When speaking with our customers, we often see (and learn about) the issues that come with incorrect home storage.  With that said, we thought we would provide some helpful at-home clothing storage tips. By using them, you can hopefully avoid some unnecessary garment issues.

Fortunate enough to have the storage space? Take a few simple precautions to protect your valuable wardrobe season after season.  Space an issue? That’s okay. Hallak offers both box and cold storage options.

1. Before storing your clothing, clean them.

We cannot stress this enough.  All seasonal garment storage should begin with a thorough cleaning.  While it may be hard to take this advice from a dry cleaner, we can assure you that we are not being biased.  In fact, following this ‘rule’ may save you a trip to the dry cleaners in trying to reverse any damage.

Please note that Hallak requires all box (seasonal clothing) storage to be cleaned.  However, cold storage items do not require cleaning.  Jackets and coats do quite well in our temperature-controlled storage facility.

2. Choose an appropriate area for storage.

It should be:

• Free from dust
• Well Ventilated
• Free of excessive moisture or humidity
• Free of large temperature fluctuations
• Free from direct sunlight or artificial light

3. Make the right choice between hanging and folded.

Allow us to help. Sturdy, tight weaves do well hanging on a hanger.  They require very little maintenance to ‘reactivate’ them. Most knits, especially the thinner or looser ones, should be folded.  It would be even matter to wrap items in acid-free tissue paper; this helps soften the folds and prevent shape distortion.

4. Remove all plastic bags from your clothing.

Dry cleaners, including Hallak, return garments in a plastic covering.  However, this is only intended to make sure your garment arrives home safely.  By not allowing fabric to breathe, this plastic can trap heat and humidity; this can contribute to the oxidization of stains and general fabric discoloration.  Draping a plain, white cotton sheet  or switching to breathable garment bags are  great alternatives!

5. Avoid attics and basements.

While there may be exceptions, this is typically a general rule.  You want to avoid areas that do not allow for temperature or humidity control.

6. Consider installing a cedar closet.

If you have the space, consider adding or converting to a cedar closet.  For a long time, cedar has been considered an ideal storage environment. (It is perfect to stave off insect damage.) While there are no guarantees, a well-sealed and periodically renewed cedar closet is a wonderful home storage asset.