Looking for the best way to store clothes? Then, you landed in the right place. And who better to ask than an internationally accredited couture dry cleaner – Hallak Cleaners

Whether you are looking for at-home tips or professional storage, we got you covered. Although we provide clothing storage (cold and box), Hallak understands that some people prefer at-home storage. So let’s dive in!

Oh, and please ditch those cardboard boxes and plastic storage bins. We’re going to start fresh with expert tips.

Before You Store

By taking a few extra steps prior to storage, you’ll be sure to maximize your efforts. Wouldn’t it be great to have organized seasonal clothing storage?

Step 1 – Declutter Your Wardrobe

Let’s take the first steps in your decluttering journey. Take stock of your items. What do you need? What do you want?

For items that you want to sell, consider their condition, style, and market demand. In-style and fashion (in good condition) are perfect for reselling. (Fortunately, there are many online and in-person opportunities.) Research the market value to help negotiate pricing.

Donating clothes is a great way to give back to the community. Look for gently used items that are still in good condition and can benefit others. Clothes that no longer fit or items you haven’t worn in a year are good candidates for donation. Local charities, shelters, or thrift stores often accept clothing donations.

When deciding what to keep, be honest with yourself. Are you wearing this piece? Will you wear this? Hey, we’re not here to judge just here to help! (Our closets are full too!)

Step 2 – Clean Prior to Storage

Yes, we are a dry cleaners so we must talk about cleaning. It is essential prior to any clothing storage. By cleaning, you prevent dirt, dust, and stains from causing deterioration. If left uncleaned, stains can settle in. Or worse. Dirty clothes can attract bugs and other pests.

Repairing Items Prior to Storage

This is an extra step that many skip. Trust us. It makes sense. If repairs kept you from wearing items last season, don’t wait another minute. Repair these garments so you run into the same issue next time around. (Between us, even dry cleaner employees have THAT pile. You know, the clothing that needs a button, rip repaired, etc.)

Step 3 – Storage Space Decision

Decide where you will be storing clothing (and accessories). Consider the quantity and types of seasonal clothes you own and the storage areas you have access to. For many Manhattanites, additional storage solutions are necessary. And depending on your home, create a space that is climate-controlled. (Read: NO attics or basements. Way too much moisture!)

Step 4 – Time to Organize

You’re almost there! Organize your clothing in a logical and systematic way. Some people prefer to categorize clothes by garment type. Others store by wearability.

Example – The New York metro area’s weather fluctuates. When placing items into a storage solution, leave some lightweight sweaters easily accessible. You will likely need them before the heavier sweaters are needed.

Contact a Hallak team member about storage today.

Fashion Storage Tips

Properly storing your fashion items is crucial in maintaining their quality and life. The right storage solution positively impacts your items’ condition. Let’s jump right into some tips.

• Clean your items. Yes, it’s worth repeating. ‘Invisible food stains’ can attract pests that than lead to moth damage. (Agreed. Moth holes are so frustrating! Of course, weavers love them!)
• Invests in quality storage solutions. No plastic containers! Fortunately, there are plenty of options outside of these airtight containers. Consider a cedar chest (or closet), breathable garment bags, fabric storage containers, and more. (Cedar blocks, cedar hangers, and cedar balls are also great purchases!) Your fabric needs to breathe but still remain protected. Planning on hanging some clothing? Purchase padded hangers to prevent creases and maintain clothing shape.
• Footwear should be stored in their original boxes or some type of professional shoe box. The box should provide proper ventilation. It should also protect against dust and light.
• Store accessories such as handbags separately. Original dust bags are ideal! Be sure to stuff them with acid-free tissue paper to help maintain their shape. (If you no longer have the dust bag, try a white, cotton pillowcase instead.)
• Check your storage space for signs of moisture, extreme temperatures, excessive sunlight and pests.

To Fold or Not to Fold

When it comes to storage, maximizing space and keeping things organized is key. Folding items is a great way to achieve both of these goals. There are several items that can be easily folded for storage, and here are a few examples.

Foldable: Shirts, pants, shorts, workout clothes, and casual dresses.

Folding Tips

Folding can feel like an art form you just quite haven’t mastered.

• Start with a flat surface: Find a clean, spacious area to work on, such as a table or bed.
• Purchase a folding aid: Ever see Sheldon fold on Big Bang Theory? While funny, his folding board is quite ideal! This type of tool acts as a helpful tool in creating precise folds. It also aids in uniformity so you have even stacks.
• Pay attention to collars and sleeves: Align these areas and smooth out any wrinkles or creases.
• Allow yourself time. Don’t rush through the folding process. This can result in uneven or sloppy folds. Patience is key in creating well-folded garments.

Schedule your storage pick-up today.

Long-term Storage Solutions for Hanging Garments

Unsure of which items should be left for hanging? Coats, suits, delicate dresses and heavily ornamented items are perfect candidates. Hanging helps maintain their shape, reduces wrinkles, and allows for easier accessibility. (Heavily ornamented items can also become snagged on other fashion so be sure to store those separately.)

Bulky coats and jackets. Use sturdy, padded hangers.

Suits and blazers. Choose breathable suit bags or garment bags.

Formal or embellished dresses. Protect their structure and details with breathable garment bags. Consider purchasing extra-long garment bags for your evening gowns. Padded or velvet hangers are ideal for delicate items.

Moisture Absorbers

Before we close out our tips, it is important to look at moisture absorbers. They play a crucial role in garment protection.

Excessive moisture can lead to mold, mildew and unpleasant orders. Without moisture absorbers, excessive moisture can lead to damage to the fabric over time. Utilizing moisture absorbers help maintain a dry environment without clothing storage spaces. They are designed to specifically draw in and trap moisture.

If you are storing at home, be sure to research into this essential tool.

Long-Term Clothing Storage: At-home vs Professional

At-home storage offers convenience and accessibility. It allows individuals to have their clothing readily available whenever they need it. Additionally, it can be more cost-effective, as there are no fees. Your home clothing storage does come with limitations. Depending on your chosen space, fashion may not be safe from pests, humidity or the sun.

Professional storage solutions are designed with climate, moisture and pest’s protection in mind. They also offer additional security measures such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems.

Although your clothing will not be in your home, Hallak offers a quick turnaround. If you need to pull your items out of storage, give us a call. Learn more about our box and cold storage options today.

Mastering the Art of Clothing Storage

Storing your clothing correctly is an essential part of maintaining a wardrobe.

If you’re storing at home, we hope that you found these tips helpful. Or maybe you find that a combination of both at-home and professional storage is ideal. If you need outside help, contact Hallak for your box and cold storage needs.

We hope you found our tips on the best way to store clothes helpful.

Schedule a pick-up now.

This week,  we celebrate and remember Mr. Joseph Hallak, Sr.

Mr. Joseph Hallak, Sr., was a true visionary.  With his vision, dedication and strong work ethic, he created what you now know is Hallak Cleaners.  Today, Mr Hallak’s sons – John-Claude and Joseph Hallak, Jr. – continue to keep their father’s legacy alive.  Additionally their brother, Robert Hallak, is a master interior specialist.  Together, these inspiring sons carry on their parents’  dream.

Although the last few years have been quite challenging, it was important that our team provided the same level of quality and customer service Mr. Hallak, Sr. instilled in all of us years ago.

Most importantly, Hallak carries on the values of a true family-owned and operated business that values our clients and team. You can learn more about our history here.

And to you, thank you for your years of loyalty and taking time to remember Mr. Joseph Hallak, Sr. May his memory live on forever.

