The days are longer and warmer. For many, that means it’s time to de-clutter the presses, to be able to find things in your wardrobe and fill it with appropriate summer wear (not to mention a great excuse to go on a shopping spree!) It’s not the most fun task however, and we have to seriously think about the best way to do it, if we want our clothes in good condition for next Winter. What’s more, as we know well, winter clothes are expensive, and need special treatment in order to ensure they have a long life! We can’t just chuck them in a press in any old fashion, if we want to keep their quality and ensure that no little beasties get at them. Here are 10 top tips for how best to do just that.
1) Wash everything!
Yes, you’re favourite scarf may well smell of perfume, and maybe you have only worn a jumper once without staining it. All the same, it would be a shame if your clothes lost their colour because of deodourant or perfume residues. Even clothes with a neutral odour have nothing to lose by a quick turn in the washing machine.
2) Choose the best storage location
Ideally a cool, dry area, without much sunlight, or in a well ventilated room. A clean shelf in a wardrobe or in the garage are both great options.
3) Which container to choose?
If you are using storage boxes, choose opaque rather than transparent ones. These will protect your clothes from sunlight and minimise the risk of discolouration. Don’t forget a sticky label to let you know what’s in the box.
4) Preserve the quality
Shoes and scarves benefit from being filled, in order to help them keep their shape. Tissue or kitchen roll should do the trick. White is best, to avoid the risk of staining or colour transfer.
5) And for shoes?
We can store away our boots, as well as warmer winter shoes. However, to avoid getting them squashed and allowing bad odours to develop, sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda into the shoes before storing them. The odours will be absorbed and won’t spread. Before retrieving them next Winter, remember to tip the bicarbonate of soda out of the shoes.
6) To avoid colour transfer
Place a layer of white tissue paper between each item of clothing to avoid discolouration and transfer of colours.
7) Tip for natural fibres
Clothes, especially those made from natural fibres, should not be left on a hanger. They need to be folded so that the fabric doesn’t stretch and lose its shape.
8) Choose good quality storage bags
If you would like to use storage bags, choose ones made from cotton or muslin, instead of plastic. Plastic bags do not let any air circulate through the clothes and humidity could build up, which could become problematic. Cotton or muslin bags allow your clothes to breath.
9) Keep insects away
Mothballs often contain insecticides in order to get rid of mites. Although they are convenient, the ingredients are not good for young children and animals. It is better to use lavender if possible. Buy some dried lavender or add a few drops of lavender essential oil to some cotton buds. Place them in a muslin bag or in a sealed coffee filter.
10) A spare suitcase
If you have some suitcases you know you are not going to use, you can use them to store clothes. The clothes are ideally protected.
Source : One Good Thing by Jillee