SHEfinds | Katelyn Holland
It’s that time of year when you start packing up all your summer clothing. Most of us just fold our off-season clothing and throw it in a box in the back of our closet. However, did you know you could be ruining your clothing as you’re storing it? Before you put away those storage boxes, check to make sure you didn’t make one critical mistake: Were all of your clothing items clean before you packed them away? It’s important to launder or dry-clean your clothing before storing it. According to HGTV, body oils attract clothes moths and cause a deep-set odor if not removed from clothing before storage. Gross. Keep in mind that you sweat in your summer clothing, so you don’t want to store it away if it is unclean. Plus, any stains on your garments will be impossible to remove after being stored for a couple of months.
Here are some other mistakes to avoid while storing your seasonal clothing:
1. Never store items in plastic bags. Plastic bags trap moisture, which can result in mildew. Use cotton garment bags as an alternative.
2. Be careful about where you store clothing. HGTV says to avoid hot temperatures because heat can damage fibers and set stains.
3. Avoid storing clothing in direct sunlight as this can fade clothing.
4. Never use cardboard boxes to store clothing. Cardboard boxes are acidic, and the glue they contain is attractive to pests and insects.
5. Plastic storage containers are a better bet.
6. It’s important to clean your shoes too before storing them to avoid odors.
7. Don’t just throw your clothing into a storage container. Take a few extra minutes to fold it before putting it away. This will prevent garments from creasing and snagging.
