Seasonal Storage Tips Questions

What should I know about storing my clothes for the season?

A. Be sure clothes are clean before putting them away. Invisible stains, such as coffee and soft drinks, can oxidize over time and appear as yellow. The longer the stain sets, the more difficult it is to remove. Insects such as moths, crickets and silverfish also love to feast on food, perfume, body oil and perspiration stains doing irreparable damage to the fabric.

Store in a dry, well ventilated area. Temperature swings can cause moisture to form in clothing and create mildew problems.

Don’t store clothes in the poly bags from the drycleaner. Over time, these bags can promote moisture. They should be removed when you bring your clothes home from the drycleaner, but keep the paper dust covers on the shoulders for protection.

Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or artificial light that can cause fading. Remember to turn off closet lights.

When possible, store dark and light colors separately. This helps prevent the dye sublimation or transfer.

Store coats on heavy, sturdy hangers, not on coat hooks or wire hangers.

Store sweaters and knits folded and flat to prevent stretching and distortion and do not store in plastic bags so the natural fibers can breathe.

If you have cedar chests or closets in your home, renew the cedar every few years. Cedar must be re-sanded or fresh cedar oil applied to retain its effectiveness.

If you don’t have an appropriate place for storing clothing, consider trying our Anton’s Closet where your clothes are placed in a temperature-controlled facility. You pay only for the cleaning and your items are safely stored for the season. Just call about a week before you want to pick them up so we can press them. Click here for more information.