How to Safely Store your Winter Garments

During the spring and summer months, winter clothes are vulnerable to pests and water damage.  Flat winged moths love wool, down and fur, along with mohair, angora and silks.  Proper storage is essential to keep clothes intact and fresh year after year.

1. Catch and dispose of any moths you see flying in your home, but remember, the real threat comes from the invisible eggs they lay.
2. Launder or dry-clean all of your winter clothes prior to storage. This will eliminate larvae, as well as any skin, hair and stain residues that could nourish future deposits. This will also prevent stains from setting in and becoming impossible to get out next fall.
3. Place folded or rolled garments in plastic air tight containers. Cardboard boxes and shopping bags offer moths too many entry points, and are too porous to prevent water damage.
4. Include cedar chips or lavender and rosemary sachets instead of moth balls. Moth balls can be too harsh for many garments and are apt to make your clothes smell less than fragrant.
5. Hang winter coats and suits on cedar or plastic hangers, then store them in breathable garment bags or no bag. The bags from dry cleaners are not intended for permanent storage. Do not lay garments on carpet, as it may contain pesky carpet beetles.