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5 Tips for Storing Linens Safely

5 Tips for Storing Linens Safely.

These tips will help you successful store clothing, including heirlooms and vintage pieces, long-term (at least a year).

1. Always wash or dry clean the item before it goes into storage.

Any body oils - even those you can't see - or crumbs remaining on clothes or linens can attract crawly things or even rodents. Start with a clean slate.

2. Wrap or roll clothes in acid-free tissue.

How to safely store linens and clothes long-term.

This cushions the fabric and helps guard against sharp creases, which can cause the fabric to break down.

Stuff the neck and other curved areas of a clothing item with the acid-free tissue paper as well to retain the shape of the garment.

3. Use sturdy, lightweight plastic boxes for storing all fabrics except wool, wool blends, and specialty hair (such as mohair).

Store clothes in lightweight, sturdy plastic lidded boxes. Stash woolens, wool blends and specialty hair (such as mohair) in a sealed cedar chest or cedar-enclosed trunk with the cedar chips at least three-quarters of an inch thick.

Or, fill a muslin pouch with a mix of lavender flowers, rosemary leaves and cedar chips to keep moths away.

You can also use what's called "archival quality" storage boxes (products that are permanent, durable, and/or chemically stable) for extra security, but it isn't a necessary expense.

Choose commercial cold storage for fur-trimmed clothing, coats, and jackets.

4. Fill in the box's remaining space with acid-free tissue paper or freshly laundered white muslin.

Fill the box or chest with acid-free tissue paper or freshly laundered white muslin.

Don't use plastic bags as packing as they can cause yellowing of fabrics and trap in moisture.

Should any moisture find its way inside, it could settle into your fabrics and damage them.

5. Finally, store this container in a stable, cool environment.

Your storage goal is to keep fabrics from extreme temperature changes and light.

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About the Author

Tara Aronson is a native Californian. Having grown up in San Diego, she studied journalism and Spanish to pursue a career in newspaper writing. Tara, whose three children - Chris, Lyndsay, and Payne - are the light of her life, now lives and writes in Los Angeles. She also regularly appears on television news programs throughout the U.S.

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