How to Store Dry-Cleaned Clothes

When you pick up your freshly dry-cleaned clothes, they’re often wrapped in those crisp plastic covers. But have you ever wondered—should you leave the plastic on or take it off before storing? Some have learned the hard way, finding their clothes covered in mould and mildew after being stored with the plastic. In this article, we’ll dive into the right way to store your dry-cleaned clothes to keep them safe from moisture, mould, and potential damage.

Why Proper Storage is Important After Dry Cleaning?

Properly learning how to store your dry-cleaned clothes is essential for more than just maintaining their appearance. Whether it’s your own clothes, your father’s uniform, or even your kids’ wear, here are 3 key reasons why you should pay attention to storage:

1. Prevents Fabric Damage: Delicate materials such as wool, silk, and cashmere are more prone to damage if not stored properly. Proper storage ensures these materials don’t stretch, wrinkle, or develop fabric weaknesses.
2. Avoids Discolouration: If you store dry-cleaned clothes in areas with poor ventilation or leave them in plastic covers, it can lead to yellowing or fading over time. Proper storage helps maintain the original colour and brightness of your garments.
3. Prevents Odours and Mould: Storing clothes in plastic covers traps moisture, leading to the growth of mould and mildew, which causes unpleasant odours. Correct storage with breathable materials allows air circulation and keeps your clothes fresh.

Why Plastic Covers Shouldn’t be Used to Store Dry-Cleaned Clothes

As mentioned earlier, plastic covers should not be used to store your dry-cleaned clothes, as they can lead to damage to the garments. However, you might wonder why professional dry cleaners still use these covers to package your clothes if they’re harmful. Let’s explore the reasons behind this.

Plastic Covers Store Dry-Cleaned Clothes Temporarily

Professional dry cleaners use plastic covers primarily for transport, and here are several reasons why:

1. Protection During Transport: The plastic cover helps shield garments from dust, dirt, and moisture during transit, keeping them clean until they reach the customer.
2. Preventing Creasing: The cover helps to maintain the shape of the garments and prevent creasing, ensuring they arrive looking fresh and ready to wear.
3. Hygienic Barrier: The plastic serves as a hygienic barrier, protecting the garments from potential contaminants during delivery.
4. Brand Presentation: Delivering garments in plastic covers can enhance the overall presentation of the service, giving customers a sense of professionalism and care.
5. Temporary Storage: While plastic covers are not ideal for long-term storage, they provide a temporary solution to keep clothes safe until the customer can properly store them at home.

Despite these benefits, plastic covers are not suitable for long-term storage. Here are 3 reasons why:

1. Moisture Trapping: Plastic covers can trap moisture, which creates an environment conducive to mould and mildew growth. This can lead to unpleasant odours and potential fabric damage over time.
2. Lack of Air Circulation: Plastic prevents proper air circulation, which is essential for maintaining the freshness and integrity of the fabric. Clothes need to breathe to avoid mustiness and degradation.
3. Chemical Reactions: Some plastic covers contain chemicals that can transfer to your garments, potentially causing discolouration or damage.

5 Proper Ways to Store Dry-Cleaned Clothes

Now that you know why plastic covers shouldn’t be used to store your dry-cleaned clothes in the wardrobe, here are 5 proper ways to ensure your clothes remain in excellent condition:

1. Choose the Right Storage Location

Store your clothes in a cool, dry place with good airflow to prevent moisture from building up. Avoid storing them in humid areas like store rooms or spaces under the stairs, which can easily trap heat and moisture.

2. Use Suitable Hangers

Opt for padded or wooden hangers, especially for delicate fabrics, to help garments maintain their shape and prevent stretching.

3. Use Garment Bags for Long-Term Storage

For long-term storage, use breathable garment bags made from cotton or linen to allow airflow while keeping your clothes protected from dust.

4. Keep Clothes Away from Direct Sunlight

Store clothes in a shaded area, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading and weaken fabric fibres over time.

5. Protect Delicate Fabrics

For delicate fabrics such as silk, lace, or beaded fabrics, consider placing tissue paper between layers to prevent creasing and friction damage.

By understanding and implementing these proper storage practices, you can ensure that your dry-cleaned clothes remain in excellent condition, ready to wear whenever you need them.

How to Manage Moisture and Humidity When You Store Dry-Cleaned Clothes

In Malaysia’s humid climate, managing moisture and humidity is crucial for keeping your clothes in top shape. Besides using proper storage methods to store dry-cleaned clothes, it’s essential to consider ways to avoid moisture build-up. Here are 3 practical tips:

1. Use Dehumidifiers or Charcoal Bags: Consider placing dehumidifiers or activated charcoal bags in your storage space. These help absorb excess moisture, especially during the rainy season when humidity levels can soar.
2. Keep Airflow Open: Ensure there’s enough space between garments in your wardrobe to promote airflow. This is particularly important in humid weather, as it prevents moisture from getting trapped, which can lead to mould and unpleasant odours.
3. Regularly Check for Moisture: Make it a habit to check your storage area regularly for signs of moisture or dampness. If you notice any, air out your clothes or consider using a fan to circulate air and reduce humidity.

By following these essential laundry care tips, you can extend the life of your garments and keep them looking as good as new.

Trust the Experts in Fabric Care

If you are uncertain about the correct way for storing your dry-cleaned clothes, you can always seek professional laundry and dry cleaning services like Big Mama. By investing in our expert services, you can ensure that all your household items, from garments to baby strollers, receive the utmost care.

With our services, you can rest assured that your belongings are in the hands of professionals who prioritise quality and customer satisfaction. Let us take the hassle out of laundry care, so you can enjoy your freshly cleaned items without worry. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your wardrobe in pristine condition!