Did you know that the textile conservator at the Metropolitan Museum takes great care to keep conditions at a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity of 55 percent; a built-in air conditioner and air purifying unit ensure that there is no change in the condition of the air?
Individual pieces are protected by unbleached muslin, cotton batting and acid free tissue. Routine maintenance on all systems, as well as the artwork are conducted annually to make sure everything is working right and in good condition. If that doesn't speak to the importance of proper conditions for storage and maintenance, I give up!
While you might not want to go to the lengths that the Met does to protect its treasures from the atmospheric conditions that can harm it, there are still some steps you need to follow to protect your wardrobe for out of season storage:
First: Never store anything (garment, draperies, rugs, comforters, etc) without first dry cleaning or laundering it. Even if the item looks, feels and smells clean, the fact is it has perspiration, dead skin cells, body oils and a host of other proteins that are a magnet for moth larvae, silverfish, dust mites and other insects that can seriously damage your clothes.
Next: Pick a place to store the garments that is cool (around 68 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect), dry (about 55% relative humidity is ideal), dark, and has superb air circulation and air changes. This pretty much rules out attics, basements, storage bins and closets on outside walls.
Last, but not least- don't pack the clothes tightly or cover them in plastic. Your fabrics need to breathe. Protect them from airborne dust, dirt and particulate by covering them in unbleached muslin or a clean, unbleached white sheet.
Remember, we also offer On-Site Garment Storage. If you are short on space, feel free to ask about our climate controlled storage facility. We'll clean and store your clothes for out of season storage and handle them as your personal treasures deserve to be handled. FREE Pick-Up is also available! Once a new season rolls around and you are ready for your items, we will clean them once again if needed, and arrange FREE delivery for you!
