A Cleaner World Blog
The Fall Closet Swap: 6 Things to Do Before You Store Summer Clothes
Reviewed by A Cleaner World Garment Care Experts
Cooler mornings are here, sweaters are making their way back into the rotation, and shorts and sundresses are slowly moving to the back of the closet. Before you pack away your summer wardrobe until next year, however, there are a few things worth doing first.
Clothing that looks clean can still hold onto perspiration, body oils, deodorant, sunscreen, food, drinks and other residue from summer wear. Left untreated for months, stains and odors may become more noticeable—and more difficult to remove.
Before storing summer clothes for the season, make sure they are clean, completely dry, free of stains and in good repair. Wash everyday clothing, professionally clean garments according to their care labels, take care of needed repairs and store everything appropriately in a cool, dry place.
Here are six things to do during your fall closet swap to help keep your summer wardrobe looking its best until warm weather returns.
1. Wash Everyday Clothes Before Storing Them
Even if you only wore something once, don't assume it's clean just because it looks clean.
T-shirts, shorts, casual cotton dresses, pajamas and other machine-washable summer clothes can hold onto perspiration, body oils, deodorant and other residue after you've worn them.
Before putting these items away for several months, check their care labels and launder them accordingly. Most importantly, make sure everything is completely dry before it goes into storage.
And if your seasonal closet clean-out suddenly leaves you staring at a mountain of laundry, you don't have to spend the weekend washing and folding it all. A Cleaner World's Wash & Fold Laundry Service can take care of everyday washable items for you.
2. Professionally Clean Delicate and Dry-Clean-Only Garments
Your nicer summer pieces deserve some attention before their seasonal break, too.
Start with the garment's care label. Items labeled "dry clean" or "dry clean only" should receive the appropriate professional care before being stored.
Pay particular attention to pieces such as:
- Linen dresses, pants and jackets
- Silk blouses and dresses
- Summer suits and sport coats
- Special-occasion and formal dresses
- Delicate or embellished garments
- Other garments requiring professional cleaning
These are often pieces you've invested in and hope to enjoy for several seasons. Having them properly cleaned before storage can help remove stains and residue before they have months to remain in the fabric.
If you're unsure how something should be cleaned, don't guess. A professional cleaner can evaluate the fabric, construction, care label and stains to determine the appropriate cleaning method.
3. Check Carefully for Stains You May Have Missed
One of the most important parts of your closet swap is taking a closer look at each garment before putting it away.
Not every stain is immediately obvious. Perspiration, body oils, sunscreen, deodorant, perfume, makeup, food and beverages can leave residue behind even when a garment appears clean.
Pay extra attention to:
- Collars and cuffs
- Underarms
- Necklines
- Waistbands
- Hems
- The fronts of shirts, dresses and pants
Some stains may become more noticeable over time, and the longer a stain remains in a fabric, the more challenging it may be to remove.
If you find a stain on something that needs professional cleaning, resist the temptation to scrub it yourself. Rubbing can spread a stain or damage some fabrics. Instead, point the stain out to your cleaner and, if you know what caused it, tell them. That information can be helpful when determining how to treat it.
A good rule of thumb: If you wore it, give it a closer look before you store it.
4. Make Repairs and Alterations Now
Did you spend the summer ignoring that loose button? What about the dress with the hem that's starting to come down or the shorts you love but wish fit just a little better?
Now is the time to take care of it.
As you sort through your summer wardrobe, check for:
- Loose or missing buttons
- Small tears
- Open seams
- Broken or troublesome zippers
- Dropped hems
- Clothing that could benefit from a better fit
Taking care of alterations and repairs before you store clothing means that when the first warm day arrives next spring, your favorite pieces will actually be ready to wear.
5. Don't Forget the Summer Items Outside Your Closet
Your clothes aren't the only things you may be putting away as the seasons change.
Depending on your household, your end-of-summer cleanup may also include items such as:
- Lightweight blankets
- Summer bedding
- Beach blankets
- Seasonal table linens
- Other washable household textiles
The same basic rule applies to these items: clean them before you store them.
Taking care of seasonal household items now means you won't unpack last summer's dirt, stains or odors when you need them again.
6. Store Everything the Right Way
Once everything is clean, dry and repaired, it's finally time to put your summer wardrobe away.
A few smart storage habits can help clothing maintain its appearance during the off-season:
Fold items that can stretch. Knits and other garments that may lose their shape on a hanger are generally better folded.
Use supportive hangers. For clothing that should be hung, choose hangers that help garments maintain their shape.
Don't overcrowd your clothes. Give hanging garments some room rather than cramming them tightly together for months.
Choose your storage location carefully. Store clothing in a cool, dry area away from prolonged direct sunlight.
Use appropriate garment protection. Delicate and special-occasion garments may benefit from breathable garment storage.
When in doubt, always check the garment's care instructions or ask a garment care professional about the best way to clean and store a particular item.
A Quick Fall Closet Swap Checklist
Before something disappears into storage until next year, ask yourself:
- Is it clean?
- Is it completely dry?
- Did I check carefully for stains?
- Does it need a repair or alteration?
- Am I folding or hanging it appropriately?
- Am I storing it somewhere cool and dry?
A few extra minutes now can help prevent some unpleasant surprises next spring.
Your Spring Self Will Thank You
A fall closet swap isn't just about making room for sweaters, jackets and boots. It's an opportunity to take care of the clothes you've enjoyed all summer so they'll be ready for you when warm weather returns.
Before those summer favorites disappear for the season, remember three simple things: clean them, check them and repair them.
Need a little help getting your closet ready for fall? A Cleaner World offers professional dry cleaning, Wash & Fold laundry, alterations and repairs, and cleaning for household items. Bring your seasonal items to your nearest A Cleaner World location, or take advantage of free pickup and delivery where available.
We'll help you put summer away the clean way—and make room for sweater season.
About Our Garment Care Advice
Expert-reviewed garment care information from A Cleaner World
This article was reviewed by A Cleaner World's garment care team. Our experienced professionals help customers care for everyday clothing, delicate garments and household textiles through professional dry cleaning, laundry, stain removal, alterations and specialty cleaning services.
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