Storing clothes over the winter

Short answer: Put summer clothes away clean and completely dry, in breathable boxes somewhere free of damp. Basements and lofts are the two places where things most often go wrong. With the right habits, your clothes will be fresh and ready when spring comes.

Damp is the biggest risk

A damp room causes mould and odours in fabric that sits untouched for months. In winter the air is colder, and cold rooms collect moisture more easily than heated ones. That is why a dry spot inside your home is the safest choice. Keep items such as bamboo sweatpants for women in a wardrobe in a heated room.

Clean and dry first

Wash and dry clothes fully before packing them. Even slight damp turns into a smell over the winter, and dirt can set as stains. Let clothes hang for an extra day after washing so seams and cuffs dry too. This also applies to a bamboo sweatshirt for women, which is thicker than a T-shirt.

Basements and lofts

Basements are often cold and damp in winter, and lofts can swing a lot in temperature. Both can create condensation that clothes soak up. If you have no other option, use boxes with lids, keep them off the floor and check the clothes a couple of times during the winter. Avoid unheated basements in particular.

Fold rather than hang

Heavy clothes that hang for months lose their shape. Fold them and lay them flat instead. Put heavy pieces at the bottom and light ones on top, so nothing is squashed too much. This matters most for bamboo sweats for men and women, where the weight would otherwise pull on shoulders and sleeves.

Breathable boxes, not plastic

Airtight plastic bags trap any moisture in the clothes or the room. Fabric bags and boxes with loose lids let a little air in while keeping dust out. That gives more stable storage where clothes do not pick up smells. Label the boxes so you do not have to open them all to find something.

Vacuum bags come at a cost

Vacuum bags save a lot of space, which can help in a small home. But the fabric comes out creased, and even a little moisture inside can cause a smell. If you use them, make sure the clothes are completely dry, and expect them to need airing or steaming before you wear them.

Check during the winter

Clothes stored for a long time deserve a quick look. Open the boxes once or twice over the winter and check for damp or odours. If you notice anything, take the clothes out, air them and find a drier spot. It only takes a few minutes and can save you washing the whole pile in spring.

When spring comes

Take summer clothes out a few days before you need them. Hang them for a day so the stale smell from storage disappears. If a smell remains, a short wash is enough. Shake out folded pieces and let them hang so the creases drop out before you wear them again.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use vacuum bags

For space, yes, but the fabric comes out creased, and moisture inside can cause a smell. Make sure the clothes are completely dry before sealing the bag.

Should clothes be aired before wearing

Yes. A day on a hanger removes the stale smell from storage. If that does not help, a short wash is enough to make the clothes fresh again.

How dry does the room need to be

Normal indoor humidity is fine. Avoid unheated basements and rooms where the windows often mist up, because the moisture there easily settles in the fabric.