Monday 26 October, 2015

Tips for Storing Clothing


If you own a lot of clothing, there may be times of the year when you put a lot of it in storage. Maybe you pack away your winter clothes during the summer months, or your summer clothes over the winter. Or perhaps you are saving hand-me-down clothes from your growing child for a future […]


If you own a lot of clothing, there may be times of the year when you put a lot of it in storage. Maybe you pack away your winter clothes during the summer months, or your summer clothes over the winter. Or perhaps you are saving hand-me-down clothes from your growing child for a future addition to the family. Whatever the case may be, it is helpful to know some tips for storing clothes.

• Store clothes with dryer sheets to eliminate odors. You may not need to worry about this depending on the length of time and the climate where you live, but it can be a wise move if you don’t want them to come out smelling all musty.

• One of the best tips for storing clothes in an attic or another part of the house which is not climate controlled is to add a chemical desiccant to the plastic bin before you close it. The desiccant will absorb moisture, preventing mold and mildew. This is extra important when you are using a sealable plastic bin without ventilation. Remember, you can always cut holes into a plastic bin if you want to allow a little airflow!

• Avoid storing garments in direct sunlight, which can fade colors.

• Mothballs should be stored inside old socks. That way they will not come into direct contact with your clothing.

• Wash your clothing before you put it into storage. The sweat, oils, and odors in unwashed clothing can attract insects. They also make it quite likely that your clothes will smell bad when you eventually do pull them out of storage, and then you will get stuck cleaning them anyway.

• When pulling clothing out of storage, throw your garments in the dryer on high heat for ten minutes. This will kill any mold spores or insect eggs which may have found their way into your clothes.

• Pack your clothes away with a block of cedar. There is a reason that cedar is used in cigar humidors. Cedar holds moisture very well and can help to maintain climate control in your containers. The aroma released by cedar can also help to naturally repel pests. As a bonus, cedar smells awesome to most people, so your clothes will actually come out of storage smelling fantastic. You can re-use cedar blocks just by rubbing them with sandpaper.

• Remember, these tips are also great for storing bedding.

If you were trying to figure out how to store clothes in your attic, basement, or hall closet, following these tips and tricks should help! Whether you store your clothing in ventilated boxes or not, pack your clothing loosely so it can breathe, and consider adding in a block of cedar or some dryer sheets. Always store your clothing in a dark place so that the sun won’t cause damage. Come up with a smart organizational and labeling system so you can find your clothing quickly and easily when it comes time to wear it again!

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