pelts become so brittle or tender that they will tear with incredible ease. If you feel a fur and then rub your fingers you should be able to feel a very slight oiliness. This is normal. Dust, pollutants, and airborne particulates are attracted to this and get caught in the hairs of the fur. They then act as a sponge drawing the natural oils out of the pelts. These particles also have an abrasive effect on the hairs of the fur, this can wear on the natural shine of the fur over time, causing it to look old and tired. When you clean a fur your primary goal is to remove these materials from the hairs. For this reason, when an expert furrier recommends cleaning your fur yearly, he/she is doing so in your best interest.
What does this mean?
Have your furs cleaned once every year while it is spending the summer months in cold storage. Clean it a second time during the winter season if you wear it a lot or it is often exposed to smoke, hairspray, makeup or perfumes.
When you have your furs cleaned, take them only to a Fur Specialist or QUALIFIED furrier.