Roberto Cavalli (1940-2024)

Imagine a world draped in wild prints and infused with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. This was the fashion landscape sculpted by Roberto Cavalli. From Florence, Italy, Cavalli emerged as a pioneering force, capturing the zeitgeist of the fashion world with his signature leather, patterns, and flair for innovation.

As a titan in the fashion industry, Cavalli’s career was marked by the unforgettable impact of his brand. Not just a label, but a testament to the power of daring design, his work shattered conventional expectations, and his brand became synonymous with opulence and daring.

Cavalli’s life, a tapestry of artistic partnerships and personal endeavors, intertwined with the glitterati of showbiz, leaving an indelible mark on both the runway and the red carpet. His legacy endures not only in his creations but in the hearts of those who wore them and the industry that revered him. Let us delve into the journey of Roberto Cavalli, celebrating a life lavishly lived.

Roberto Cavalli – The Brand

Roberto Cavalli stands as a beacon of inspiration in the realm of high fashion, synonymous with the lavish and provocatively glamorous style that has often been imitated but never replicated.

As an Italian fashion designer renowned for his pioneering work with leather, especially his innovative technique for printing on leather, Cavalli’s eponymous brand has become emblematic of Italian luxury. Known for his sensual designs and flamboyant aesthetic that frequently features animal prints, he has carved a niche for himself that celebrates boldness and beauty. The designer’s creations have graced numerous celebrities, embedding his label as a constant source of resplendent apparel that radiates Tuscan verve and panache.

A Look at Roberto Cavalli’s Career

Roberto Cavalli’s career began as a stroke of ingenuity during his art studies at the Academy of Art in Florence. His inventive approach to textile printing, particularly his pioneering method of printing on leather, marked the inception of his distinctive fashion identity. Cavalli’s flair for design swiftly garnered the attention of esteemed fashion houses like Hermès and Pierre Cardin, propelling him into the fashion limelight.

Roberto Cavalli’s career is a tapestry woven with ambition, artistry, and audacious style. His journey began while studying at the Academy of Art in Florence, where a serendipitous experimentation with leather printing techniques laid the groundwork for his future fashion empire. Cavalli’s talent soon caught the eyes of iconic fashion figures, including Hermès and Pierre Cardin.

In the early 1970s, Cavalli crafted his first namesake collection, imbuing traditional knitwear with his signature sensuality. By 1972, he showcased his collection in the historic Salon for Prêt-à-Porter in Paris, and the brand’s acclaim soared. Lavish materials like intarsia leather became his canvases for exotic prints—especially animalier motifs, which became a quintessential element of the Cavalli brand.

The 1990s marked a pivotal expansion with the introduction of Just Cavalli, a line directed at the younger generation, further diversifying his fashion influence. Under Cavalli’s leadership, the brand’s glam-centric allure captivated the fashion scene, with muses like Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and Victoria Beckham embodying the sexy style of his designs.

As the company grew, notable figures such as Giuseppe Rossi, and later Sergio Azzolari, navigated the brand through the tides of global fashion. When creative director Paul Surridge succeeded in 2017, the flamboyant Cavalli spirit continued, albeit with a contemporary touch.

A Look at His Personal Life

Roberto Cavalli was born on November 15, 1940, in Florence, Italy, to a family steeped in artistry. His grandfather, Giuseppe Rossi, was a member of the Macchiaioli Movement, and his artistic lineage deeply influenced his creative pursuits.

Throughout his life, Cavalli was often described as charismatic and vibrant, a man who loved life as much as he did fashion. His personal affairs, much like his fashion, were colorful and public. He found love with Eva Duringer, a former Miss Universe contestant and the muse behind his many of his creations.

Cavalli’s personal interests included a passion for fine wines, which led to a successful venture into the wine industry with his Tenuta Degli Dei winery in Tuscany. His love for aesthetics and artistry extended into his home life; he lived in a lavish Florentine home adorned with artworks reflecting his glamorous tastes and was surrounded by a close-knit family.

