Sweater Weather

When the calendar turns the page into September, summer vacations become precious memories, and the school year begins anew. The lazy, hazy days of summer with their rising temperatures are behind us, and we begin to feel the crisp air of fall taking their place. It’s sweater weather.

As September marks the change of seasons, it’s time to look in our closets, take stock of what we have and come up with a plan to store off-season clothing.  Following a few best practices will keep all your wardrobe items looking as good as new.

Clothes Storage Dos and Don’ts

1.       Maybe it goes without saying but all clothing, whether in active use or stowed away for the season needs to be stored clean. We may be guilty every now and then of storing worn garments without cleaning in between use. At the very least it’s important to check for any obvious signs of stains or contaminants. It’s best not to store clean items next to those worn as body oils and perfume act as magnets, and food particles are just what closet pests look for.  The best defense is to store all garments clean.

2.       Be sure that all clothing is dry and eliminate the threat of moisture before storing. That means removing the plastic sheaths used with professional dry cleaning, especially for long term storage. Keep in mind also that temperature variations and humidity affect fabrics making attics, basements, and garages less than desirable storage areas. Moisture is fodder for mold and mildew.

3.       Fold vs. hang, bulky items and knits that can get distorted over time when hung.

Clothes Storage Tools

1.       Plastic bins with covers are popular for storing folded clothing. Textiles need circulating air, so be careful not to cram or squeeze too many items into a bin. Cardboard boxes are off limits for clothing storage. If they get wet, mold and mildew can set in, and cardboard does not safeguard against pests. Wrap special or delicate items in acid-free paper.

2.       For hanging items, canvas or other garment bags made of breathable materials work well.

3.       Moth traps, lavender, and cedar are all closet helpers to keep pests at bay. They come in many designs and forms that offer varying degrees of function and efficiency. Some may prevent and repel while others are designed to kill existing infestations. Some are made of natural products and others employ the use of chemicals, so be sure to check the product label to choose the best option for your clothing storage needs.

Finally, sweater weather. It’s about time.