For the past few years, Before I put my coons on the stretcher. I have put them in an old washing machine, for a quick wash and rinse. I have noticed on a couple of them that the gaurd hairs have went curley. But on those same pelts I have recieved compliments on how clean and soft it was.
Will the curling, or putting them in the washer damage the pelt or my chance for a good profit on that pelt?

just curious thx Jon

Jon I know there is a lot of guys on here that dont do it, but I was every thing I put up, and I have always got good money on my stuff, dont know if it makes a difference or not, but I have had good comments about the way I put my fur up.

I have also recieved compliments on how clean and soft they are. And washing them in the old washer in my garage has kept my wife from yelling at me about the little pieces of fat on her clothing. So that a plus to! Jon

LOL

Don't think ya can go wrong with washing your pelts. I have washed some of my bloodier yote pelts. They all come out clean and fluffy and look alot better than the un-washed ones.

do you wash them after you flesh...before you stretch?

Cleaning your pelts by washing WILL NOT make the hair/fur curl!

The curly-ness on Coon pelts is normally seen on an Un-Prime fur. The hair is "kinky" or curly if you prefer. Prime fur is straight and longer....

Clean, well handled fur (any kind) is always welcomed in all the fur shops I know of......

James when I wash the pelts I do it prioir to scraping.
Hang them up fur out in front of a fan until dry and then scrape and board.

Greg

Key word, cold water

Use soap, not detergent.

hmmm...explain

Detergent is full of additives and can cause slippage.

What kind do you recommend?

Any liquid dish soap, Dawn works great.