That first cool October morning makes the closet problem obvious. Your sweaters need room, but sundresses, shorts, and swimsuits are still taking up the best shelves. You need to know how to store summer clothes so that they stay fresh until spring.
Do not pack everything away as-is. A little laundry work now prevents you from opening a bin filled with yellowed stains, musty fabric, and stretched-out clothes next spring.
Use this simple routine to store your summer clothes the right way.
WASH EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU PACK IT
Even clothes that look clean may hold body oil, sunscreen, deodorant, perfume, or food residue. Those marks can darken during storage and become much harder to remove later.
Empty every pocket. Pretreat visible stains, sort the clothes by color and fabric, and follow each garment’s care label.
The Federal Trade Commission requires manufacturers to provide regular care instructions for covered clothing. The laundry tag is your best guide for choosing the correct water temperature, drying method, and ironing instructions.
The American Cleaning Institute also recommends reading and following garment-care labels as one of the basic steps for doing laundry correctly.
Never use fabric softeners before storing clothes. The oils in the fabric softener will cause your laundry to yellow and smell strong when you open it up the next year. We recommend instead that you add a couple of extra rinses and use a product such as Downy Rinse and Refresh.
DRY CLOTHES COMPLETELY
Never pack damp or slightly damp clothing. Trapped moisture creates a musty smell and may encourage mildew.
Give thick waistbands, padded swimsuits, lined dresses, and layered clothing extra drying time. Use dryer balls to help fluff and redistribute bulkier items. Check hidden areas before placing the garment in a container.
Avoid over-drying delicate pieces just to be safe. Excessive heat can weaken elastic and shrink certain fibers. Use the label-approved setting, then let the garments cool completely before folding them.
SORT BEFORE YOU STORE
Make three groups: store, donate, and repair.
If you did not wear an item all summer, ask yourself whether it deserves closet space for another year. Donate wearable clothes you no longer need.
Set aside loose hems, missing buttons, and broken zippers. Fixing those problems now means the clothes will be ready when warm weather returns.
Group the clothing you plan to keep by type or family member. Labels such as “swimwear,” “summer work clothes,” and “kids’ summer clothes” make unpacking much easier.
You can also take a quick photo of each container’s contents. That saves you from opening several bins when you need one item unexpectedly.
How To Choose the Right Container To Store Summer Clothes
Clean, dry fabric bins protect clothing from dust and moisture. Be cautious about storing in a tightly closed plastic bin for long-term storage. Plastic can trap moisture and cause mildew and mold problems.
Breathable cotton garment bags work well for clothing that needs airflow. Never store your clean laundry in the plastic bag that it came in from the cleaner. If any moisture is present, your laundry could be ruined very quickly.
Fold knits instead of hanging them. Long-term hanging can pull them out of shape. Use padded or sturdy hangers for structured garments.
Do not cram each container until the lid bows. Giving the clothes a little space helps reduce deep wrinkles and makes the contents easier to organize.
PICK A COOL, DRY STORAGE AREA
Choose an interior closet, an under-bed area, or another clean space with a stable temperature.
Attics, garages, and damp basements expose fabric to larger changes in temperature and humidity. Those conditions can lead to odors, moisture problems, and fabric damage.
If you must use a basement, keep the containers off the floor in case of water leaks or flooding.
Avoid using loose mothballs or pesticides unless you can follow every instruction on the product label. Clean clothing, appropriate containers, and regular inspections provide a sensible first line of defense.
MAKE SEASONAL LAUNDRY EASIER
Cleaning several summer loads at once can take over your day. Our Spot self-service laundromats offer different machine sizes, making it easier to clean several washable loads during one visit.
Our participating full-service stores can also handle suitable everyday clothing through our drop-off laundry service.
Keep delicate, hand-wash-only, and dry-clean-only pieces separate. We also offer dry-cleaning services at participating locations.
Once everything is clean and completely dry, label your containers and enjoy the extra closet space. Your future self will be glad you did.
SOURCES
Federal Trade Commission: Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods
American Cleaning Institute: Laundry Basics