Should you dry clean clothes before storing them for the season?

Yes, always clean garments before seasonal storage. Body oils, invisible food stains, and perspiration attract moths and carpet beetles and oxidize into permanent marks during months of storage. Professional cleaning removes these residues completely.

What is the best way to store winter coats long-term?

Use breathable cotton garment bags on sturdy, wide hangers in a climate-controlled closet. Avoid wire hangers, plastic bags, attics, basements, and garages. Add cedar blocks for natural moth prevention and refresh them every six months by sanding the surface.

How do you prevent moths from eating stored clothes?

Cedar blocks and cedar rings are the most effective natural moth deterrent. Lavender sachets also help. Clean all garments before storing, as moths are attracted to organic residue on fabric, not the fabric itself. Regularly clean your storage area and avoid traditional mothballs.

Does Baroni Cleaners offer seasonal clothing storage preparation in Irvine?

Yes. Baroni Cleaners in Irvine cleans all types of winter garments before seasonal storage using PERC-free organic methods. We offer free pickup and delivery throughout Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and Santa Ana. Call (949) 316-4276 to schedule.

Storage

How to Store Winter Coats and Seasonal Clothes Without Damage

August 7, 2025Baroni Cleaners

Written by the Baroni Cleaners team · Family-owned dry cleaning and tailoring serving Irvine and Orange County · See how Baroni works

A practical guide to storing winter coats, sweaters, and seasonal clothing so they come out of storage looking as good as they went in.

Always Clean Before Storing

This is the most important step and the one most people skip. Body oils, invisible food stains, and perspiration attract insects and oxidize into permanent marks during months of storage. Even if a garment looks and smells clean, it should be professionally cleaned before being put away for the season. Moths and carpet beetles are drawn to organic residue on fabric, not the fabric itself.

Choose the Right Storage Containers

For coats and structured garments, use breathable cotton garment bags on sturdy, wide hangers. Avoid wire hangers, which distort shoulders over time. For sweaters, fold them and store in acid-free boxes or clean cotton bins. Avoid airtight plastic bins for natural fibers like wool and cashmere, as trapped moisture can cause mildew. If you must use plastic, include silica gel packets to absorb moisture.

Moth Prevention That Actually Works

Cedar blocks and cedar rings are the most effective natural moth deterrent. Place cedar in your storage area and refresh it every six months by lightly sanding the surface to release fresh oils. Lavender sachets also help. Avoid traditional mothballs, which contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene and leave a persistent chemical odor that is difficult to remove. Regularly cleaning your closet and storage areas is the single best prevention.

Temperature and Humidity Matter

Store seasonal clothes in a climate-controlled space with consistent temperature and low humidity. A bedroom closet or interior hallway closet is ideal. Attics get too hot in summer, and garages and basements are prone to moisture and temperature swings. Heat accelerates the oxidation of stains, and humidity promotes mold and mildew growth. If you live in a humid area, consider a small dehumidifier in your storage space.

When to Pull Them Out Again

When you retrieve your stored garments, inspect them before wearing. Check for any signs of insect damage, musty odors, or discoloration. Air them out for a day or two in a well-ventilated room. Items that were professionally cleaned before storage should be ready to wear after airing. If anything smells musty or looks off, bring it in for a refresh cleaning before the season starts.

The best time to prepare your winter clothes for storage is right after the season ends. Baroni Cleaners in Irvine can clean everything before it goes into storage, so you are not putting away dirty garments that attract moths and develop stains. We offer free pickup and delivery throughout Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and Santa Ana. Schedule a free pickup at baronicleaners.com or call (949) 316-4276 and let us help you protect your winter wardrobe until next year.