At All-Taxidermy, we want to be able to provide you with tips for how to care for your fur pelt so that it will look beautiful for years to come.
With proper taxidermy care and maintenance, your rug or pelt can remain in excellent condition. Here are some important steps and tips to follow to take care of your fur pelts:
1. Handle the Pelt Only on Rare Occasion
To ensure your pelt lasts for as long as possible, you should only touch it whenever you need to clean it, move it, or store it in a new location. Always handle the fur with care and avoid pulling or tugging on the fur. Also, use two hands whenever your lift or move the rug/pelt.
Also, you should always hang or display your pelt in a room with low levels of heat, humidity, and moisture to ensure that the fur stays in great condition for a long time.
2. Routinely Clean The Pelt to Prevent Dust Buildup
While your local taxidermist has completed the taxidermy work for you, it will be your responsibility to clean it.
Over time, your fur pelt will inevitably collect dust. You can clean your taxidermy pelt whenever you start noticing dust, or if you get a lot of dust in your home or cabin, you can clean your fur pelt about twice a month.
For cleaning the fur, you’ll want to use a soft cloth that’s dampened slightly with 409® solution. DO NOT directly spray the fur. We recommend that you utilize just enough 409® cleaner to wipe off the dust.
Also, DON’T brush the fur back.
3. Store Your Rug Properly
Are you moving, or otherwise need to temporarily store your taxidermy rug or pelt? Whenever your fur pelt or rug is not being displayed, you should store it in a cool, dry place that’s away from direct sunlight and heat.
Ideally, you should store your fur pelt in a closet or storage area that’s cool, dry, and has proper ventilation. Your fur should be stored in a dark area that’s between 60 and 80°F.
Lastly, don’t store your pelt in plastic, since it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Instead, use a breathable, acid-free cloth bag, as directed by your taxidermist.
4. Prevent Moth/Insect Damage
Moths can be a significant threat to fur pelts, specifically their larvae. To prevent moths from infesting your taxidermy fur pelt, you should store your pelt in a freezer for a few days to kill off any insects. If you have several taxidermy pieces and rugs/pelts in your room, and you’re noticing that multiple pieces appear to have insect damage, you should look into insect fogging or bug bombing the room to get rid of the pests.
5. Address Stains and Damage Immediately
Another important point of how to take care of fur pelts is knowing what to do if any staining or damage occurs.
In the event your fur pelt becomes stained or damaged, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. You should blot any spills or stains with a clean, damp cloth, and allow it to air dry.
If the damage is severe, you should consult a professional taxidermist to repair the damage and restore your pelt to its original condition.
Fur Pelt Care: In Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of your fur pelts requires careful handling, regular cleaning, proper storage, and addressing any stains or damage as soon as possible. By following these steps, you will be able to preserve your taxidermy rug or pelt for many years to come. If you have any questions or concerns about caring for your fur pelt, please reach out to the professional taxidermists at All-Taxidermy for assistance!
Shopping for furs, hides, pelts, or rugs online? Check out our main category here. All-Taxidermy has many different North American, European, and Asian mammals available: ranging from wild cats like the Cougar, Bobcat, and Lynx, to bear species like Black bear and Grizzly bear, to the American Bison and Whitetail deer. Shop all fur pelts online at All-Taxidermy today!
Further Reading: 9 Steps for How to Hang a Bear Rug
