Changing seasons typically change clothing choices. The crop tops, shorts and thin fabrics are pushed aside for warmer clothing when the temperature drops. And this summer clothing reappears as the weather warms up. To make sure your seasonal garments stay in good shape off-season; the following are some tips for storing away these clothing items.
Wash ‘em Before You Store ‘em:
Follow washing instructions on your garment tags to clean them before you store them away. Any stains left on the garments will only worsen in the storage. So, a little effort goes a long way when it comes to unpacking them for the next season. Clean garments are also less likely to attract insects in storage.
The Right Storage Bag:
Most people use plastic storage bags or cardboard boxes to store away their garments. However, both of these storage options can get damaged easily and have significant drawbacks.
- Any moisture trapped inside a plastic bag can cause the development of mould and mildew on your garments.
- On the other hand, cardboard boxes can attract insects.
One of the best options to store away your garments is a pure cotton storage bag. It can be used over and over again every season so it is also eco-friendly. Using acid-free tissue paper is recommended to wrap your clothing within a bag.
For smaller clothing items like socks, gloves and hats (winter clothing) and bikinis or undergarments (summer clothing), the under-bed storage bag is a great substitute.
For items that are suitable for hanging, wrap them in a breathable fabric garment bag and hang them properly using all hanging loops. This will prevent garments from becoming misshapen/distorted. Don’t hang everything like knitted sweaters, instead store by carefully folding everything that can be stored in a storage bag.
The Right Use of Mothballs:
Mothballs are an effective solution to keep the insects away from your stored garments. However, keep in mind that they are pesticides. So, they pose a hazard to pets and children. Toxicologists recommend wearing gloves while handling mothballs. The safest way to use mothballs is to place them in an airtight container/bag. Remember to replace them as they lose their potency after a while.
The Right Storage Space:
The storage area you choose to store your garments must be clean, cool, dark and dry. All these conditions are optimal to protect your garments. So, thoroughly clean any area before using it for storage.
- Choose a place that isn't in close proximity to heating sources like radiators or boilers. Avoid areas that are likely to get warm.
- A dark place will prevent fading of your garments.
- An ideal spot for storing away your garments is a dry place. (which isn’t likely to be exposed to wetness). As you probably already know, wetness can attract insects and promote mould growth.
Store Them, Don’t Abandon Them:
Make sure to check regularly on the stored items to affirm there is no change in the conditions you stored them in. Check for any cracks, stains or other signs of damage on your storage bags. When it’s time to pull them out of storage, you’ll thank yourself for making a little bit of effort.
We recommend cleaning your garments before using them again in the next season.
