Storing Winter Clothing

Clean, unused suitcases make excellent storage containers. Line them with acid-free tissue to prevent moisture build-up. Neatly fold sweaters and knitted garments, stacking them in the case with the heaviest at the bottom. Place a sheet of acid-free tissue between each item.

Cardboard boxes may be used for temporary storage. Do not use cardboard for long term storage as it invites moisture and insects. Do not use sealable, air tight plastic storage containers as heat and moisture may cause mildew.

Never leave clothing in the plastic cleaner bags. Plastic can cause discoloration and decrease airflow. To keep clothing dust-free, it can be wrapped in pillowcases, a clean white sheet or acid-free tissue. There are excellent canvas wardrobe storage containers; some even have built in cedar inserts. These are good, breathable, moisture free containers for out-of-season storage.

It is important to keep your garments away from heat and humidity and moths. Do not crowd your out-of-season clothing closely together. Heat and humidity can cause mildew and damage to your clothing. Store everything in a cool, dark, clean and dry area. Basements may be damp and are not a good choice. Avoid air-conditioning or heating ducts or furnaces; the gases, fumes and heat can fade colors and damage material. Sunlight and heat can cause woolens to yellow and other items to fade.

Mothballs are popular when storing winter clothing, but be cautious with them; they can be harmful to children or pets if they are eaten and the odor can be difficult to remove from some fabrics. Natural substitutes like cedar blocks are a great way to keep your clothing safe and smelling fresh.

Tips :

Add salt to the water to prevent colors from running when washing angora.

Place an angora or cashmere sweater in the freezer for 20 minutes to restore fluffiness.

Cashmere should only be dry cleaned.

Remove pills by gently shaving the surface of the sweater with a razor.

Take your sweater to a knitwear expert to be fixed if it develops a run.

A child's hairbrush works better than a lint roller to remove hairs, dandruff, and bits of fluff. Brush cashmere, lamb's wool, and acrylic after each wearing (be especially gentle with acrylic, which tends to have a short lifespan anyway).

Never use bleach on your sweaters.

Fill your drawer with the fresh, woodland scent of cedar which will ward off moths.

Brush and air wool clothing after wear to remove surface soil

The copyright of the article Storing Winter Clothing in Household Tips is owned by Peggy Hoehne. Permission to republish Storing Winter Clothing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic