Storing bedding in a basement without damp
Short answer: If you are storing bedding and clothes in the basement, the most important thing is that everything is clean and completely dry when it goes down. Use closed boxes, keep them away from the floor and outer walls, and check on them now and then. That way you avoid a damp smell and mould.
Why the basement is hard to store things in
Basements are often cooler than the rest of the house, and the air can be damp, especially if the room is not aired. Damp settles into fabric and can cause smells and, at worst, mould. So think about storage before you put anything down there, and not only when you notice the smell.
Measure the damp before you use the room
A small humidity meter tells you what the air in the basement is actually like. Leave it down there for a few days and check whether the reading stays steady or swings a lot. If the air is very damp, air the room, use a dehumidifier, or find another place for the clothes.
Start with clean and dry bedding
Bedding must be washed and completely dry before you put it into storage, otherwise you take the damp down with it. That goes for duvet covers and sheets, and you can look at bamboo bedding for ideas about what a set can look like when it is time to swap. Leave the laundry hanging out a day longer if you are unsure.
Boxes and containers
Closed plastic boxes with lids protect against damp and dust, and so do fabric boxes that can breathe. Do not seal damp laundry inside a tight box, because then the damp is trapped. Write on the box what is in it, so you do not have to open all of them to find what you are looking for.
Shelves rather than the floor
Put the boxes on shelves or pallets, so they do not stand directly on the floor, where damp can collect. Keep a little distance from the outer walls so the air can circulate, and do not pack everything tight. A simple metal shelf is often enough, and it makes cleaning easier.
Air and dehumidifying
Air the room when the weather is dry, so the air in the room is changed. A dehumidifier can help if the basement is often damp, and small moisture absorbers in the boxes are a supplement. They do not replace good ventilation, but they can make a difference in closed rooms.
Seasonal clothes, nightwear and socks
Seasonal clothes such as thick nightwear and winter socks can rest in the basement if they are clean and dry. You can look at sleepwear for changing seasons and at all bamboo socks for men if you want a new pair when the season turns. Pack them in separate bags so you can find them again quickly.
Check on the clothes now and then
Open the boxes once during the season and smell the clothes. If a heavy smell appears, take the clothes out, air them and wash them again before you put them back. If you find stains or mould, remove the box at once and check whether there is a source of damp in the room.
Frequently asked questions
Can I store clothes in plastic bags in the basement?
Boxes with lids or breathable bags are better, because plastic bags can trap damp if the clothes are not completely dry. In any case, make sure the clothes are clean and dry before you pack them.
How do I remove a basement smell from clothes?
Air the clothes thoroughly outdoors in dry weather and wash them by the label. If that does not help, there may be deep damp, and then you need to find the cause in the room.
How long can bedding stay in the basement?
It depends on the conditions, but if the bedding is clean and dry and the room is not too damp, it can stay a season at a time. Check on it now and then.
