It’s been a roller coaster of warm-then-cold, rainy-then-dry weather this spring! Now that it finally looks like the warmer temperatures are sticking around, we’re looking at our closets full of winter clothes and realizing we need to make room for our lightweight garments. This is a great time to clean and assess the condition of your winter wardrobe.
Here are a few tips and suggestions for a successful seasonal wardrobe switch.
First, wash your clothes before putting them in storage
If you don’t, you risk attracting moths.It’s not so much the garments’ fabrics that the moths like, it’s food and beverage spills and our own sweat that they go for. Even when a sweater looks and smells clean, if it was worn over the winter, it likely has traces that will be alluring to those hungry pests. Also, after you launder clothing, be sure it’s fully dry before it’s put away. Moisture can stain and distort the shape of your clothes and also draws moths.
Natural moth repellants
Traditional moth balls contain ingredients which are toxic to people and pets so it’s best to avoid them. Look into natural repellents like lavender and cedar, that come in sachets or hanger rings. Your clothes will come out smelling lovely and not like great-grandpa’s old coat.
Clean your closet or winter storage area
Moths hide their eggs in small spaces, so vacuum your closets before storing winter clothes and do a maintenance vacuum every few weeks. Dust can attract moths and stain delicate fabrics, further making the case for keeping your closets clean.
Gently fold, never hang
Fold your delicate wool and silk items loosely and layer them in acid-free tissue paper to avoid creases and stretching. Check in on them about once a month to refold and reposition.
Choose your containers wisely
For summer storage, an airtight plastic bin or bag is useful in keeping moths out. Add a few moisture-absorbing packets before closing the lid. For longer-term storage, use bags made of cotton to avoid odors that airtight containers can encourage.
Location, location, location
Be mindful of the humidity of basement storage and the wildly varying temperatures of an attic. You’ll want to invest in a dehumidifier if the storage room is moist. If you don’t have a suitable storage space, consider options outside the home. Ask your local dry cleaner if they offer storage services.
Don’t forget your boots
Salt and ice melt can damage boots and winter shoes, so clean them thoroughly before storing. A shoe repair shop can tune up your boots and ready them for next winter.
Assess whether it’s worth storing
The changing of the season is a great time to assess whether an item is worth keeping. Did you wear it this year? Is it worth the work to clean and put away? Or is it time to let someone else enjoy it?
Taking care of the classic clothing we love ensures it will serve us for years to come. These rituals help us wish a happy hibernation to our wooly winter wear!
