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A search on "fur care" yielded a warm, fuzzy wealth of information on caring for that inherited mink. It may be a bit more difficult to preserve than, say, a pair of jeans, but a touch of caution coupled with some professional help will keep that fur looking beautiful for years to come. The Fur Information Council of America and various web sites offer many tips to care for grandmother's fur. Designed to keep an animal warm, fur is best adapted for cold weather and does not respond well to heat. Store fur away from heaters, warm closets, and direct light. Never dry it with a hair dryer or other heat source if it gets wet -- just
shake it out and hang it to dry in a well-ventilated room. For long-term storage during the warm summer months, contact a professional furrier. Most offer "cold storage" where furs are kept in temperature-controlled, low-humidity vaults. Air-conditioned homes sometimes have too much humidity for fur storage, causing the leather backing of the fur to dry out and crack. At home, hang the fur on a broad-shouldered hanger and make sure it won't be crammed or crushed in the closet. Fur needs air and room to breathe, so don't store it in a plastic bag. If you must cover it (when traveling or moving), use a cloth garment bag. Don't use mothballs or other mothproofing chemicals near a fur and don't store it in a cedar chest or closet --
both of these can suck humidity from the air and damage the fur. Never comb or brush the fur. Instead, smooth it with a clean hand if individual furs look bristly. If the fur is matted or seriously messy, take it to a professional furrier or cleaner who specializes in fur. When wearing fur, you can take steps to preserve its fine quality. Apply perfume and hairspray before putting on the fur so the alcohol in these products doesn't dry the pelt. Be careful to avoid friction and crushing, especially when wearing the coat in a car. Carrying a shoulder-strap purse and wearing jewelry pinned to your fur can also damage it. Also, make sure any small rips and tears are repaired immediately so they don't become larger problems. By its very nature, fur filters and traps dirt, so it's a good
idea to have it professionally cleaned once a year, usually before you store it for the summer. As part of the cleaning process, furriers add essential oils back into the fur, making it look glossy and new and helping it last longer. Finally, while wearing fur is a personal choice, keep in mind that not everyone considers fur appropriate garb for humans. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals may not be splashing mink-wearing women with red paint anymore, but their supporters now seem to be pelting people in fur coats with marshmallows.
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