How To Store Seasonal Clothes
Along with birdsong and blooming flowers, spring brings an annual clean for many people. One of the many things you might be taking care of during your spring cleaning is trading out heavy winter clothes for your spring and summer attire. But what is the best way to store winter coats? And how should you store other clothing items?
Check out the following tips and learn how to store seasonal clothes.
Clean Winter Clothes Before Storing
Regardless of the seasonal clothing storage methods you decide upon, you will need to launder your winter clothes before packing them away. Making sure your clothes are clean will prevent any discoloration that can occur from traces of lotion, perfumes or even your body’s oils. In addition, moths may be attracted to any lingering food spills that might be on your sweaters and cardigans.Wash your clothes according to the care instructions on their tags. In some cases, you may need to take items — including heavy winter coats — to the dry cleaner. Before packing up your seasonal clothes, be sure they’re completely dry. This can help lessen the odds that mold or mildew take over your wardrobe while it’s in storage.
Store Off-Season Clothes with Cedar
One of the most well-known winter storage ideas is to pack away seasonal clothes with blocks of cedar. The idea behind this is to keep moths from chewing holes into your clothing. And cedar does work to a certain extent in that it repeals moths. However, it doesn’t kill any larvae that might be in your clothes, which is why washing is still important.Additionally, in order for cedar to work, you’ll need to sand the surface of the wood every two to three months. This will rejuvenate the strong smell that keeps moths at bay.
Know the Best Way to Store Winter Coats
The way in which you store your winter coats will depend on the materials they’re made from. Coats made of natural materials — like wool, cashmere and leather — should be cleaned and then stored in breathable garment bags on hangers that allow them to keep their shape. Alternatively, you can lay them in a storage bin, but you should avoid folding them.The best way to store winter coats made of synthetic materials is to vacuum seal them after they’ve been washed and dried.
Regardless of what your coats and jackets are made of, you’ll need to stash them in an area of the house that stays cool and dry.
Utilize Other Winter Clothes Storage Ideas
When storing off-season clothes, you need space-saving solutions that will keep your garments protected from potential pest infestations. Two of the most popular methods of storage are containers and vacuum-sealed bags, as they can easily be placed under beds or in the tops of closets.If you use storage bins, you want to make sure they’re air tight so that condensation can’t creep in and cause mold and mildew. In addition, consider layering your clothing in between sheets of tissue paper or cotton to prevent any discoloration. Whether you opt for bins or bags, be sure to label your storage. That way when fall and winter roll around again, you know exactly where your favorite cardigans or scarves are.
To truly make the most of your spring clean, take the time to declutter your closet as you trade your winter clothes out for summer garments. And if you need some help with organization or spring cleaning, contact your local Merry Maids to see whether they can lend a hand.
