Knowing how to store your winter clothes can mean the difference between a well-preserved wardrobe and a mildewed, moth-ridden mess. Here are a few tips to prolong the lifespan of your garments:
Keep it Clean
The most important thing you can do when putting away garments for seasonal storage is to make sure they are clean. That means either a trip to the dry cleaner or a spin in the home washer. Insects are attracted to body oils and dirt and putting a garment away dirty gives them an instant meal. Also keep in mind that invisible stains, such as clear sodas, perfume and white wine can oxidize over time and appear yellow the next time you pull the garment out to wear it. The longer the stain sets, the harder it is to remove it without damage to the fabric.
To Hang or Not to Hang?
Store delicate items like knits and sweaters folded and flat to prevent stretching and distortion. It’s also recommended to store sweaters in sealed storage containers or enclosed in breathable sweater bags.
Heavy coats and jackets should be hung on sturdy hangers, not wire hangers, which are weak and not suited for heavy items. It’s also better to hang furs in a cloth garment bag because they’re a natural fiber. It should be sealed up. And make sure it’s in the coolest part of your closet. When possible, store dark and light colors separately. This prevents any dye transfer.
Clothing storage bag, $8.75 theclothingdoctor.com
Sweater box, $5.39 containerstore.com
Just Say “No” to Plastic
Don’t store any clothing in poly bags from the dry cleaner or the retailer. Over time these bags can promote moisture in extremely humid environments. Closets are often located off of bathrooms which tend to be very humid. Plus, plastic doesn’t breathe and garments need air. Use breathable fabric bags to store clothing long term.
TLC for your Closet
The best overall strategy for keeping your clothing looking good is to have a clean, organized closet. From time to time, it’s a good idea to take everything off the floor of your closet and vacuum thoroughly, dust off shelves and purge your closet of clothing you no longer wear. If you have a cedar closet in your home, renew the cedar every few years. Cedar must be re-sanded or fresh cedar oil applied to retain its effectiveness. Lavender sachets are also a nice way to keep sweaters smelling fresh and ready to wear. Finally, avoid mothballs. They are a pesticide and are toxic to pets and children and the odor is very difficult to remove even with dry cleaning.
Sonoma lavender sachets by the yard, $19.95; amazon.com