How to store your sweaters: 5 things to do to keep them fresh and last
Photo by Ashley Gallerani Photography.
As someone trying to be more conscious and mindful when it comes to shopping, my effort in learning how to be more sustainable taught me that knowing how to take care of your clothes plays a significant role in that process. Now that it’s getting warmer, it’s time to pack away our cozy sweaters to make space for our spring and summer clothes. But before you put the sweaters away, make sure you are doing these 5 things to prevent damage and keep them fresh and ready for wear when the cold returns.
Read on for how to store your sweaters the right way.
one: Clean Before Storing
Before putting your sweaters away, make sure you clean them! Any dirt, oils, or sweat left behind can cause stains to become stubborn and harder to remove later on — and attract moths. Make sure your sweaters are fully dry before storing to prevent musty smells and mildew.
For delicate knits, hand wash or use the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Dry cleaning is often the best option for wool and cashmere sweaters.
two: De-Pill and Refresh
Sweaters naturally develop pilling over time — that’s completely normal! And a little upkeep can get them looking like new again. Simple use a fabric shaver to remove pilling and maintain a smooth surface. My favorite fabric shaver is this one by NORI.
For wool sweaters, use a garment brush to lift fibers and restore softness.
three: Fold, Don’t Hang!
To maintain the shape and structure of your sweaters, always fold them instead of hanging. Hanging can stretch out the fabric, which may then cause the sweaters to lose their original shape. A saggy appearance makes sweaters look old. If you must hang a sweater, use a padded hanger and fold the sweater over the bar with tissue paper to prevent creases.
four: Use Breathable Storage
The right storage materials will keep your sweaters fresh and protected. Opt for cotton garment bags to allow air circulation; this is also a great way to make sure they’re not accumulating dust.
If you’re using plastic bins to store your sweaters, add silica gel packets to absorb any excess moisture and prevent mold.
five: Keep Moths Away
I’ve found holes in my sweaters before, so this step is something I always make sure I do before I store my sweaters away. Place cedar blocks or lavender sachets in drawers or next to your sweaters to deter moths — they usually leave a pleasant scent, too, which is a bonus.
With these simple steps, your sweaters will stay fresh and in perfect shape for next season. Taking a little extra care now means you’ll have warm, cozy knits ready to wear when the temperatures drop again.
Do you have any favorite sweater storage tips? Share them in the comments below!
As always, thank you for stopping by Happily Ever Style.
xoxo,
Tricia
Get a larger wardrobe even in a small NYC apartment.