Storing Clothes and Textiles

Clothes and textiles that won't be used for long periods should be stored away carefully to prevent damage by moisture and pest. For the best results, follow these guidlines.

Before storing, launder or dry clean all items. Make sure that they are completely dry. Don't iron clothing that is to be stored or use starch, as these will make the fibres more brittle and prone to tearing along the creases.

Special items can be wrapped in acid free tissue paper to help prevent creasing and provide further protection. Use cotton gloves to avoid transfering potentially damaging bodily fluids from you hands to the garments.

Avoid using ordinary cardboard or paper boxes as they aren't waterproof, chemicals can leech into your clothing and pests are attracted to the protein in the glue used to stick the boxes together. For shorter term storage, you can use plastic storage boxes, but make sure they are not completely airtight as the clothes need to breathe, not suffocate. For long term storage of items such as wedding dresses, the best option is a special acid free storage box, available from stationers of archiving suppliers.

Don't store items in direct contact with wood. All wood contains acid that can damage textiles over a long period of time. Place the container in a cool place, off the floor and away from damp, sunlight and direct or indirect heat.

If items are being stored for longer than one season, take them out one or twice a year and re fold them along different lines to prevent stress tears forming on creases. At this time you should also make a quick check for any other damage that may have occurred.

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