Do not store your seasonal garments in plastic poly bags, nylon bags or plastic containers: 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.
Always launder or dryclean your clothing before storing: Moths, crickets, silverfish and carpet beetles are responsible for the majority of damage to fabrics and clothing. Insects are most likely going to be attracted to garments with remaining stains, perspiration, perfume, body oils and food oils. Avoid using chlorine bleach, starch, sizing or fabric softeners before storing garments.
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. (Try cedar or lavender natural moth repellents.)
Allow garments to hang freely on well-shaped hangers: Use clip hangers to hang skirts and slacks. To prevent knits and other delicate fabrics from stretching and getting out of shape, do not hang them. It is best to fold them over and lay them flat. When folding over your knits and delicate fabrics, follow the seams on the garment. Suggestion: Use a cotton pillowcase to store these garments or a breathable garment bag.
Always stack folded garments with the heaviest garment on the bottom: Avoid stacking folded garments that have a tendency to crease.
The temperature in your closet or storage area should be dry: Avoid storing your garments in an attic or damp basement where moisture or dampness is evident. Note: The ideal storage conditions are a temperature of about 75 degrees F, and a relative humidity of 55%.
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 and fancy dresses are made from synthetic fabrics such as acetate.
When storing your boots and winter footwear, be sure to wipe off excess dirt: Stuff your shoes with a shoe form or tissue paper to maintain their shape. You can also use a sheet of fabric softener in your shoes or boots to help deodorize them.
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.
