Helpful Tips for the Proper Storage of Clothing
Posted: Wednesday, December 09, 2009
by Greg Erickson
When that closet becomes full and room for new clothes becomes sparse, a self storage unit may be just what you need to get the clothes you aren't wearing, but still want to hold on to into a safe place. When putting clothing items into a self storage unit, it is important to take every precaution to protect your clothing from being damaged, whether by environmental variables or pests. Here is a list of things that will help keep your clothing looking and feeling new until the day you decide to take it back out of storage:
- Clean all clothes thoroughly prior to storage. For long term storage, do not use starch or any other type of finishing product on the clothes as it will attract moths or other pests you don't want in your clothing.
- The place where you store your clothes should be cool, dry, and dark. Sunlight, extreme heat and humidity can be damaging to clothing.
- Try not to leave clothing in storage for more than a year without inspecting its condition. If you are storing clothing for an extended amount of time, do routine checks every 8-12 months to make sure there is no mold or pest infestation.
- Do not use vacuum sealed bags or airtight containers to store your clothes. This can promote the growth of mold. Clothing should have access to proper ventilation.
- Cedar blocks are a great, all natural way to deter moths. These will offer protection for your clothes without the lingering smell of moth balls or other chemical pest control items.
- When using hangers, use non-meta `llic hangers that won't rust. Cover all hangers with washed, non-bleached muslin fabric so the clothing has no direct contact with the hanger.
- Be specific when labeling storage containers. Include the item type, the date it was stored, and any other important information particular to the clothing being stored.
- Use a dehumidifier such as silica gel, (the same thing that comes with some food or medication containers) to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
- Each individual item should be separated by a sheet of acid free tissue paper. This will help to maintain the integrity of each item and prevent mildew or dye transfer between garments.
- Store fabrics with as few folds and creases as possible. Acid free tissue paper should be placed in between creases to prevent fiber breakage on fold lines.
A self storage unit can be the perfect place for storing your unused or vintage clothes. Especially in warm or tropical climates like San Diego self storage is an affordable and secure storage option.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Thanks, Greg. I recently ran across some old clothes that were made for my kids many years ago. Most are still in good condition and I was unsure I should hold on to them. I will try the silica gel...great suggestion!Lorrie, so glad I could help, the silica gel should work very well for you!
Interesting article with some good tips for anyone putting clothes into any kind of storage. Around here, we have to put a lot of stuff into storage for six months out of the year, and your tips will help keep the items looking good when they come out again. Well written and well researched.Colin, thank you for the positive feedback. I am glad my tips were helpful to you.
Greg, interesting article. I would have thought vacuum bags are great for storing clothes. Thank you for the word of caution and other helpful tips.Deana, I was also suprised when I first learned that vacuum bags could be damaging to clothing. Thank you for your positve feedback
Your article contains a lot of good information for people that need clothing storage. Welcome to Search warp.Thank you for the positve feedback Linda, it is very much appreciated!
Great advice! I never thought to separate them with acid free tissue. Thanks for the article!Evane, thank you for the positive feedback! Acid free tissue paper is definately a great way to protect the fold lines on your clothes, glad I could help!
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