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Time to retire the attire  |
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Fall is here, which means it's time to pack away your summer clothes. Here are a few "do's and dont's" for storing your warm weather attire:
DO’S
Clean your clothes before storing!
Okay, let’s be realistic here, you don’t want to unpack a box full of dirty clothes next spring, do you? No, I didn’t think so. Cleaning your clothes before you store is the most important tip we can offer. Not to mention that moths and other pests are drawn to any food, drink or body oils left on clothes. So, whether your clothes are dry cleaned or washed at home, you will dramatically reduce your chances of experiencing moth or bug problems, especially when dealing with invisible stains. Bugs love those sugar-based stains that come from ginger ale and white wine, which cannot be seen immediately by the naked eye. These types of stains generally only show with time and heat - but moths certainly know how to find them!
Clean your clothes properly.
And don’t think you can just clean the clothes and pack them away. It is also important to use only appropriate laundry detergents for washing. You’ll want to avoid using chlorine bleach, starch, garment sizing or fabric softeners. Also note that home cleaning kits and products, such as Dryel, are strictly fresheners that make things smell better; they are not stain removers. Be sure to rinse all washed garments thoroughly. If some items require the use of a fabric softener before wearing again, wait until the garments are unpacked later. Then just put them through a rinse or dry cycle with the added fabric softener before wearing them again.
Store in a dry, dark, cool and clean place.
Mildew, moths and bugs become more active in wet or warmer environments. They do not like places that are cool and dry. Storing clothes in a dark place keeps the storage area consistently cool. Sunlight not only increases room temperature, it also fades your clothes over time. Avoid any space where garments can be exposed to potential problems, like a hot attic, moist basement or a greasy fume-filled garage. Make sure any storage area is cleaned and vacuumed before storing clothes.
Allow fabrics to breathe.
Stored clothes should be covered, but they still need to breath. It is generally best to store your items in a box or a closet, where they can be protected from bugs and dust, but still have ventilation. Using packing materials such as tissue paper or clean sheets and pillowcases works well too - as long as the tissue paper is acid-free.
Carefully select the method of storing: hanging or flat.
For flat storage you should fold as little as necessary and fold on seams as much as possible. Always stack folded garments with the heaviest on the bottom. Use white tissue paper between garment folds to avoid creasing. Do not fold the garments the same way each time, to help prevent permanent creasing. Painted closet shelves or drawer liners will help prevent garment snags and protect clothing from the natural oils of unfinished wood.
DON'TS
Use plastic bags.
Plastic prevents air circulation and some can cause yellowing of light colored fabrics over time. It is generally best to store your items in a box or a closet. Suitcases also make great temporary storage containers. Place folded items inside pillowcases or sheets so they can be easily removed when the suitcases are needed for travel.
Store clothes near ducts or a furnace.
Over time, fumes and gases from heating units can affect dyes in some fabrics and cause colors to change.
Overstuff your storage container.
This can cause unnecessary wrinkles.
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