A good wool coat can last for decades, but only if it survives the summer. Heat, humidity, moths and the wrong hanger can do more damage in a few months of storage than a whole winter of wear. Here’s how we recommend putting your coat away.
1. Clean it before you store it
This is the most important step. Moths and other pests are drawn to body oils, food traces and sweat, not just to wool itself. Stains you can’t see in March can also oxidize and turn yellow by October. Have your coat professionally cleaned at the end of the season so it goes into storage fresh. The team at The Elementals Laundry can take care of it for you.
2. Use a breathable garment bag
Take it out of the thin plastic bag from the cleaner. Plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mildew and odors. A cotton or canvas garment bag keeps dust off while letting the fabric breathe.
3. Choose the right hanger
Wire hangers leave bumps in the shoulders and can stretch the fabric over time. Use a wide, contoured wooden hanger that supports the full shoulder.
4. Keep it cool, dry and dark
- Avoid attics and garages, where Georgia summers get hot and humid.
- A closet inside the house is ideal. Leave a little space between garments so air can move.
- Keep coats out of direct sunlight, which can fade dark colors.
5. Add cedar, skip the mothballs
Cedar blocks or rings help deter moths without the harsh smell of mothballs. Lightly sand cedar each season to refresh the scent.
Coat you’re done with? If you won’t wear it next winter, don’t store it. Consign it with Rire&Co and earn 50% when it sells.