Separate your garments: Remove last seasons clothing from your closet. Keep only those garments that you intend to wear during the winter months in your closet with your fall and winter wardrobe. Store your spring and summer wardrobe in a dry, dark, cool, and clean area. We recommend using a well -ventilated cardboard box or an unused suitcase to store your clothing as long as they are clean and in good condition. Never store your garments in a wet, damp or moist warm environment. They are breeding grounds for insects and mold. The temperature in your storage area should be dry.
Note: The ideal storage conditions are a temperature of about 75 degrees F, and a relative humidity of 55 %.
Clean all of your clothing before storing your wardrobe: Insects are most likely going to be attracted to garments with remaining stains, perspiration, perfume, body oils and food oils. When cleaning your garments avoid using chlorine bleach, starch, sizing or fabric softeners.
Allow garments to hang freely on well-shaped hangers: Use clip hangers to hang skirts and slacks. Coats and heavy suits should be placed on strong, padded hangers.
Do not waste closet space hanging fine woven lightweight garments: Hanging these type garments can cause the garments to distort their shapes. Neatly fold and stack on shelves or in ventilated boxes. It is even advisable to stack inside a pillowcase, which will allow the garments to breathe as well as protecting them from dust and light.
Keep your garments; especially white garments, and those garments made from acetate or rayon, out of direct light, sunlight or artificial light to prevent permanent fume fading: This often occurs with synthetic fabrics. Note: Many evening gowns are made from synthetic fabrics such as acetate.
Never store your garments in plastic poly bags or nylon bags: Plastic can trap moisture and cause mildew to form or cause the yellowing of fabrics. Cotton garment bags or even an old cotton sheet placed over your garments will provide greater storage protection and allow for air circulation.
If you choose to use moth balls or moth crystals, do not allow them to touch your garments: Always place these items on the top of your storage unit allowing the fumes to filter downward. Note: Mothballs & moth crystals are very difficult odors to remove from garments. A better alternative to mothballs is cedar chips or lavender blocks. They have a pleasant fragrance and will still naturally ward off insects.
When storing your spring/summer shoes/sandals, be sure to wipe off excess dirt and smudges. Check that your tips and soles are in tack before storing. To maintain the shape of your shoes and sandals, use a shoe form or tissue stuffing.
P.S. If you do not have enough closet space, consider our seasonal storage in our airtight, temperature-controlled vault. Our vault maintains the right atmosphere & conditions for clothing storage. When fall arrives, just allow us one weeks notice and your garments are freshly pressed and ready-to-wear.
