How to Properly Store a Fur Coat in Los Angeles's Heat

How to Properly Store a Fur Coat in Los Angeles's Heat

Protecting Your Fur Investment in LA’s Climate

Owning a fur coat is about more than fashion. It represents craftsmanship, timeless style, and in many cases, a significant financial investment. In Los Angeles, where the climate is sunny and warm most of the year, caring for a fur garment presents unique challenges. Unlike colder regions where furs see more regular wear, LA’s heat and low humidity can shorten the life of a fur dramatically if the coat isn’t stored correctly.

The reality is that furs are delicate natural materials. Without the right storage environment, they can dry out, lose their natural oils, and even fall apart. If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your fur coat from Southern California’s heat, this guide will provide everything you need to know.

Why Los Angeles Heat is Dangerous for Fur

Los Angeles is known for its year-round mild-to-hot weather. While this makes it appealing for outdoor living, it can wreak havoc on delicate materials like fur.

• High Temperatures: Even when stored indoors, LA homes can become warm, especially in summer. Heat accelerates drying and cracking of fur hides.

• Strong Sunlight: The California sun fades colors and weakens fur fibers if garments are stored near windows or skylights.

• Low Humidity Levels: Without adequate moisture in the air, furs lose their softness and natural sheen.

• Poor Closet Conditions: Most closets lack ventilation and climate control, creating stagnant environments that encourage mold, odors, or insect damage.

If left unchecked, these factors will cause permanent damage. For that reason, professional cold storage is considered the safest way to protect a fur coat in Southern California.

Common Fur Storage Mistakes in LA

Many fur owners in Los Angeles believe they can store their garments at home just like any other piece of clothing. Unfortunately, this leads to costly mistakes:

1. Using Plastic Garment Bags

Plastic does not breathe. It traps humidity, creates heat pockets, and suffocates the fur, causing it to deteriorate more quickly.

2. Hanging on Thin Hangers

Regular wire or plastic hangers distort the shape of a fur coat. A fur must always rest on a broad, padded hanger that supports the shoulders.

3. Crowding in Closets

When squeezed among other garments, fur coats lose their natural drape and can even tear at stress points.

4. Exposing to Mothballs or Cedar Chips

These substances may repel insects but leave strong odors and chemical residues that are nearly impossible to remove.

5. Ignoring Seasonal Maintenance

Dust, body oils, and city air all settle into the fur fibers. Without annual professional cleaning, these impurities set in and shorten the coat’s lifespan.

Why Cold Storage Is the Best Solution

Cold storage is a specialized process designed to protect fur in ways home storage never can. Professional furriers like Edwards-Lowell maintain temperature and humidity-controlled vaults that keep garments in an ideal environment all year round.

The Science Behind Cold Storage

• Temperature Control: Kept between 34–45 degrees Fahrenheit to slow deterioration.

• Humidity Regulation: Maintained at 45–55 percent to prevent drying and cracking.

• Dark, Secure Vaults: Protect from sunlight and pests.

• Proper Hanging Systems: Wide hangers prevent stress on the shoulders and seams.

Benefits for Fur Owners

• Extends garment life by decades.

• Preserves softness and sheen.

• Prevents insect infestation.

• Protects from Los Angeles’s hot, dry air.

• Ensures the garment is ready-to-wear when retrieved.

For many clients, cold storage is not just a service — it’s an insurance policy for a luxury investment.

The Edwards-Lowell Cold Storage Process

Edwards-Lowell has been a trusted name in Los Angeles fur care for decades. Our process is designed for maximum preservation:

1. Pre-Storage Inspection

Our experts check for wear, tears, stains, and other issues that could worsen over time.

2. Professional Cleaning

If needed, your coat undergoes [Fur Cleaning –https://edwardslowell.com/] using industry-leading methods that remove oils and dirt without harming delicate fibers.

3. Climate-Controlled Storage

Your fur is placed in our cold storage vault, tagged, and cataloged. Our vaults are secure, dark, and pest-free.

4. On-Demand Retrieval

When the season changes or you need your coat for an event, it is returned in pristine condition.

Storing Fur at Home: A Temporary Guide

While professional cold storage is strongly recommended, there may be times when home storage is necessary for short periods. Follow these guidelines:

Use a breathable cotton garment bag, never plastic.

Hang the coat on a wide, padded hanger.

Store in a dark, cool closet away from direct sunlight.

Avoid perfumes, sprays, or cleaning agents nearby.

Allow space around the coat for ventilation.

Remember: these methods are temporary solutions only. For long-term care, cold storage is essential.

Seasonal Timing: When to Store Fur in Los Angeles

The LA climate rarely demands heavy coats, which means furs often spend more time stored than worn. The best practice is to place your coat into cold storage when:

• Temperatures rise in spring (April–May).

• Summer and fall are approaching, when heat is strongest.

• You’re not traveling to colder regions where you might need your coat.

Regularly rotating your coat into professional storage ensures it is always preserved during the hottest months.

Case Example: A Beverly Hills Heirloom

One Edwards-Lowell client from Beverly Hills brought in a vintage mink coat that had been in her family for over 40 years. The coat had never been stored professionally and had begun to show signs of drying and odor absorption. After expert cleaning and placement in cold storage, the coat’s softness returned, and the faint odor was removed. With continued storage, this heirloom piece can now be passed down to the next generation in wearable condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fur Storage

Do I really need cold storage if I only wear my coat a few times a year?

Yes. Even if rarely worn, heat and low humidity in Los Angeles will damage fur when stored at home.

How much does cold storage cost compared to replacement?

Cold storage is a small annual investment. Replacing a high-quality fur coat can cost thousands, making storage a cost-saving measure.

What happens if fur is stored in plastic bags?

The coat cannot breathe, leading to mildew, odor, and deterioration of the pelt.

Can mothballs or cedar protect fur?

They may deter insects, but they damage the coat’s natural scent and texture. Professional pest-proof vaults are far safer.

How long can a fur coat last with proper care?

With annual cleaning and storage, a fur coat can last over 30 years, often becoming a treasured family heirloom

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Investment

A fur coat is more than outerwear. It’s a piece of art, a luxury garment, and often a family treasure. Storing it properly is not just about convenience — it’s about protecting your investment for the long term.

Los Angeles’s heat and dry climate make home storage risky, but professional cold storage through Edwards-Lowell provides peace of mind. With decades of expertise, a state-of-the-art facility, and a passion for craftsmanship, our team ensures your fur maintains its beauty season after season.

Call Edwards-Lowell today at (310) 360-0466 or visit Fur Storage Services to arrange secure cold storage for your fur coat. Serving Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and surrounding areas.