1. Removes Dirt and Stains: Invisible stains, oils, and dirt can settle in fabric fibers. Over time, these can set, causing discoloration or permanent staining. Dry cleaning removes these impurities, so you won’t encounter unpleasant surprises when you bring your clothes out again.
2. Prevents Moth and Mold Damage: Moths and mold thrive on organic material. Leftover food stains, body oils, or dust can attract moths and other insects that might damage your garments. Additionally, mold and mildew can develop in storage, especially in humid climates, but cleaning beforehand greatly reduces the risk.
3. Eliminates Odors: Even light odors from perfumes, sweat, or smoke can become stronger over time. Dry cleaning leaves your garments smelling fresh, preventing any unpleasant smells from settling in over the storage period.
5 Steps to Prepare Your Winter Wardrobe for Storage
1. Sort Your Garments by Fabric Type
•Separate delicate items like wool and silk from heavier items like coats and jackets. Different fabrics have different cleaning and storage needs. Wool, for example, benefits from airing out, while silk requires careful folding and placement to prevent wrinkles.
2. Inspect and Repair Minor Damage
•Check for loose buttons, pulled threads, or small tears and have these repaired before cleaning. Small damages can worsen over time, especially in storage.
3. Dry Clean or Launder as Needed
•Dry clean any items that require it, especially wool, cashmere, and down coats. Our team at Excellent Dry Cleaners specializes in these materials, ensuring they’re cleaned thoroughly but gently.
•For machine-washable items, make sure to follow care instructions carefully. Air-dry items if possible, as tumble-drying can lead to shrinkage or damage for certain fabrics.
4. Choose the Right Storage Method
•Garment Bags for Delicates: Breathable garment bags protect fabrics like silk, wool, and linen from dust while allowing air circulation.
•Plastic Storage Bins for Bulkier Items: Store heavier, less delicate items like coats in plastic bins. Be sure to place a few packets of silica gel to reduce moisture.
•Avoid Cardboard Boxes: These can attract insects and don’t offer much protection from moisture or humidity.
5. Store in a Cool, Dark Place
•Keep your clothes in a location away from sunlight, as UV exposure can fade and weaken fabrics. A cool, dry space like a closet or attic (if humidity is low) is ideal.
Transitioning Between Winter and Summer Wardrobes
Changing seasons offer a great opportunity to refresh your entire wardrobe. Here’s a quick guide:
•For Summer to Winter: Focus on cleaning all summer clothes before putting them into storage. This means laundering lighter items like linen, cotton, and blends.
•For Winter to Summer: When transitioning back, remove all your winter garments from storage, air them out, and clean anything that smells musty or appears to have dust or insect residue.
Why Choose Excellent Dry Cleaners in Cork?
At Excellent Dry Cleaners, located at Unit 1/2 Westside Centre, Model Farm Road, Bishopstown, Cork, we specialize in seasonal wardrobe care. Our expert team understands the specific cleaning needs of various fabrics and can advise on best practices for your wardrobe’s long-term care.
📞 Call us today at 0857234204, or visit our website for more tips and to schedule a cleaning!
By investing in proper wardrobe care, you’ll ensure your winter clothes stay in excellent condition year after year. For the best results, bring your garments to Excellent Dry Cleaners in Cork—where we take pride in helping you protect and preserve your wardrobe.
