Industry News
Contacts: Fur Information Council of America
Keith Kaplan 323-848-7940
www.fur.org
Karen Lyp, Executive Director
Associated Fur Industries of Chicagoland
630/279-1931, info@FurChicago.com
For Immediate Release
It’s Time to Care for Furs & Fine Outerwear
New York, N.Y., June 2003 – When it comes to fur storage, for many fur wearers, it’s out of sight, out of mind. And, yet, there are some very important steps that must now be taken to maintain the beauty and durability of furs and all fine outerwear.
“As soon as the temperature hits 65 degrees, it’s time to care for furs, leathers, shearlings and any precious fiber outerwear garments,” states Kathy Rezny, President of the Associated Fur Industries of Chicagoland. Rezny continues, “It is extremely important to store furs and fine outerwear in a professionally, climate controlled storage vault to prevent pelts from drying out and to protect garments against moth and heat damage.” Fur vaults are set between 40 – 50 degrees with humidity at 45 – 55%, which is considered ideal for the protection of both the pelt’s leather and its fur. AFIC Vice President, Howard Bresnik adds, “Although homes are air conditioned and may even have cedar closets, the temperature setting will not be equivalent to cold storage vaults and cedar’s odor may permeate pelts.”
Once a year, in addition to storage, furs require cleaning by a professional furrier to maintain the garment’s sheen and luster. Unlike the immersion process for cloth cleaning, fur is cleaned by a gentle tumbling process using a customized cleaning solution. The garment is then glazed to bring out the fur’s sheen and to maintain the pelt’s soft and supple texture. Commercial dry cleaners or solvents should never be used on fur garments. Doing so may leave the fur flat and cause pelts to dry out.
During the year, any stains or spills should be gently dabbed with a smooth cloth to remove excess moisture. Do not blow dry or place near heat sources. For excessive stains, moisture or matting, garments must be immediately brought to the furrier for care. While rain or snow will not harm furs, the ingredients in perfumes, deodorants and hair sprays may damage pelts and fur.
Other fur services during this time of year include repairs to closures and linings, adding Ultraguard protection® for leathers, suedes and shearlings, monogramming, updating appraisals for insurance coverage, and even complete restyling to transform older garments into current styles.
AFIC member, Sue Kluger, states, “Fur storage, conditioning and repairs are vital to maintain the beauty and durability of fur and fine outerwear garments.” With care and maintenance, a fur garment will provide the wearer with many years of warmth, fashion and pure enjoyment.
For more information, contact your local AFIC furrier.
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