Winter is coming to a close (finally!), so it’s time to pack away those well-loved coats and sweaters! You want to be able to use them next season, so just shoving them in the back of your closet or tossed haphazardly into a box won’t work. You need to prepare your winter clothes so they don’t get damaged or eaten by moths!
1. Don’t Pack Away Everything
I know what you’re thinking - didn’t we just say to pack away all of your winter things? Yes, we did. However, you will want to keep a few transitional pieces out. It’s spring, so it’s warmer, but the nights and early mornings can still be cold. Make sure you hang on to a sweater or a light jacket so you don’t have to shiver.
2. But First, Clean!
A quick glance at your coats and you may think “These are pretty clean. I’ll just pack them away.” You should not do this! Sometimes, there are hidden stains that you may miss now, but they will be very apparent come fall (and may be too stubborn to get out). Plus, moths and silverfish won’t have a reason to chomp on your clothes. Dry clean what needs to be dry cleaned and wash the rest yourself. Just don’t use fabric softener - this attracts bugs!
3. Repairs
Did any of your zippers quit on you this season? What about any tears or holes? If so, get them repaired now so you’re ready for next season. Ask your dry cleaner - usually, they offer repair services for simple fixes. Unless you can sew yourself!
4. Store Them Right
You want to make sure that you’re storing your items correctly, so you don’t do them any damage. If you had taken them to the dry cleaners, do not store them in those bags. They can actually create humidity which can grow mildew! If you have bigger/thicker coats, make sure to hang them on sturdy hangers or wooden hangers. This way, they won’t warp the plastic hanger and get stored at an odd angle. Everything else can be folded and stored in plastic totes with lids to keep out bugs. Toss in a few lavender sachets, which will deter bugs and keep your clothes fresh. If you live with a lot of humidity, get some of those tiny bags with silicone in them to absorb the extra moisture.
5. Put Them In The Right Place
Most people would store their winter clothes in the basement, garage, or attic. But you shouldn’t! These places generally aren’t temperature-controlled and so can create more humidity, which isn’t great for your clothes. This, in turn, would attract moths and silverfish, which would love to gnaw on your clothes! Some great places to store your bins and coats would be in the back of your closet, under your bed, or even behind the couch.
What are some ways you love to store your winter items? Let us know in the comments below!
XOXO,
Squeaky Green House Clean Team