How to Store Dry-Cleaned Clothing: Expert Tips

Use a Dry Cleaning Delivery Service Before Storage

The first step in storing dry-cleaned clothing is to ensure it’s clean. Never keep dirty clothing, as stains and odors can set in during storage. Additionally, the stains and smells might attract insects, leading to holes in your clothes due to insect infestation.

To prevent this, contact a dry cleaning delivery service to freshen up your clothing at the end of the season. Once you get it back, you’ll be ready to store it.

Choose a Temperature-Controlled Storage Space

The next step is to consider where to store your clothing. Choosing a temperature-controlled area ensures the clothes aren’t damaged over time. Only keep clothing in the attic if it’s insulated and climate-controlled as storage. Finally, choose a dark location, so your clothes won’t be exposed to UV rays.

You can store your clothes under the bed or in another closet. You can use that closet for your seasonal clothes if you have a guest bedroom. This will protect your clothing during the winter or summer.

Choose What to Hang vs. Fold

Once you’ve decided where to store your clothing, you need to look through your garments and decide what to hang and fold. For clothing that stretches easily, such as sweaters and knits, it’s best to fold them. On the other hand, garments prone to wrinkles, such as dresses, suits, dress shirts, and blouses, should be hung.

Storing Folded Clothing

When storing folded clothing, use plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes. Cardboard attracts pests, and it doesn’t keep moisture out. If you store your clothes in a cardboard box, you could end up with an infestation when you get your clothing out of storage.

Put acid-free tissue paper between each folded item, and place one garment on top of the next. Don’t stuff the container too full. This will give your clothing room to breathe. Put the heavier garments on the bottom, followed by the lighter garments on top. This will also help the clothing breathe while in storage.

Storing Clothing on Hangers

When storing clothing on hangers, use heavy wooden or padded hangers. After putting the garments on hangers, secure them in garment bags to protect them. Avoid using plastic garment bags, as your clothes can’t breathe in plastic. Instead, use cotton garment bags. The material will protect your clothing while still allowing air to circulate.

Consider storage units

A wide range of storage units is available in the market, varying in size and shape, from compact lockers to vast rooms capable of holding an entire household’s belongings. These units provide a safe and comfortable way to store your possessions, ensuring they are secure and easily accessible when required, providing a sense of tranquillity.

A storage solution like Juujbox provides you with secure storage bins where you can temporarily or permanently store your belongings. This solution is highly convenient, helping you streamline your living space while still keeping essential items close by. Additionally, we offer complimentary pickup and delivery of your items, saving you the hassle of transporting them yourself.

Label the Clothing

If you’re storing lots of clothing, label the containers before placing them in storage. This will save you time when you’re looking for a specific item. Use a marker to label the outside of the boxes or make labels with a label maker. You can also label the garment bags to know what’s underneath each one.

Protect Your Clothing With Cedar Blocks

Use cedar blocks in the storage area to protect your clothes from pests and to keep them smelling fresh. Cedar blocks are better than mothballs, which are toxic and have an unpleasant smell. You can use the same cedar blocks season after season, but you need to sand and re-oil them so they’ll remain effective. Do this at least every three years so you can get the most out of the cedar blocks.

What About Wedding Gowns?

When the wedding is over, you’ll want to store the gown in a special box or garment bag that’s designed for preservation. These boxes and bags are acid-free and keep moisture and light out, so your gown won’t yellow or fade over time. Some companies even offer preservation kits that include everything you need to properly store your gown.

If you want to store your gown on your own, you should use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the gown. Then, you can place it in a box that’s large enough for the gown to breathe. Don’t store anything else in the box with the gown, as this can cause damage.

Final Thoughts

By following these storage tips, you can keep your dry-cleaned clothing in great condition for years to come. Remember to choose a temperature-controlled storage area, use plastic containers for folded clothing, and protect your clothing with cedar blocks. Additionally, don’t forget to label your boxes and garment bags, so you know exactly where to find your items when you need them.

With proper storage, you can extend the life of your clothing and save money in the long run. So, take the time to store your clothing properly, and you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite garments for many seasons to come.