With three in five Brits planning to store their winter wardrobes, these top tips will help you declutter your wardrobes and keep clothes free from mould
As temperatures continue to rise, many of us are swapping our jumpers for more cheerful holiday clothes, but according to a leading cleaning expert, storing them the wrong way can lead to them being destroyed by dampness and mold. Ppr Fitting Mould
New research conducted by digital department store Freemans found that four in ten (44%) Brits don’t know the correct way to store clothing, with Google search data for ‘clothes storage for small spaces’ at an all-time high in the last 30 days, increasing by 5,000%.
As three in five (58%) Brits plan to store away their winter wardrobe, the retailer has partnered with domestic cleaner, Pavlinka Veleva at Fantastic Services, to provide top tips on how Brits can declutter their wardrobes and keep their clothes safe, preventing the dreaded damp and miserable mould.
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Store clothing correctly to avoid dampness and mould: Improper storage can lead to dampness and musty odours in clothes, indicating mould growth. To prevent this, ensure clothes are clean and dry before storage. When storing use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets or activated charcoal. Proper ventilation in storage areas and the use of cedar balls or lavender sachets can help you deter pests and maintain freshness.
Avoid excess heat when storing: While having heating on can help you maintain a stable environment for clothes storage, excessive heat can damage certain fabrics, if not most of them. Storage in breathable containers or garment bags in a cool, dry place is crucial for preserving your clothes and preventing damage.
Avoid storing in attics or garages: Avoid storing winter clothes in garages or attics as these areas may not provide the necessary cool, dry, and dark environment to preserve the garments. These places are also pest-friendly most of the time.
Pavlinka also shares her spring wardrobe organisation tips:
Identify the pieces that have become worn out: Signs of worn-out clothes include visible wear and tear such as frayed seams, holes, pilling, and fading colours. Additionally, pay attention to fabric condition – excessive thinning or roughness can indicate deterioration and the need for replacement.
Remove items you no longer wear: Make sure to use a 'one in, one out' policy to prevent overcrowding and regularly assess items for fit, condition, and relevance to your current style. Aim to declutter your wardrobe at least once a year to ensure you only keep items you truly love and use.
Sarah Swift, Freemans buyer for knitwear and denim, also shares her care tips for storing delicate fabrics:
Warmer materials, such as cotton T-shirts, soft joggers, sweatshirts, wool jumpers and cardigans, are fine to be kept in storage over the summer.
For long-term storage use plastic boxes rather than plastic bags to avoid compressing the garments and causing damage. When storing garments made from natural fibres such as silk, opt for a cotton storage box to allow the clothing to breathe. This also prevents mildew, which can cause excess moisture to form. These fabrics should be stored away from direct sunlight as they can discolour when exposed to the sun.
When storing away sequin or embellished Christmas party dresses, avoid pairing them with delicate wools or silks, as the materials rubbing together can cause tears and fraying.
Pp Injection Molding Take extra care when storing away older garments, such as vintage fabrics or denim, as these materials often become brittle over time which can cause weak points in the folded areas. Rather than folding, try rolling the garments up to avoid damaging the fabric. This is especially important with denim items due to the materials stiffness.