Storing textiles in an unheated shed, how to avoid damp damage
Short answer: When you store textiles in an unheated shed, the most important thing is that they are clean and completely dry and that air can move around them. Avoid airtight plastic, lift the boxes off the floor and check them a few times a year, and you lower the risk of damp.
Why damp is the problem in a cold shed
A shed without heating often has cold walls where moisture in the air can condense. When warm, damp air meets cold surfaces, water forms, and textiles lying close by can become damp. So it is less about the cold itself and more about keeping moisture away from the fabric.
How to store textiles in an unheated shed
Start by washing and drying the clothes completely before you put them away. Moisture or dirt that is left behind can cause odour and stains over the months in the shed. Fold the pieces loosely and put them in boxes or bags of breathable fabric, so air can move between the layers.
Towels and bath sheets
Towels absorb moisture easily and should be completely dry before they are put away. With bamboo towels the same rule applies as for other towels: hang them until they are fully dry, then fold them loosely. Put them on a shelf, not directly on the floor, and look in on them now and then.
Bedding and sheets
Bedding that is going to lie in the shed all season should be freshly washed and completely dry. That goes for bamboo bedding too: follow the care label, dry it thoroughly and fold it without squeezing the air out. Avoid stacking anything heavy on top, because the folds can set and the air cannot reach it.
Boxes, bags and plastic
Airtight plastic boxes can trap moisture if something was put away before it was fully dry. Use boxes with small openings or cotton bags instead, and perhaps add a sachet of drying agent. Label the box so you do not have to dig through all of them to find something.
Placement on shelves and away from walls
Put the boxes on a shelf or a pallet so they do not stand directly on a cold floor. Keep a little distance from the outer wall, where moisture is often greatest. Leave air between the boxes so each one can dry if damp appears, and so you can reach them easily.
Check the textiles during the season
Open the shed and look at the boxes a few times during the season. Smell the fabric and look for stains or a clammy feel. If you find damp, take the clothes out, let them air dry and wash them according to the care label before you put them back. The sooner you notice, the easier it is.
When the clothes come out again
Air the clothes before you use them again, and wash them if they have lain for a long time. That goes for towels and for clothes you need, such as bamboo Night Shorts for Women in summer. Put the clothes you only use in season on top, so you do not have to dig through everything.
Frequently asked questions
Can textiles stay in a cold shed over winter?
Yes, if they are clean, completely dry and kept in boxes or bags where air can reach them. The cold is rarely the problem, but damp is.
Are plastic boxes a good idea for storage?
Only if the clothes are completely dry, because airtight boxes can trap moisture. Boxes with small openings or bags of breathable fabric are often a better choice.
How often should I check the textiles in the shed?
A few times per season is a good rule of thumb. Smell them, look for stains, and air them out if they feel clammy.
