CARE OF FURS.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16813, 3 June 1926, Page 12

CARE OF FURS.

TO PRESERVE THEIR BEAUTY. MAKE THEM LAST A LIFETIME. It seems impossible nowadays for a woman to keep her furs for more than five or six years, whereas they should last almost a lifetime. In winter furs demand just as much care as when you lay them by during the summer. More furs are'ruined by dirt eating into the pelt than by moths and wear combined. To shake a fur properly do only a little at a lime. Begin by holding a piece firmly with botli hands. Now let the fur loosen between the hands, and then pull straight; repeat this until all the hairs are quite free, and finally stroke them down with an old silk handkerchief. If you want natural-coloured furs to retain their beauty do not put them in the sun with the idea of freeing them from moths. Strong sunlight tends to fade and bleach them. When out of use such furs are better wrapped loosely in blue paper and kept in the dark. This preserves the colour and prevents them turning yellow. Furs must not bo placed before a fire, even if soaking wet. For each separate hair on a pelt is a lube, which contains an infinitesimal quantity of oil, and this the heat will dry, thus impoverishing the fur and destroying the exquisite lustre. Drenched by rain or sea water, a fur will dry quickly if well shaken and placed in dry open air for a short time. And do not stroke the fur the wrong way or the hairs will split and break. Many women complain of damage to their furs by the collar being matted and greasy. This is the result of contact with the wearer's hair. The remedy is simple. First obtain some fine sand and a little mahogany dust from a cabinetmaker. Now mix and heat in a pan, and then cover the soiled collar witli the hot mixture, and rub in thoroughly with a stiff brush. Then beat the sand and sawdust, and you will find the collar look new and clean.—Daily Chronicle.