How to Preserve and Protect Your Wardrobe

November 28, 2016

Taking Care of Your Clothes will Make Them Last Longer

Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk can deteriorate over time.

Clothes should have enough room in the closet to breathe.

Here are some suggestions for caring for your wardrobe:

Remove dry cleaning bags as they are made from petroleum and emit gases that can harm your wardrobe.
Depending on the fabric, you should brush your clothes gently after they have been worn. Let your clothes air before putting them back into your closet.
Clothes should be allowed to rest for at least a day before being worn again.
Wool suits can benefit from a "steam bath" to remove wrinkles and odors. Close doors and windows in the bathroom and run hot water to create a steamy environment. Hang the suit from the curtain rod or a hook and leave it in the bathroom for a while. Then take it out and let it dry completely before putting it into the closet.
Use hangers that hold clothes securely. Avoid thin wire hangers that can leave rust or create a sharp crease at the shoulder line.
Hang skirts or pants using a hanger with two flat sides, rather than folding pants over a suit hanger bar or using hangers with clips.
Leave buttons on suit jackets unbuttoned while hanging in the closet. This allows the jacket to retain its natural shape as it airs.
Arrange clothing for easy access; move out-of-season clothing to another closet—making sure everything has been washed or dry- cleaned before being stored.
Clothing with stains or perspiration should not be put back in the closet. Residue from stains can attract insects.
Store laundry to be cleaned separately—not in your main closet.
Make sure your closets are cool and dry. Damp conditions will encourage mildew.
Protect your wardrobe from clothes moths, dust and light with WARDROBE CARE COVERS