Storing Summer Clothes

Over the years, we’ve written several blog posts about how to properly store out-of-season clothing, and there’s a reason why.  We’ve had too many customers, plus my husband, learn the hard way.  Evaluating, purging, and trying on clothes takes time; it’s likely a good half day commitment.  So, it’s easy to just throw garments in cardboard boxes and stick them in the attic.  But doing that will create more work when pulling items out next spring.

How to Properly Store your Spring and Summer Clothing

1. Sort and divide.  As you pull pieces out of your closet that need to be stored away, divide them into four groups – keep, donate, repair, and toss.  
2. Clean Everything.  Make certain that every item that’s being stored away is clean.  Even if you only wore it to church for one hour, didn’t stop for lunch afterward, and the weather was nice.  Leaving dead skin cells and deodorant on a garment is like inviting pests to dinner. 
3. Properly Hang or Fold Items.  Hang structured items like blazers, pants, and skirts on sturdy hangers that won’t rust or discolor fabrics.  Make sure jackets are placed on hangers that support the shoulder area.  Skirts and pants should be clipped at the waistband on skirt hangers to avoid creases.  Less structured items like dresses should be hung on padded hangers to prevent stretching and to keep them from slipping off.  Place these items in a hanging fabric bag or cover them with a clean, white sheet or large cloth.  Avoid plastic bags because they can trap moisture leading to mildew.  Avoid hanging sweaters and knit items because they will stretch and become misshapen.  Instead, carefully fold using tissue paper and place the heaviest items on the bottom of the container.  Roll items like t-shirts and shorts to reduce wrinkles and prevent hard creases.  Choose your containers carefully; don’t simply use leftover boxes from the grocery store.  Look for acid-free cardboard boxes or purchase plastic containers with the number 5 printed within the recycling triangle.
4. Select Your Location.  Items should be stored in a clean, cool, dark, and dry location to prevent fading and mildew growth and to avoid attracting insects.  Never place out-of-season clothing in an area that’s not temperature controlled, like a hot attic or damp basement. 
5. Visit Your Clothing.  It may sound crazy, but don’t just desert your clothing until next spring.  Check periodically to make sure there are no issues.

If all of this sounds like too much work or if you don’t have the space to store your spring and summer clothing, you can always call on A Cleaner World.  We offer free storage for out-of-season clothing – all you pay for is the cost of cleaning.  To learn more, just call or stop by your nearest location.