How to store a fur coat in summer: temperature, cover, moth protection and airing

The main rule of storage: cool, dry and airy

In summer the coat rests, but fur remains a living material. It needs three things: a moderate temperature, dry air and room to hang freely. Heat, damp, sunlight and stuffy air are the main enemies of fur, not the passing of time.

In Tashkent's hot summers, it is especially important not to leave a coat in a tight wardrobe against a warm wall, or on a balcony, in an attic or in an unventilated storeroom. If you want to know more about general care, cleaning and drying, we have a separate guide on caring for a karakul fur coat; here we cover the summer season.

What to do before you put the coat away

Do not shut the coat in the wardrobe the moment you wear it for the last time in winter. Prepare it first, and storage will go smoothly.

• Inspect the coat in good light for stains, worn spots, places where the fur has thinned, and loose buttons, hooks or seams
• Check the pockets and lining and take everything out, including tissues, sweets and paper
• Air the coat in the shade outdoors or by an open window; in direct sun the fur dries out and fades
• If the coat was damp, let it dry completely
• Fur is usually cleaned at the end of the season before storage: stains, sweat and odours attract moths, so it is best to leave cleaning to fur specialists
• Do not wash the coat at home or use household cleaning products

Temperature and humidity: the conditions a fur coat needs

The ideal place is cool, dry, well ventilated and dark. Aim for ordinary room temperature or slightly cooler, in a room without sharp temperature swings.

Watch the humidity: in a damp room fur can pick up an unpleasant smell and the leather side can develop mould. Air that is too dry and hot is harmful too, because the fur dries out. So do not store the coat near radiators, heaters or a kitchen stove, in a draught, or in rooms that are often damp. If you have air conditioning and a room that stays steadily cool, that is the best place for the coat.

Cover and hanger: what to choose

The right cover protects the fur from dust and light without stopping it from breathing.

• Use a cover made of thick, breathable fabric, such as cotton, long enough for the coat and with room to spare in width
• Never use plastic or airtight vacuum bags: under them the fur cannot breathe, may become damp and can lose its shape
• Use a wide, shaped hanger so the shoulders do not lose their form; thin wire hangers are not suitable
• Let the coat hang freely; do not crush it into a crowded wardrobe, and leave space on both sides
• Do not hang the coat by the loop on the collar: the weight should be carried by the hanger
• If the coat is long, make sure the hem does not rest on the floor or fold under

Moths: how to protect the coat

Moths damage natural fur, leaving bald patches and shed hair. No product can protect a coat forever, but simple steps sharply reduce the risk.

Cleanliness comes first: a coat that was cleaned at the end of the season attracts far fewer moths. Second, air it and inspect it regularly. Third, use anti-moth products for the wardrobe according to their instructions, placed nearby but never applied directly to the fur. Mothballs leave a lasting smell that is hard to remove. Lavender, cedar and other natural scents are a pleasant addition but not a full substitute, and they do not replace regular inspection.

If you notice small insects, bald patches, shedding fur or cocoons, do not try to deal with it yourself: show the coat to a furrier and, if you can, keep it apart from your other clothes.

What not to do with a fur coat in summer

• Store it in a plastic bag or a thick plastic cover
• Leave it in the sun, by a window, or near a radiator or heater
• Put it away damp, not fully dry, or after rain
• Keep it in a tight, crowded wardrobe where other clothes squeeze the fur
• Store it near perfume, hairspray and other strong scents, because fur absorbs odours
• Leave it on a balcony, in an attic, a garage or a cellar
• Hang it on thin wire hangers or fold it into a box
• Wash it at home or dry it with a hairdryer

Airing in summer and getting ready for the season

Even in its cover, the coat should be taken out from time to time. Once every month or two, in dry weather, put it in the shade or open a window, air it for a few hours, shake it gently and check it for moths, stains and odours. It takes a few minutes and saves a lot of trouble in autumn.

In autumn, take the coat out a few days before the first cold weather and let it air so the wardrobe smell disappears. Check the buttons, hooks and seams: if something needs repair, it is better to show it to a tailor in advance than on the day it turns cold.

Professional storage and cleaning as an option

Home storage does not suit everyone: not every home has a cool wardrobe, and not every home stays out of the summer heat. In that case, as a general piece of advice, you can consider professional storage of fur coats in specialised fur storage facilities, where conditions are designed for it.

Luxury Furs gives detailed care recommendations and offers storage and cleaning services; ask a consultant about the terms and cost. Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram (+998 97 708 91 62, @Luxurious_Furs_star), or visit the atelier at Shohjahon Street 1B, Yakkasaroy District, Tashkent, Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00.