How to Store Dry Cleaned Items

Properly storing dry-cleaned items is a crucial aspect of garment and textile care that often goes overlooked. After investing time and money in professional dry cleaning, preserving the pristine condition of your clothing and household textiles is essential. Oak Neck Cleaners explains correct storage techniques that can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their original splendor, whether it’s a luxurious evening gown, a well-tailored suit, or delicate drapery.  

Preparing Dry Cleaned Items for Storage

Preparing dry-cleaned items for storage is crucial in preserving their quality and prolonging their lifespan.

Inspection and Repairs

Before stowing away your freshly dry-cleaned items, conducting a thorough inspection is essential to ensure they are pristine. Carefully examine each piece for any signs of damage, stains, or loose threads. Addressing these issues before storage is crucial to prevent further deterioration and potential difficulties when you retrieve them for future use.

I. Check for any damage or loose threads

Inspect garments under good lighting and pay close attention to seams, buttons, zippers, and intricate details. Look for loose threads, missing buttons, or loose stitching. Identifying these problems early on allows you to tackle repairs promptly.

ii. Address Any Necessary Repairs Before Storage

If you encounter any damages or loose threads during the inspection, take the items to a professional tailor for repairs. This proactive approach will ensure that your clothes are in excellent condition when you retrieve them from storage, and it will prevent the issues from worsening over time.

Properly Fold or Hang Your Items

Properly folding or hanging clothing items is crucial to maintain their shape, prevent wrinkles, and preserve the fabric’s integrity during storage. Different garments require specific storage methods based on their type and fabric. 

Delicate fabrics like cashmere or silk are best folded to avoid stretching or distortion. To protect them further, place acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creases and maintain their original beauty. On the other hand, structured garments like blazers and coats should be hung using wide, padded hangers to support the shoulders and retain their shape adequately. Avoid using wire hangers, as they can cause indentations and misshaping of the garments. By following these tips, you can ensure that your stored clothing remains in excellent condition until its subsequent use.

Tips for folding delicate fabrics and hanging structured garments

• Folding delicate fabrics: When folding delicate items, use acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creases and wrinkles. Lay the garment flat, smooth out any wrinkles, and gently fold it along its natural seams.
• Hanging structured garments: Use wide, padded hangers for structured items like blazers and coats to support the shoulders properly. Avoid wire hangers, as they can leave indentations and cause misshaping.

Adhering to these preparatory steps ensures that your dry-cleaned items are in top-notch condition before storage. 

Tips for Storing Specific Dry Cleaned Items

Appropriate storage techniques are essential to preserve your dry-cleaned items’ impeccable condition.

#1 Suits and Formal Attire

• Keep suit jackets and trousers together: When storing suits, always keep them together to maintain their matching appearance and avoid misplacing any pieces.
• Use suit bags or garment covers: Invest in breathable suit bags or garment covers to protect your suits from dust, light, and potential damage. Avoid plastic bags as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
• Hang on sturdy, wide-shouldered hangers: Use quality hangers with broad shoulders to support the suit’s structure and prevent shoulder dimples.

#2 Dresses and Gowns

• Avoid wire hangers: Never hang dresses or gowns on them, as they can cause distortion and leave creases. Instead, opt for padded or satin-covered hangers to preserve the garment’s shape.
• Stuff with acid-free tissue paper: For long gowns or dresses with delicate embellishments, stuff the sleeves and bodice with acid-free tissue paper to maintain their form and prevent wrinkles.
• Store in breathable garment bags: Place dresses and gowns in them to protect them from dust and light while allowing air circulation.

#3 Shirts and Blouses

• Utilize shirt folding boards: For a neat and uniform fold, consider using shirt folding boards that help you achieve consistent results every time.
• Stack vertically in drawers: To save space and avoid excessive wrinkles, stack folded shirts and blouses vertically, similar to arranging books on a shelf.
• Use shelf dividers: Shelf dividers can help separate different stacks of shirts and blouses, preventing them from toppling over and becoming messy.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your dry-cleaned clothing items, including suits, formal attire, dresses, and blouses, stay in excellent condition, ready to be worn whenever the occasion calls for it.

Properly Storing Dry-Cleaned Items is Essential 

In conclusion, mastering the art of storing dry-cleaned items ensures longevity and pristine condition. From inspecting and repairing garments to utilizing proper folding or hanging techniques, each step is crucial. Choosing the right storage location, using suitable accessories, and practicing seasonal rotations guarantee lasting preservation. 

Oak Neck Cleaners also offers free garment storage for your off-season clothing!  After we dry clean them, we will ensure that they are moth-proof and stored properly to help save space in your home!  Get in touch with us by phone at (631) 422-4339.  We are conveniently located at 945-4 Montauk Highway in West Islip, New York!