When the warmer months arrive, it’s time to pack up those cozy sweaters and make room in your closet for tank tops and shorts. But where exactly should you store your sweaters for the summer? Properly storing sweaters for the summer helps protect them against damage from heat, humidity, bugs, and dust so they stay in great shape for next fall and winter.
Should you store sweaters in an airtight plastic bin or garment bag?
Storing sweaters in airtight plastic bins or garment bags can help protect them from humidity, dust, bugs, and other environmental threats during the summer months. However, plastic containers and bags also trap moisture and can cause sweaters to become damp, creating a breeding ground for mildew and mold. For this reason, plastic storage bins and garment bags are not recommended for long-term sweater storage in the summer.
Should you store sweaters in cedar chests or closets?
Cedar has natural aromatic oils that act as a gentle moth repellent, so cedar chests and closets are excellent choices for storing wool sweaters in the summer. The cedar will help keep moths at bay while allowing air circulation so the sweaters don’t get damp. Just be sure to keep the cedar chest or closet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat to best preserve your sweaters.
Should you use moth balls when storing sweaters over the summer?
Moth balls contain pesticides and chemicals to repel moths and other insects. However, these strong fumes can cling to clothing and fabrics and cause irritation or allergic reactions when you go to wear the item later. Moth balls also do not prevent mildew growth if moisture gets to your stored sweaters. For these reasons, moth balls are not recommended for storing sweaters over the summer months.
Should you have your sweaters professionally cleaned before storing for the summer?
Having your sweaters professionally dry cleaned or laundered before storing them for the summer is recommended. Clean sweaters are less attractive to clothes moths and other pests. Removing built up body oils, perfume, food stains, and other debris will help your sweaters stay fresh and damage-free in storage. Just be sure to allow all cleaned items to fully dry before storing to prevent mildew growth.
What is the ideal temperature to store sweaters at in the summer?
Ideally, you should store your sweaters somewhere that maintains a consistent 60-68°F temperature during the summer months. Avoid hot attics or garages where temperatures can soar. The cool environment will prevent sweaters from drying out or becoming damaged. You may consider storing sweaters in the closet of a spare bedroom that can be kept cooler in the summer.
How should you fold and pack sweaters for summer storage?
Follow these tips for properly folding and packing your sweaters for summer storage:
- Clean sweaters before storing according to care label directions.
- Allow freshly cleaned items to fully air dry before folding.
- Fold sweaters neatly using the KonMari method to store flat and evenly.
- Lay folded sweaters in acid-free, archival storage boxes.
- Pack boxes carefully to minimize shifting and wrinkling.
- Do not overload storage boxes or overstuff them.
- Place acid-free tissue between layers as a buffer.
- Store boxes in a clean, cool, dry place.
Should you use storage bags or archival tissue when packing away sweaters?
Acid-free, archival tissue paper is recommended for packing sweaters for summer storage. The tissue acts as a soft buffer between folded items to prevent snags and tears while allowing air circulation. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture. Paper tissue can absorb small amounts of moisture and helps keep sweaters clean and dry.
Should you store sweaters on hangers or folded in boxes?
For the best protection, gently fold sweaters and pack them flat in acid-free, archival storage boxes. Hanging sweaters can stretch them out over time. Stacking folded sweaters also minimizes space used. Just be cautious not to overpack boxes or compress items too tightly. Use layers of archival tissue between each piece to cushion and prevent damage.
Should you sprinkle baking soda or add cedar blocks when storing sweaters in boxes?
Using baking soda or cedar blocks can help absorb odors and deter pests like moths when storing sweaters in boxes. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the storage box before carefully packing folded sweaters inside. You can also add cedar blocks around the outer sides or lay cedar panels at the bottom. This will provide a fresh, protective scent without direct contact.
How often should you check on stored sweaters over the summer?
It’s a good idea to check boxes of stored sweaters once a month during the summer. Make sure boxes are clean, dry, and free of any pests. Watch for signs of moisture accumulation or mildew. Unfold and refold or rearrange items to maintain proper shape and distribution. Checking periodically allows you to spot and address any issues promptly before damage occurs.
What are the best ways to protect sweaters from moths during storage?
Here are some top methods to protect stored sweaters from moths:
- Clean sweaters thoroughly before storage since moths are attracted to dirt and body oils.
- Store sweaters in cedar chests or closets since cedar repels moths.
- Use cedar blocks/panels or sachets in storage boxes.
- Pack sweaters in insect-proof archival boxes.
- Lay acid-free tissue or moth-proof tissue between layers.
- Do not store sweaters in plastic since it traps moisture moths need.
- Add natural repellants like lavender flowers or cloves.
- Use moth traps and inspect regularly for infestations.
- Keep storage areas clean and remove any cardboard/debris where moths can breed.
What are signs of a moth infestation in stored clothing?
Watch for these signs that moths may have infested clothing in storage:
- Small holes or tears in fabric, especially around seams and folds.
- Fine silken cocoons or larval casings present on or between items.
- Clumps of pupal casings or dark moth droppings in boxes.
- Presence of tiny white worms crawling on fabric.
- Sections of eaten fabric with lace-like appearance.
- Chewed areas of wool with “bald” patches.
- Adult moths with powdery-looking wings present.
- Musty mothball smell from secreted enzymes.
How should you clean a sweater that got moth eaten during storage?
If you discover a favorite sweater has been damaged by moths while in storage, you can attempt to salvage it by:
- Carefully hand wash or dry clean according to care label.
- Use a nit comb on damaged areas to remove eggs/larvae.
- Allow to fully dry then brush fabric gently to remove casings.
- Mend holes and tears by darning, stitching, or patching.
- Repair bald spots by grafting fabric from inconspicuous areas.
- Add decorative embellishments like patches or embroidery to mask damage.
- Alter the garment into something new like a vest if damage is too extensive.
Unfortunately, once moths have fed on a sweater, the damaged areas will remain fragile and lack durability. But with clever repair techniques, you can often salvage moth-eaten sweaters to extend their life and wearability.
What steps should you take if moths infest stored wool clothing?
If you discover moths have gotten into your stored woolens, you’ll need to take action to destroy the infestation and prevent further damage. Here are the basic steps to take:
- Remove all items from storage and inspect carefully for signs of infestation.
- Vacuum storage area thoroughly including corners and crevices to remove eggs, larvae, and cocoons.
- Clean storage boxes, shelves, and drawers where moths were with soap and water to remove debris.
- Quarantine and clean infested items by washing, drying, and thoroughly brushing.
- Freeze items for 48 hours to kill any eggs and larvae.
- Treat empty storage area with a moth-killing insecticide or spray.
- Add cedar blocks, sachets, and traps to deter future infestations.
- Carefully pack cleaned items in insect-proof storage containers.
- Inspect stored clothing frequently going forward to identify any new moth activity.
Taking these steps immediately at first signs of an infestation will help you stop moths in their tracks and prevent widespread destruction of clothing. Pay close attention for any recurring infestations and treat promptly.
Conclusion
Protecting your favorite woolen sweaters from damage while they are packed away for the summer months requires proper storage methods. By folding sweaters carefully in acid-free archival tissue in breathable boxes, storing them in cool cedar closets, periodically inspecting for pest infestations, and taking steps like moth-proofing if needed, you can keep sweaters in great shape for many seasons to come. With the right summer storage and care, your sweaters will transition seamlessly into your winter wardrobe once the weather cools back down.