A True Fashion Icon

Though his passing marked an end of an era, Cavalli’s enormous respect within the industry and his label’s continual prevalence are testaments to his irrefutable impact on fashion. Cavalli lived and breathed design, and his legacy persists as both an inspiration and a touchstone for aspiring designers to draw upon.

Embracing the luxurious touch of a silk scarf can instantly elevate your fashion game, but maintaining its pristine allure requires a delicate touch. Allow Hallak to unravel the secrets to properly washing a silk scarf. As a couture dry cleaner dedicated to garment care, we understand the nuances of handling delicate fabrics, and silk is no exception.

When it comes to silk, the care label is your compass, guiding you through the labyrinth of dos and don’ts in the realm of washing and maintenance. Join us as we decode the language of care labels, demystifying the steps to ensure your favorite silk scarf stays as vibrant and luxurious as the day you brought it home. Let’s embark on a journey of silk care, learning how a little attention to detail can extend the life of your cherished accessory.

How Often to Wash Silk Scarves

Wondering how often you should be washing your silk scarf?

While there is no defined answer, there are some basic guidelines based on how and how often you wear your scarf. Here are some examples:

• If your silk scarf has direct contact with your face, it should be cleaned at least once a week (at minimum). Our face and neck are prone to accumulating dead skin cells, cosmetics, and even food particles throughout the day; it is crucial to maintain cleanliness and hygiene for these delicate accessories.
• If your silk scarf is used as a wrap around your neck, you can space washings around every two weeks. Even though they are not directly exposed to the same level of dead skin cells or cosmetics, the proximity to the neck area makes it essential to maintain cleanliness.

Spilled food or drink on your silk scarf? Then, it should be cared for immediately. Food and drink can leave behind ‘invisible’ (and visible) traces that attract pests. If you are considering spot cleaning, be careful to test because not all stain removers are created equally.

How to Wash Your Silk Scarf

As a professional dry cleaner, we always advise leaving stain removal to the professionals. Below, you will find some simple steps to cleaning a silk scarf.

1. Inspect your scarf. Prior to any care, we inspect every item that comes through our doors. Our teams’ keen eyes are looking for signs of wear-and-tear, stains, loose threads, etc. You are also encourage to inspect items before returning them to your wardrobe.
2. Pre-treat stains. Before a full wash, it is important to pre-treat any stains. When it comes to silk (and pretty much all fabrics), avoid excessive rubbing to prevent damage to the silk fibers.
3. Cleaning process. At Hallak, the expert cleaning department determines the best cleaning solution and process for each garment or accessory. If you are considering washing at home, we kindly remind you to review your scarf’s care label. Get the green light? Then, please follow their instructions regarding cycle, detergent, temperature, etc.Often, people will choose to hand-wash their silk scarves with a gentle detergent and cool water. Submerge your scarf in water and gently agitate in the soapy water for a few minutes. Pour our the dirty water and replace with fresh water.

   Rinse thoroughly with the clean water without twisting or wringing. Gently pressing your silk fabric removes excess water. Be sure to remove any excess soap. Then, lay the scarf flat on an absorbent, dry towel and allow to air-dry.)

4. Press with low heat. Once the entire scarf is completely dry, iron it on the lowest heat setting (e.g. Silk Setting). For additional protection, place a thin cotton or muslin cloth over the scarf to protect it from direct heat. With gentle pressure, glide the iron over the cloth, avoiding any areas with prints or embellishments. Ironing is tricky business, which is why we suggest leaving to the professionals. Some ‘oops’ cannot be undone.
5. Proper storage. Finally, store the silk scarf properly to maintain its quality. Fold it neatly and place it in a breathable fabric or acid-free tissue paper. Avoid hanging silk scarves as this can cause them to stretch. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or excessive moisture. Hallak returns all silk scarves and ties in a box to protect all the care performed.

