How to store seasonal clothes without smell and moths

Short answer: Clothes must be completely clean and completely dry before they are packed away. Moths are drawn to traces of sweat and skin cells, not the fabric itself, and those traces also cause odour over a season.

Wash first

Never pack away clothes that have been worn, even if only for a single day. Sweat, skin cells and food residue attract pests and cause odour over a whole season. Wash everything as usual and only put it in the box once it is properly clean.

Completely dry

Even slightly damp clothing develops odour in a closed box, and in the worst case stains can appear. Thick items such as sweatshirts and hoodies dry slowly at the seams and cuffs. If in doubt, leave the clothes on the rack for an extra day. It costs nothing and saves you a nasty surprise.

Air rather than airtight plastic

Airtight bags can trap moisture that is already in the clothes, leaving it nowhere to go. A fabric bag or a box with a lid is usually better, because the clothes can breathe a little. Vacuum bags save space, but they also compress the fibres for months at a time.

Cool and dark

Light fades colours over months, even through a clear box, and warmth encourages odour. A cool, dark wardrobe or a box under the bed is the best place. Avoid the loft in summer and the basement if it is damp. An even temperature all year keeps clothes in the best condition.

Lay heavy items flat

Knits and sweats are pulled out of shape if they hang on a hanger for a whole season, because the weight drags the shoulders down. Lay them flat instead, loosely folded. Read more about storing bamboo clothing.

What takes up most space

Sweatshirts and hoodies take up the most space and belong at the bottom, while thin pieces can go on top without being crushed. That avoids deep creases in the light items, and you do not have to move everything around to find something. See sweatwear.

Against moths

Moths thrive in dark, undisturbed corners with traces of sweat and dust. Clean clothes and a box that is opened now and then make a real difference. Many people use lavender or cedar sachets, but they do not replace cleaning. Vacuum the wardrobe before the clothes go in.

Check when you unpack

Shake the clothes out and air them for a day before wearing them again. That removes the stale smell from the box, and you will spot any stains or holes at the same time. If the smell remains after a day in fresh air, wash the item once more.

General care

Storage is only part of it. Clothes that have been washed properly all season also keep better in the box. Skip fabric softener and the tumble dryer, and wash at 40 degrees or lower. The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.

Label the box

A small note on the box listing its contents saves you opening everything when the weather changes. The clothes then stay undisturbed until they are needed. It sounds trivial, but that is often where mess and extra washes come from when the season turns.

Frequently asked questions

Why do moths go for clothes?

Moths are after traces of sweat, skin cells and dirt in the fabric, not the fabric itself. Clean clothes are therefore the most important protection when items are stored for months.

Are vacuum bags a good idea?

They save space, but they trap moisture and compress the fibres for a long time. A fabric bag or a box with a lid is usually better for bamboo clothing.