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Before you start packing anything, start by making sure your clothing or blankets are completely clean and stain-free. Wash or dry clean each item. If you’re not sure if an item is clean, it’s a good idea to re-clean it so it’s completely washed. Pay special attention to stained areas and make sure your clothes are completely dry before packing. Moisture is not your friend!
If you notice stains while inspecting your items, remove them immediately. They become much more difficult to remove the longer they stay on the fabric
Oxygen bleach is safe to use on both white and colored clothing and can be used on all fabrics except silk and wool. Follow the directions on the package to determine how much product to use per liter of water. Fully immerse the garment and let it soak for at least eight hours. Check the stain. If it is gone, wash the garment as usual. If it remains, make a fresh solution and repeat. Removing the stain may require repeating the procedure several times.
For dry cleaning items, take them to a professional and point out the problem areas. Since dry cleaning is a bit confusing (a wet cleaning solution is used); again, make sure the items are completely dry before storing. It is best to wait a day or two before packing to make sure the fabric is dry.
It is important to use the right type of storage container to prevent yellowing. One solution is to use archival document boxes. These are usually made of acid-free paper and are completely safe to use. However, if you are concerned about crushing the box or the cost, buy a plastic storage container. The box must be made of molded polypropylene to be safe for your clothes. Look for the number 5 in the recycling triangle or the letters “PP” to make sure you get the right kind of plastic that won’t emit chemicals that are harmful to the fabric. You will also need to purchase tissue paper. It needs to be acid-free and lignin-free. Lignin is a chemical compound extracted from wood.
Wash and dry your hands before touching the clothes to get rid of lotions or creams that may stain the clothes. If there are metal buttons on your clothes, remove them and store them separately by wrapping them in tissue. Metal can rust or corrode and cause stains.
Start by lightly stuffing hats or buffed sleeves with acid-free tissue paper. Then lay each garment on a separate layer of tissue.
Wrap each item with tissue, adding more as needed. Make sure each fold is cushioned by the tissue paper. This will prevent hard creases. Place each individually wrapped item of clothing in a storage container.
Repeat the steps with each individual item. If you like the smell of lavender, wrap a few sprigs in tissue paper or use a sachet and add to the box. Don’t let the lavender touch your clothes directly. It acts as a natural insect repellent and also gives a delicate scent.
Choose a cool, dry place for storage. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures, such as attics, basements and garages. The ideal place is a space away from outside walls and pipes that can break. These may be children’s furniture. Inspect your stored items at least once a year. Look for any stains that may appear and remove them quickly
Read also: How to keep baby’s room clean?
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