Summer is just around the corner and it's time to put your winter clothes away properly. We'll show you how to protect your favourite pieces from moths, dust and damage: with tried and tested tips and tricks.
Storing clothes isn't rocket science, but there are a few things to keep in mind. With the right measures you protect your favourites from moths, dust, damp and other damage.
So that your favourite pieces last a long time and are ready for the next season, we've put together 7 valuable tips and tricks on how to store your clothes optimally.
Store your clothes clean
Before you store your clothes, you should make sure they are clean. Wash your pieces thoroughly before putting them away.
This removes dirt, sweat and other soiling that could lead to stains and odours. That way your favourite pieces are perfectly prepared for storage.
Tip: Check the care labels on your clothes and choose the right wash temperature.
Empty pockets thoroughly
Before you put your clothes away, you should definitely check and empty the pockets. It's quickly overlooked, but it can lead to unpleasant surprises.
Forgotten items can leave imprints, stains or discolouration on your clothes, and nobody wants to find that when they take out their favourites again after a long time.
Use airtight containers
Airtight containers are ideal for storing your clothes. They protect against dust and damp and keep your textiles fresh and rich in colour.
We recommend reusable, airtight containers or vacuum bags: they reduce plastic waste and are just as effective. That way you protect not only your favourite pieces, but also the environment.
Protect your textiles from moths
Moths can badly damage our clothes. To keep pests away, we recommend natural moth repellents such as lavender sachets or cedar wood blocks.
These natural scents are effective and gentle on your favourite pieces, without harsh chemicals. That way you get your clothes back undamaged next summer.
The right storage place
The right ambient temperature and humidity are decisive for storage. A dry, cool and dark place (such as a wardrobe, attic or cellar) is ideal.
That way you protect your garments from damp and mould. But take care: avoid temperatures that are too high or too low, as these can damage the textile fibres.
Fold clothes neatly
By folding your clothes neatly, you save space and avoid creases right from the moment you put them away. Don't pack your clothes too tightly together: that leads to creasing.
You can protect particularly delicate pieces from wear with tissue paper. Stack the folded clothes upright in the containers, that way you keep a good overview and find everything again quickly.
Tip: This method also helps you to see at a glance what you're storing at home, perfect for the season afterwards.
Regular airing
Air out the place where you store your pieces from time to time in order to reduce excess moisture. That way you prevent mould and unpleasant odours.
- In summer: it's best to air in the morning or late in the evening, when the temperatures aren't so high yet.
- In winter: you can and should also air during the day.
With regular airing and the right techniques, the quality of your clothes is preserved and they're always ready for the next season.
Putting clothes into storage: packing summer and winter clothes away properly
Twice a year the big changeover comes round: in spring the thick winter clothes go into the cupboard, in autumn the airy summer pieces. If you want to put clothes into storage, you should follow a set routine, so that at the end of the season nothing has yellowed, smells or has been nibbled at by moths.
Before you put things into storage, sort through them briefly: pieces you haven't worn for two seasons probably don't need space in the box any more. If you declutter while you store, you'll have more room afterwards for new favourites, for example from our collection for women.
For the actual storing, the rule is: wash the clothes first (see above), then sort by material. Delicate knitwear and silk are best stored lying flat rather than folded in tight containers, so that no pressure marks form. Coarse cotton pieces and basics can be stacked upright in boxes without any problem.
Tip: Label your boxes with contents and season. That way you'll find what you're looking for straight away next year, without having to open every box.
Storing clothes in the cellar: avoiding damp and mould
The cellar is cool, dark and often the only place with enough space, which is why seasonal clothes end up here particularly often. So that storing clothes in the cellar doesn't become a risk, a few details matter.
Keep an eye on the humidity
Cellar rooms often have higher humidity than living spaces, especially in older houses. A simple hygrometer quickly gives you clarity: if the humidity is permanently above 60 per cent, the risk of mould forming is considerably higher. In that case a dehumidifier or granulate in the storage boxes helps.
Never put boxes directly on the concrete floor
Concrete floors draw moisture out of the room air and out of the ground, and that applies particularly at basement level. So never put cardboard boxes and crates directly on the floor, but on a shelf, a pallet or at least on feet a few centimetres high. That keeps the clothes dry, even if moisture condenses on the floor.
Make sure air can circulate
Set up shelves and boxes with a little distance from the wall, instead of pushing them right up against the outer cellar wall. That way air can circulate and moisture doesn't build up in a corner. A bit of free space between the boxes themselves is worthwhile too, so that the air can circulate.
Airtight or air-permeable: what suits the cellar?
Airtight boxes reliably protect against dust and vermin, but they also seal in any residual moisture in the clothes. So make sure you dry textiles completely before packing them airtight. In very damp cellar rooms, air-permeable fabric bags or cardboard boxes are sometimes the better choice, because moisture can escape instead of collecting in the box. If you combine both options, for example airtight containers with silica gel sachets, you're on the safe side.
Attic instead of cellar: allow for temperature swings
As an alternative to the cellar, the attic is an option, though with a different challenge: here the main problem isn't damp but strong temperature swings. In summer it can quickly reach over 40 °C under the roof, in winter it can get bitterly cold.
These swings take more out of fibres and colours than a consistently cool cellar. So store clothes in the attic as far away as possible from skylights and direct sunlight, ideally in opaque, closed containers rather than in see-through plastic bags. Check the boxes two or three times a year for damp, pests and odours, especially after particularly hot or cold spells.
You'll find additional storage space and practical storage solutions for your home in our Home collection.
Quality that lasts
At erlich textil you'll find basics in organically grown cotton, TENCEL™ Modal x Micro and TENCEL™ Lyocell. Our timeless designs will accompany you through many seasons. Cared for and stored properly, you'll enjoy your favourite pieces for a long time.
Good storage is an investment in the longevity of your favourite pieces.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to store clothes?
It's best to store clothes clean, dry and completely dried through in airtight or air-permeable containers, in a cool, dark place with an even temperature. Natural moth protection, regular airing and neat folding, or lying flat for delicate pieces, keep clothes in good condition over months.
How do you store clothes in the cellar properly?
Measure the humidity with a hygrometer, put cardboard boxes up on a shelf or a pallet instead of directly on the concrete floor, and leave a gap to the wall so that air can circulate. That way the cellar stays a safe storage place despite the cool temperatures.
How can I put clothes into storage without them coming to harm?
Wash and dry clothes completely before you put them into storage, sort out what you no longer need, and pack delicate pieces flat rather than folded. Use natural moth repellents such as lavender or cedar wood and check the boxes every few months.
Airtight or air-permeable, which is better for storing clothes in the cellar?
Airtight boxes protect best against dust, vermin and odours from outside, while air-permeable containers let residual moisture escape. In damp cellars a combination of both, for example airtight boxes with silica gel, is usually the safest solution.
How long can I keep clothes in the cellar without checking them?
Even with optimal storage you should check stored clothes briefly every two to three months, especially in the cellar. That way you spot damp, mould or moth infestation early and can take action before greater damage occurs.
