A genuine mink fur coat is a valuable and costly addition to anyone's coat collection. Once purchased, it would stand to reason that one would want the fur to last for many years. For this reason, when purchasing a mink it is vitally important to know the proper care to give it. The key to caring for this type of luxurious fur is storing it properly. Improper storage can ruin it.

Cedar closets and regular coat closets are not an option for storing a mink fur coat during the spring and summer months. The odor from cedar closets will cling to the fur and prove impossible to remove. A regular coat closet does not provide ample ventilation for the fur. Real fur also should be stored in moth balls for much the same reasons as it will absorb the odor and will never again be wearable.

During the warmer months or when not wearing the coat for extended amounts of time, professional storage is the best option for a mink fur coat. These storage areas offer a humidity- and temperature-controlled environment. The optimum temperature for a fur to kept at is 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

Never place a mink fur coat in a plastic storage container or dry cleaner's bag. Fur must be allowed to breathe. Without proper air, the fur will begin to shed. If you are going to hang a coat in a closet during the months that it is being worn often, enclose it in a breathable cotton bag so that it is prevented from rubbing against any other garments which will hung alongside of it.

A mink fur coat can be worn in the rain, though it should not be allowed to get soaked. If it gets wet, the fur should be hung carefully and allowed to dry naturally. Never put it in a clothes dryer, as the heat is not good for it.

When planning to wear the coat, it is best to avoid wearing perfume. If you do wear a fragrance, apply it before putting the coat on. Wearing a scarf around your neck when you have your coat on is a good idea. This way no oils or perfumes will come in contact with the sensitive fur.

It is best not to wear your coat when traveling. Sitting with the coat on for an extended amount of time can damage the backside of the fur. This can cause unsightly thinning of the fur in sections, and no one wants to mar the beauty of a natural mink fur coat.