How do I protect my clothes in my closet?

Having a closet full of clothes you love is great, but keeping them looking their best can be a challenge. Clothes can easily get damaged by things like moths, mildew, and just the passage of time. Protecting your closet is vital to make your clothes last. Here are some tips on how to keep your closet clothes in top condition.

Keep Closet Clean and Organized

A clean, organized closet is essential for protecting clothes. When things are crammed together and cluttered, it creates an environment where clothes can be more easily damaged. Here are some closet organization tips:

• Go through your closet periodically and get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in a while. Less crowded closets allow for better air circulation.
• Use storage containers, shelves, and hanging organizers to neatly store clothes, shoes, and accessories. This prevents overcrowding and items rubbing against each other.
• Vacuum the floor and wipe down shelves to get rid of dirt and dust that can harm fabrics.
• Sort clothes by type, season, or color to make finding what you need easier. Organized clothes tend to get worn more often.

Taking the time to declutter and tidy up your closet makes it simpler to see everything you have and protect it. Preventing a jam-packed closet also helps prevent wrinkling.

Control Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity levels can have a big impact on clothes. Excessive heat and humidity create an environment where clothes are more prone to mold, mildew, fading, and stretching out. Here are some tips for regulating closet temperature and humidity:

• Ideally, closet temperature should be between 60-75°F. Consider installing a closet fan or AC unit if your closet runs hot.
• Get a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level. Humidity should be kept below 60%.
• Use a dehumidifier if the closet humidity is frequently high. This will prevent dampness.
• Make sure vents aren’t blocked so air can properly circulate.
• Open closet doors and windows periodically to allow fresh air in.

Keeping temperature and humidity at appropriate levels will help fabrics avoid becoming damaged. It also prevents mold growth.

Use Cedar and Natural Repellents

Cedar has natural properties that can help repel insects like moths. This helps avoid holes in clothes from infestations. Here are some tips for using cedar:

• Line the floor or shelves with cedar panels or place cedar blocks around the closet.
• Use cedar hangers or insert cedar strips in regular hangers.
• Store wool, cashmere, and other natural fabrics in cedar storage boxes.
• Refresh cedar every year as the scent fades.

As an alternative to cedar, you can also use dried lavender, mint, rosemary, and other herbs known to repel insects. Place them in small cloth sachets and hang in closet corners or hide under shelves.

Protect from Light Exposure

Light fading is another common cause of closet clothes damage. Bright light from windows and bulbs can cause fabrics to breakdown and fade over time. Here are some light protection tips:

• If possible, avoid having windows in or near your closet to limit sunlight exposure.
• Use opaque curtains or shades to cover any windows and block light.
• Make sure closet lights are LED or florescent instead of incandescent. These emit less UV rays.
• Install dimmer switches to keep light levels low.
• Store susceptible fabrics like silks and wools in garment bags.

Following these guidelines minimizes light damage to your clothes. Blackout curtains and garment bags add an extra level of protection.

Clean Regularly

Letting dirt, dust, and stains accumulate promotes deterioration of fabrics. That’s why regular cleaning of your closet is key. Here are some cleaning tips:

• Vacuum the floor and wipe down shelves every 2-3 months.
• Clean closet walls yearly to get rid of dust and cobwebs.
• Steam clean carpeted closet floors annually.
• Wash removable closet liners and door curtains every few months.
• Disinfect closet hooks, hangers and storage bins yearly.

Building regular cleaning into your routine keeps dirt and musty odors at bay. It’s also wise to spot treat stains on clothes as soon as they happen.

Protect Out of Season Items

Clothes you aren’t wearing for months at a time need extra protection:

• Store off season clothes in garment bags – This prevents dust buildup and helps maintain the shape of garments.
• Use cedar sachets – Tuck sachets in garment bags to repel moths and other insects.
• Hang heavy items – Don’t leave heavy coats and dresses folded for too long. The weight can cause creasing and damage.
• Refold knits every 3-4 months – Refolding helps maintain the shape of knitwear stored for long periods.

With proper storage methods, you can keep clothes looking their best regardless of season. Just be sure to check on them periodically.

Have Clothes Professionally Cleaned

Taking clothes to the dry cleaner helps deep clean and protect certain fabrics. Here’s when professional cleaning is recommended:

• At the end of each season for coats, suits, and delicate dresses.
• Yearly for specialty items like wedding dresses, sequined fabrics, and faux furs.
• As soon as stains occur on silks, wools, and other fabrics prone to setting.
• When musty closet smells linger after cleaning.

Dry cleaners use chemicals and methods home washing can’t duplicate. Trust them with your most valued garments.

Protect Leather, Suede, and Fur

Delicate leathers, suede, and furs require special care. Here are some tips:

• Store leather in breathable garment bags, away from direct heat.
• Use suede protective sprays and leather conditioner before storage.
• Hang furs in summer to allow air circulation and prevent moisture damage.
• Clean suede and furs professionally as needed.
• Keep leather and suede free of stains which can set over time.

With the proper storage methods, your delicate luxury items can stay beautiful for years to come.

Conclusion

Protecting your closet clothes does require some work. But taking the time to properly store clothes helps them last for many seasons. Here’s a quick summary of how to keep closet clothes looking their best:

• Keep things clean, organized, and decluttered.
• Control temperature and humidity.
• Use cedar, herbs, and natural repellents.
• Limit light exposure with curtains and garment bags.
• Clean regularly.
• Use garment bags and proper storage for off season clothes.
• Professionally clean delicate items.
• Follow specialty care for leathers, suedes, and furs.

With the right closet storage tactics, your favorite clothes will stay in fantastic condition. Protect your wardrobe investment with these clothing care tips.