How to Store Winter Clothes

During the spring and summer months, winter clothes are especially vulnerable to pests and small disasters. Water damage may occur from flooding or leaks, but most damage comes from small, flat-winged moths. Wool, down and fur are their favorites, while mohair, angora, camel hair and silk can suffer damage as well. Proper storage is essential to keep clothes intact and fresh year after year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garment Bags
• Cedar Chests
• Cedar Hangers
• Organic Moth Repellent
• Sachets
• Plastic Storage Containers
• Garbage Bags
• Garbage bags

1. Catch and dispose of any moths you see flying in your home or garage, but remember that the real threat comes from the invisible eggs they lay. Extermination may be necessary to eliminate large or growing populations.

2. Hand-wash or dry-clean all of your winter clothes prior to storage. This will eliminate larvae, as well as any skin, hair and stain residues that could nourish future deposits.

3. Place folded or rolled garments in large plastic containers equipped with air-tight lids. Look for sizes that are easy to stack in the far corners of your closet, attic, basement or garage.

4. Store clothes in sealed plastic garbage bags if containers are not an option. Cardboard boxes and paper shopping bags offer moths too many entry points, and are too porous to prevent water seepage.

5. Invest in a cedar chest for optimum and easy winter clothing storage. A hand-painted or hand-carved chest can also double as a living room table.

6. Hang winter coats and suits on cedar hangers, then store them in garment bags. If hanging is not possible, lie the garments flat in an area that is safe from water and preferably away from carpet, which may contain pesky carpet beetles.

7. Include cedar chips or a few lavender and rosemary sachets in each container. The chemicals in moth balls can be too harsh for many garments; they're also apt to make your clothes less than fragrant.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect spring and summer clothes from moths by lining shelves with cedar paper and tucking sachets or cedar blocks into drawers.
• Substitute durable plastic trash bags for garment bags. Slip clothes into the bag, press all of the air out, then tuck and fold the ends around the hanger. Seal with tape.
• If possible, replace cedar or herbal sachets every three months.
• Furs really benefit from professional storage. Check the phone book for companies that offer temperature-controlled storage units.
• Avoid spraying clothes with moth repellent, as it may damage fabrics or cause stains.

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