Questions? Ask a professional prior to any stain removal attempt. And again, be sure to read the care instructions specific to your silk garment. Feel free to stop by either of Hallak’s store locations – New York and New Jersey.

What You’ll Need (for Home Care)

If you are daring and plan to clean your silk scarf at home, you will need to start with a clean sink for washing and rinsing. You’ll also need a mild detergent that is suitable for delicate items. This should ensure that your clothes are cleaned without causing any harm to your silk item. (Again, please check your washing instructions.) For added freshness, you can also opt to use white vinegar during the rinsing stage.

Once you have your cleaning station set up, create a pace to air-dry the scarf. Find a clean, flat surface. Lay down an absorbent cotton towel. Most likely, you may also need an iron to smoothen out any wrinkles from the entire scarf once it is dry.

In summary, the equipment and tools needed for addressing the next heading include a sink, drying rack or plastic hanger, and an electric fan (optional). Additionally, gather other items such as a tub or large bowl, gentle laundry detergent, white vinegar (optional), dry, clean towels, plastic hanger, and an iron if required.

Why does my silk scarf say ‘dry-clean only’?

Silk scarves often have the label ‘dry-clean only’ for several reasons. One primary reason is to prevent potential damage during the washing process. Silk is a delicate fabric that can easily be damaged by rigorous agitation or exposure to harsh detergents and water temperatures. Hand-washing or machine-washing silk scarves can cause them to lose their shape, develop wrinkles, or even shrink.

Preserving the quality of silk is another important reason behind the ‘dry-clean only’ recommendation. Dry cleaning helps maintain the silk’s natural luster, texture, vibrant colors, and more.. The chemicals used in dry cleaning are carefully chosen to be gentle on silk and effectively remove stains without causing any damage or discoloration. This is especially important for your colored silk scarves. (It’s why we have very loyal clients trusting in us to care for their vintage silk scarves and beloved Hermes.)

Professional dry cleaners offer an added layer of assurance and insurance when it comes to cleaning silk scarves. They have the expertise to handle delicate fabrics like silk and employ specialized techniques that minimize the risk of damage. Dry cleaners understand the intricacies of silk and can identify and address any potential issues during the cleaning process.

Storing Your Beautiful Silk Scarf

When it comes to storing silk scarves, there are a few recommended methods to ensure their longevity and preservation. Silk is a delicate fabric that requires special care to maintain its beauty.

First and foremost, it is crucial to store silk scarves in a dry and clean environment. Moisture can damage the delicate fibers and create a breeding ground for mold or mildew. Therefore, it is advisable to store silk scarves in a cool and well-ventilated area, away from any dampness.

To repel insects, which can be attracted to silk, the use of lavender-filled sachets is highly recommended. Lavender is known for its natural insect-repellent properties and can help protect the scarves from moth or silverfish infestation. Placing lavender sachets in the storage area or directly with the scarves can effectively deter insects.

To prevent severe creases and wrinkles, it is essential to use non-acid tissue paper when storing silk scarves. Acidic materials, such as regular tissue paper, can cause discoloration or damage to the fabric over time. The non-acid tissue paper acts as a protective barrier and prevents any harsh creases from forming.

Furthermore, silk should be kept away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the color of silk scarves to fade. Therefore, it is advisable to store them in a dark or shaded area.

Finding the Right Care

When it comes to silk, our experts strongly oppose the use of washing machines. Unless you are following care label instructions (and have a lot of hope), it may not be worth the instant reward. While a gentle cycle, delicate detergents, and cold water may seem like the answer, do you really want to chance it on your couture square silk scarf? We didn’t think so.

For many, a beautiful scarf can easily become one of your favorite piece’s of clothing. And over a period of time, you may find yourself revisiting this scarf.  Dry cleaning ruins your clothing is a common misconception. In fact, it’s better to provide regular preventative cleaning than allow invisible stains to settle in.

We hope that we have answered your questions on how to wash a silk scarf.