Clothing Storage
Before storing clothes, vacuum the closet floor, baseboards, shelves, and dresser drawers being sure to clean all corners and crevices. This helps to prevent clothes moths and other pest infestations. Do not store clothes in a damp basebent or hot atic.
1. Wash or dry clean and repair all garments before storing.
2. Store un-ironed and completely dry.
3. Place garments in cloth bags or cover with old, clean white sheets.
4. Store folded articles in boxes lines with old sheets. Pad folds with white tissue paper.
5. Store velvet and other napped garments on padded hangers.
CAUTION:
*Always read the care label. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
PROTEIN FIBERS-STORAGE
Wool, Fur Hair, Mohair, Silk
Before storing, vacuum the closet floor, baseboards, shelves and dresser drawers being sure to clean all corners and crevices. This helps to prevent clothes moths and other pest infestations. Do not store clothes in a damp basement or hot attic.
Mothballs, flakes or crystals can be used for moth control, but should never be placed directly in contact with the clothes. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for use.
1. Wash or dry clean and repair all garments before storing. Always read and follow care label directions.
2. Use old sheets to cover garments or garment bags that are to be hung. Garments should not be stored in plastic bags. Plastic bags can allow moisture to build up around the garment. Moisture building leads to dye bleeding, mildew, yellowing and odor problems.
3. Line boxes with an old sheet or muslin to store folded articles. Avoid packing too many items into one box and pad folds with white tissue paper to prevent creases. Secure boxes with tape to keep them airtight.
WEDDING GOWNS-STORAGE
It is recommended that professional dry cleaners package wedding gowns for storage. If you decide to do it yourself, the following tips will be helpful:
1. Remove all padding materials such as shoulder pads. They can deteriorate and self-stain the gown.
2. Remove metal buttons or metallic trim and store separately.
3. Stuff sleeves and bodice of gown and pad folds with acid-free tissue paper.
4. Wrap the gown in acid-free tissue and store in an acid-free box.
5. Store the box in a dark, cool, dry place-never in the attic or basement.
CAUTION:
*Always read the care label. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
HEIRLOOMS-STORAGE
Store textiles clean. Do not store in attic or basement due to the fluctuation of temperature and moisture. Item should not come in contact with paper, wood, cardboard. Acid in these will cause deterioration of fibers.
To prevent damage from moisture condensation, do not seal in air-tight plastic bags.
Moth balls can be used to control mildew and moths. Moth balls should never be in contact with the fabric. They should be placed at the top of the storage unit.
Store items as flat as possible using strips of sheeting, muslin, or crumpled acid-free tissue to pad creases. Re-fold periodically. Some items can be stored rolled on a covered paper towel roll. Sturdy garments may be hung on a padded wooden hanger. A loop of twill tape added at the waistline and looped over the hanger will give extra support. Heavy garments or those cut on the bias should not be hung. Line drawers or boxes with clean, white sheets, unbleached muslin, or acid-free tissue paper.
Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Hall (770)535-8290 and the Forsyth (770)887-2418 County Extension Service.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/7/176804