How to care for your off-season clothing September 14, 2020September 9, 2020 Mo Mulchandani A great way to keep your closet uncluttered and make room for new, trending items is to store your off-season garments. However, just because your clothing can’t be worn in the months ahead, doesn’t mean that you won’t be flaunting it summer 2021, which is why it’s important to keep it protected to enjoy for the years to come. Read below if you’re looking to make your seasonal transitions hassle-free! What you will need to launder and stockpile your summer wears Another season has come and gone and for you to properly welcome the start of fall you will need to clear out space within your drawers and closet to make way for warmer wears. While there aren’t any special gadgets that are needed to clean and store your summer attire, there are some accessories that you should consider investing in, such as a canvas or muslin storage box, a cloth garment bag, some wooden hangers, and cedar moth repellent to maintain clothing protection for your designer garments while they’re stored away. Steps to follow to care for your off-season clothing: Start by separating your clean clothes from the ones that need washing. Be sure to empty the pockets of both statement pieces, then launder or dry-clean the dirty items to remove stains from perspiration, perfume, or clear beverages that can set into the clothing after it sits for a long period of time. Group your ensembles by fabric and create two piles — protein fibers versus plant fibers. In the first, put all your clothes that are made from silk, wool, fur, suede, and leather, while in the other, you can store those items that are made with cotton, linen, and rayon. What’s the reason? Well, items that are made from protein fibers are food for bugs, which is why it’s always best to keep them separated, especially for the clothing protection of your designer garments. Next, you will want to select the appropriate storage solution for the items that are being put away. Place wool and protein-based clothing into a canvas or muslin box, which will allow air to circulate. Then, put items made from cotton, linen, and rayon into a separate box and label the boxes so that you can remember what was put in each one. Next, place any hanging items in cloth garment bags, which is preferable over plastic for long-term storage because it won’t track in moisture or damage your leathers and furs (note: if you store dry-cleaned clothing in plastic bags, hang sheets over the garments to prevent mildew. Be sure to invest in moth repellent! The scent discourages them from laying eggs and helps to keep them away from your stylish ensembles. Also, cedar, which can be purchased in the form of hangers, boxes, blocks, and draw liners is the perfect type of storage deterrent if you plan to store your designer garments for the season. As a means of clothing protection for designer garments, make sure to store all items in a cool, dry place, as different types of fabrics can be negatively affected by extreme temperatures and humidity. This means that garages, attics, unfinished basements are a no-go. The best option is for those who have a spare room, or at the very least a spare closet! Do you have any other tips for seasonal clothing storage? Drop a comment below to share with other readers.