Released: May 14, 2003

Storage Tips Protect Out-of-Season Clothes

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Dry cleaning or washing washable fall and winter clothes before storing them during summer months may eliminate the need to replace them next fall, said Marla Day, Kansas State University Research and Extension textile specialist.

"Seemingly clean clothes can have stains that set and darken with age. Once a stain has set, it usually is difficult – or impossible – to remove," she said.

Stains also can be an invitation to insects like silverfish, crickets, and roaches that will eat the fiber of the fabric to get to the food stain. Such insects may not eat all of the way through the garment like moths do, but the damage can be significant enough to make a garment unwearable.

Insects also are attracted to starch used on some garments, including men’s dress shirts and some jeans, Day said.

Moths are more likely to eat holes in clothing.

To protect clothing during the "off" season, she offers these tips:

* Follow directions on clothing care labels; dry clean or wash and dry out-of-season clothing before storing.

* "Remove clothing from plastic dry-cleaning bags and transfer it to a garment bag or box that can breathe," the textile specialist said.

"Allow room between more than one item of clothing that is stored in the same garment bag or box. Crowding clothes can undo a professional press and increase the risk of insect damage if insects should damage nearby clothing," Day said.

* Newer vinyl or plastic boxes that have air holes for ventilation can be used to store clean sweaters, blouses, shirts and other items, such as winter gloves and scarves.

"Re-sealable, air-tight plastic containers are not recommended. Condensation within the containers may result in mold and mildew damage to contents or leave clothes with a musty odor," she said.

* Store out-of-season clothing in an unused or little-used closet or on a shelf. Try not to stack storage boxes; items stored in the bottom box typically sustain the most damage. Storing out-of-season clothing in a basement can subject it to damage from mold and mildew. Attic heat also can "cook’ clothing to the point where fibers become brittle and break.

* Mothballs are not recommended for several reasons. To prevent damage to clothing and other textiles, mothballs should be used in a sealed environment. Few of us can create such an environment in our homes, Day said. Also, mothballs are toxic to children and pets and their odor can be an issue for people with asthma or breathing sensitivities.

* A cedar chest or closet isn’t 100 percent effective for avoiding pest damage, either, Day said.

While it’s true that insects don’t like the scent of cedar, clothing with food-based stains that is stored within cedar chest or closet still will attract insects. The natural oil in the wood that repels insects will stain clothing or other textile items – such as quilts and pillowcases – that come in contact with it, the textile specialist said.

"To maintain the effectiveness of a cedar chest or closet, the wood also needs to be sanded lightly periodically to keep the oil active," Day said.

Household items like mattress pads, blankets, and comforters also should be cleaned before storage. Following manufacturers’ directions is advisable, especially when it comes to electric blankets, which generally cannot be dry cleaned or washed, she said.

Quilts and other vintage textiles can require special care. For more information on caring for textiles and clothing, contact the local K-State Research and Extension office or visit http://www.oznet.ksu.edu and click on Clothing and Textiles.

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News