Clothes Storage

If the area you live in has more than one season, you'll want to arrange for clothes storage for your off-season clothing. By storing it properly, you can avoid damage from mold, mildew and insects. Make sure your clothing is washed and dried before you store it, and don't store your clothes in airtight containers or plastic bags. If you select an open weave storage container, like a rattan trunk, this will allow your clothes to breathe, and will help air circulation.

Your suede and leather coats will last the longest if you store them in an area that is well-ventilated and cool. These garments can be covered with washed white muslin. If you have leather articles that are very supple, lay them flat and pad them with white tissue paper. Store your rayon clothing flat, too. If you have a garment that must be hung up, cover it with washed muslin and pad it with clean white tissue.

When you are storing linen clothing, it is best to roll it. If you have to fold it, take it out and refold it over time, so that it won't develop permanent creases. Cover linens with washed white muslin, too. Silk and knit fabrics should be stored flat, as well. Any clothing made of metallic fabric will do best if it is rolled, with tissue paper between the layers. For fur garments, select a dark and cool place for clothes storage. Cover it with white muslin, if you must store it yourself. Fur will stay lively longer if you have it stored professionally when it it not being worn. Wool clothing should be cleaned before storage, and then padded and wrapped with white tissue.

When you store garments, it's a good idea to use chemical desiccants to prevent mildew by absorbing moisture. Don't let the garments come into contact with the desiccants. Most desiccants are made from silica gel or calcium chloride. You can also help to reduce the dampness in storage closets by tying together pieces of chalk and hanging them from a rod or the ceiling.

If your climate is dry and cool, make sure that the areas you use for storage are ventilated well. Store your clothes loosely, so that air can circulate and they can breathe easily. Don't use starch or fabric finish on clothes that you are going to store.

You can protect your clothes from the acid in wood by lining your drawers with quilted fabric or acid-free paper for shelving. Do not use adhesive shelf paper when you store your clothes, because the backing may attract insects. In addition, be sure that all the garments you will be storing are thoroughly clean. Insects are also attracted to perspiration, food and drink. Avoid excess light, because it tends to fade your colored clothing.

Don't store clothing in a hot attic or a cold basement. Either extreme of temperature can cause your clothes to become damaged. Wool, silk, linen and cotton are natural fabrics, and should be stored in an area that is well ventilated. When you remove garments from your clothes storage area, fluff then in the dryer on low or no heat.