5 tips for safely storing your woolen clothes
What's the story
Winter has come to an end and it's time to pack away your woolen clothes to protect them from moisture, molds, and moths. It is important that you pack away your woolens in the right way if you wish to wear them next winter as well. Besides, nobody likes that musty smell. Here is how you can keep your woolens in good shape.
Cleaning
Clean and disinfect your winter clothes
Before packing away your woolen clothes, make sure that they are clean and fresh. Even if they don't look that dirty, disinfect them before packing them away to maintain the integrity of the fabrics. You can dry clean your cashmere sweaters, jackets, and coats, or just give your woolen clothing a mild machine wash to prevent any nasty odor and maintain their freshness.
Storage
How to fold, what to hang?
Sweaters are best stored in vacuum-sealed bags or zippered cloth bags. Winter coats made of faux fur, wool, or leather must be buttoned, zipped up, and gently folded to maintain their shape. However, real animal fur coats should be hung up. Store boots in plastic bins with an old t-shirt in between each pair to keep them in good shape.
Scent
Sun dry and use essential oils
To avoid pests from harming your clothes, make sure you sun dry them well. Use silica gel pouches in the containers to absorb moisture. If you are not a fan of the fragrance of mothballs, then use a few drops of lavender essential oil or neem oil inside the cases. Not only will the moths stay away, but your clothes will also smell fresh.
Location
Store them in a clean and dry place
Woolens should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry spot. Consider getting a cedar chest for your valuable woolens as they act as a natural insect repellent. If you have an extra wardrobe, store all your woolens in there. But make sure to clean and air dry it well. If you are using suitcases, then keep them in the sun first.
Bags
Check on them periodically
It is a good idea to check on your woolens once a while even after they are packed and put away. This is a good way to ensure there are no insects or moisture. If possible, pull out all your woolens once or twice in summers and air them. Remember to wrap the garments in tissue paper to prevent them from snagging and yellowing.