Storing clothes over the summer

Short answer: Wash everything before storing it, use breathable bags or boxes, and avoid direct sunlight. Unwashed clothes attract moths and can get permanent stains. With a little preparation, your winter clothes stay safe until you need them again.

Always wash before storing

Sweat and skin residue are what moths are after. Even clothes that look clean should be washed before they are put away for the summer. Small stains you cannot see today can set over a few months and become hard to remove. This applies to everything from a bamboo hoodie for women to thick jumpers.

Let clothes dry completely

Clothes packed away slightly damp soon get a stale smell. Let them hang for a day after washing, even if they feel dry on the surface. Seams, cuffs and hoods dry more slowly than the rest of the fabric. Only when everything is dry all the way through are the clothes ready to be stored.

Breathable storage

Plastic bags trap moisture and can cause odours and mould. Use fabric bags or boxes with lids that are not airtight instead. That lets a little air in while keeping dust and light out. This kind of storage suits the heavier pieces in a men's bamboo sweatshirt range well.

Away from light and heat

Sunlight fades colours, even through a window. Store clothes in a dark part of the wardrobe or in a closed box. Heat does not help either, so avoid spots near radiators or under a warm roof. This matters most for dark colours, for example among the most popular men's styles.

Fold rather than hang

Heavy jumpers and hoodies that hang for months can stretch out of shape at the shoulders. Fold them instead and lay them flat. Put the heaviest pieces at the bottom and the light ones on top, so nothing gets squashed. That way the clothes come out in the same shape you put them away.

Choose the right place

A dry wardrobe or shelf inside your home is the best place. Basements and lofts can be damp or very warm in summer, and both are bad for clothes left untouched. If you have no room indoors, at least use a box with a lid and check the clothes a few times over the summer.

Moths and natural remedies

Lavender and cedar are often used in wardrobes. They can keep moths away, but they do not replace washing before storage. What matters most is that the clothes are clean and the wardrobe has been cleaned. Vacuum shelves and corners before putting clothes back, so no residue is left behind.

When the clothes come out again

When the weather turns, take the clothes out a few days before you need them. Shake out each piece and hang it for a day so it gets fresh air. If there is still a stale smell, give it a short wash. Check for stains or small holes at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

Should winter clothes be put away in summer

Only if space demands it. Otherwise it is easier to leave them hanging or folded in the wardrobe, as long as they are clean and kept dry and out of direct sunlight.

What about lavender and cedar

They can keep moths away, but they do not replace washing before storage. Clean clothes and a clean wardrobe remain the most important steps when things are stored for months.

Can clothes pick up a smell in a box

Yes, if they are not completely dry or if the box is airtight. Choose a box that lets in a little air, and give the clothes an extra day to dry before storing them.