Basic Storage Do's
and Don'ts
Do keep items
with thin or fragile shoulder areas folded over by the waist or shelved.
Gravity pulls on hung items, eventually causing hanger humps.
See Save Your
Sweaters!
How To Prevent Pilling & Pulling
Do keep clothes away from light if they're not being
worn. Ultraviolet light deteriorates fabric over time.
Do stay alert
to fabric pests. If you see an unknown pest in your house (especially in
closets or carpets and other warm, dark areas), find out what it is.
Silverfish, clothes moths, and carpet beetles are likely culprits. Pests are
best deterred by cleanliness of garments and their environment.
See Preventing
& Eliminating Silverfish
Don't ever store vintage items in plastic bags or
containers. Natural fibers naturally expand and contract with changing
temperatures, and if they are trapped in plastic, they can't breathe.
Don't hang knits because they're stretchy. Gravity has a
greater effect on them. Fold them and place them on shelves.
Don't let worn clothes sit unwashed. Even invisible
stains (like perspiration) will show up after many years. If you don't allow
the stain to set, it won't leave any trace.
Don't wear a vintage item that is too fragile. Chances
are, if it's that fragile, it is pretty rare and not worth the risk of
damaging. If you have an item that isn't as rare and could be worn for an
important event, think about the activity you will be doing while wearing the
item first and be prepared for accidents.
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Storage Do's
and Don'ts for Collectors
Do monitor the temperature and humidity and keep it
steady.
Do check on storage every three to four months. Refold
items, because creases set and fabric will weaken along the crease. Inspect
area for pests: fabric holes, insect parts, fecal matter, and webs or
cases.
Do put moth balls in a close-by location. You can place
them between folds of muslin in the storage box, but they should not touch the
clothes themselves.
Do keep the storage area tight and inaccessible to
pests.
Do check a health food store for deodorant that does
not contain aluminum salts. Most deodorant / anti-perspirants do, and this
type of chemical is harsh on fabrics and hard to remove. Aluminum salts are
stated in two words as aluminum ______, such as aluminum chloride.
Don't store fragile collectibles in regular cardboard
boxes. Regular paper products have acid in them, which deteriorates most
fabrics. A cheap alternative is unbleached muslin (a cotton fabric); just
softly fold items into the muslin. You can use a cardboard box if it is
well-lined in muslin.
Don't stack piece upon piece; folds will crease faster
from the weight. Remember to place the lightest items on top.
Don't use any moth ball product except
paradichlorobenzene. This type repels other insects besides moths and is
chemically safer. Herbal aromas (including cedar) are not proven to repel
insects.
Don't carpet
the storage area if possible. Carpets harbor dirt and pests.