If you have vintage linens in your house... fabrics that hold dear old memories which you can’t seem to part with... ‘stuff’ you know you don’t want to get rid of, but since they’re taking precious space you could use for more practical items, you know it’s time to put away... If you have items like that, knowing how to properly store them is very important. Storing the right way will help make sure that their integrity is preserved. Here are some practical steps to follow: The best environment for these types of items is a damp-free one. A linen closet or a suitcase for example, are suitable storage places for vintage linens, given that they’re fully dry and free of pests (like moths), which will be the end of any fabric. It’s also important for this storage space to be in a place that’s mostly undisturbed. The storage area should also be dark. The presence of light will eventually fade and weaken the fabric. To prepare the linens for storage, you should first check for stains. If there is anything on them that might attract pests, you should wash and fully dry them before hand. If they’re slightly damped, they’ll cause mildew which will spread very quickly, damaging not only the fabric itself, but all the fabrics around it too. Don’t iron the linens since ironing can cause hard edges. These edges can put the fabric at risk or cracking over time. Don't starch the materials either. Starch attracts pests. Protect the linens by covering them, to prevent staining. Stacking them flat is the best way to avoid creating stress points. Folding can cause breakage over time. When stacking, place the heaviest linent at the bottom, and lightest at the top. If you’re storing anything that might cause any stains (I.e. anything made out of wood), cover the linens with a layer of plastic or paper that will serve as a protective barrier. After you’re done and you’ve put the fabrics away in the storage space, make sure that you check on them periodically, maybe twice a year. You can check for any potential damage or insect activity. Thanks for reading. Stay in touch with us on Facebook. click here Your linen -and all things- self storage family, US Storage Centers
