Summer clothes go into the wardrobe, winter clothes come out - and next year you discover that your favourite jumper has stains that will not come out. Proper storage starts with proper washing.
Always wash before storing
This is the most important and most frequently ignored rule. Clothes that you "could still wear once more" but put in the wardrobe anyway contain invisible stains from skin oils, sweat and sunscreen. They are barely visible now, but after months in a dark wardrobe they oxidise and turn yellow or brown - and then they often cannot be removed.
Moths and other insects are also attracted to dirty textiles, not clean ones. So always wash your clothes before storing them, even if they look clean.
Never put stained clothes away without treating the stain first. After months in storage, a fresh stain becomes a permanent stain.
By material: how should you wash it before storing?
Summer dresses, T-shirts and linen
Wash normally at 30-40°C. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them - even a little dampness is enough for mould to grow in a closed wardrobe.
Swimwear
Hand wash or use a delicate cycle at 30°C. Dry thoroughly before storing - damp elastane in a dark wardrobe is a recipe for mould and odours that never go away.
Wool and cashmere jumpers
Wool cycle at 30°C, dry flat. Always wash them before storing - even if you have only worn them once. Moths prefer to lay their eggs on fibres containing sweat acids and skin oils.
Padded and down jackets
Wash at 30°C before storing. Dry down jackets completely with tennis balls in the tumble dryer - damp down filling causes mould that you only discover when you wear the jacket again.
✓ Store properly
- Always washed and completely dry
- Folded or on a wide hanger
- Breathable storage bags for wool
- Cedarwood or lavender to deter moths
- Store in a dark, dry place
✗ Avoid
- Storing without washing
- Damp or partially dry clothes
- Plastic bags without ventilation
- Direct sunlight in the wardrobe
- Overstuffing - fibres crease permanently
What is the best way to store clothes?
Hang or fold?
Do not hang knitted and heavy fabrics such as wool, cashmere and thick cotton jumpers - they stretch under their own weight. Fold them and place them on a shelf. Hang lightweight fabrics such as summer dresses, blouses and linen shirts on a wide hanger to prevent creases.
Storage bags and vacuum bags
Storage bags are useful for bulky items such as duvets and winter coats. Choose breathable fabric storage bags for wool and cashmere - they need ventilation. Vacuum bags are useful for saving space with synthetic items, but not for wool or down - compression damages the fibre structure and insulating properties.
Moth protection
Moths mainly attack wool, cashmere and other animal fibres. Cedarwood blocks or lavender sachets keep them away without chemical moth control. Replace cedarwood every year - the scent fades and it no longer works. Clean clothing is also the best protection: moths are attracted to organic dirt in the fibres, not clean fabric.
- Cedarwood blocks or lavender sachets with wool and cashmere
- Replace annually - the scent fades
- Always wash clothes first - moths are not interested in clean fabric
- Seal the storage box or wardrobe properly
Storing summer clothing: a checklist
- Wash all summer clothing before storing it, including worn items without visible stains
- Treat stains before washing - after months of storage, they are permanent
- Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it away
- Fold wool and cashmere; hang lightweight fabrics
- Use cedarwood or lavender with wool items
- Store in a dark, dry space
A laundry strip works at all temperatures and leaves no residue in the fibres - ideal for the final wash before putting your clothes away for the season.
Frequently asked questions about storing clothes
Should I wash clothes before storing them?
Yes, always. Invisible stains from skin oils, sweat and sunscreen oxidise during storage and turn yellow or brown - after months they are often permanent. Moths are also attracted to dirty textiles. Wash everything before storing, even if it looks clean.
How do I store wool sweaters?
Washed on the wool cycle at 30°C, dried flat, folded on a shelf - never hung up. Add cedarwood blocks or lavender sachets for protection against moths. Store in a breathable storage bag or sealed box in a dry, dark place.
Can I store clothes in vacuum bags?
Fine for synthetic items and cotton clothing. Not for wool, cashmere or down filling - compressing them damages the fibre structure and reduces their insulating properties. For wool and down, use breathable fabric storage bags.
How do I prevent moths in my wardrobe?
Always wash clothes before storing them - moths prefer to lay their eggs on fibres with organic dirt such as sweat acids and skin oils. Place cedarwood blocks or lavender sachets with wool and cashmere. Replace them annually because the scent fades. A well-sealed wardrobe or storage box also helps.
How long can I store clothes?
Clean, dry clothes stored properly in a dark, dry space can be kept for years without deterioration. The enemies of stored clothing are moisture, light, dirt and insects - keep them away and your clothes will remain in good condition.
Storing clothes properly starts with washing them properly
Wash all your seasonal clothing before putting it away - laundry strips work at all temperatures and leave no residue in the fibres.
View the laundry strips →
