Before we start shoving winter blankets and seasonal bedspreads away for good in a forgotten land known as your storage closet, here are some handy tips and tricks for storing your seasonal bedding.
1. Launder Your Bed
It's crucial that your seasonal bedding is properly cleaned before storing it. That said, you can use some discretion when it comes to sensitive or vintage pieces, as you don't want to wash them as often as your sheets. Maybe get them dry cleaned if you really want them to last.
But any dirty bedding should be cleaned before storage. Most importantly, all items should be thoroughly dried before storing them. The slightest dampness will lead to mold and mildew.
Here are some general tips for laundering your bedding before storage. Wash your items in cold water on the delicate cycle. Dry your bedding on medium heat, until thoroughly dry. Don't overstuff the dryer. Take it out as soon as it is done to avoid wrinkles. If the items cannot be dried, make sure they thoroughly air dry.
2. Let it Breathe
This applies more to natural fibers, such as wool, but it needs to breathe. It is best to store these items in open areas that are adequately ventilated. Air should get to the fabrics.
With these natural fibers, it is best to avoid plastic storage bags, which will trap moisture. They become breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Cotton storage bags protect against bugs and dust but also allow for airflow. Comforter hangers are great for heirloom quilts. Acid-free boxes and tissue is ideal for long term storage. Be sure to wrap tissue between each layer.
3. Avoid Damp Areas
At this point, this is probably obvious. But just in case, we want to say it: avoid damp areas! This is typically the basement, garage, or any area with general humidity.
Here are a few great places to store your items: make a linen closet, store items under your bed, storage baskets or ottomans, undershelf baskets, or if you have room, an armoire.
New furniture is another option. There are many beds these days with storage built into them. Give us a call as we would love to help you find the right fit, especially if you need a new mattress.
4. Maximize Your Space
This may seem basic, but knowing how to fold your sheets and seasonal bedspread properly will help you a lot. This is an essential step in seasonal storage. Folded correctly, these items will take up a lot less space.
Something as simple as correctly folding a fitted sheet can do wonders.
That said, some bed items are indeed too bulky to keep well folded. A good solution for these items is to roll them up like a sleeping bag and then tie them off with some ribbon.
And while maximizing your space is essential, some items cannot be stacked. It is best not to compress down comforters by placing objects on top of them. The excess weight can damage the feathers or cause them to bunch up.
Vacuum bags work well for synthetic materials, wool, or cotton comforters. Best to leave a little air in the bag if you use it for down. Arrange the items by weight when you store them with the heavier items on the bottom. Pro tip: store your sheets inside the pillowcase of the set, to keep them all together.
5. Keep Your Bedding Fresh
While storage containers are great, they lack fresh air. It is a bit of a catch 22. Fresh air has moisture that can lead to mold and mildew, but it also keeps these items smelling fresh. Well, that is until they mold and mildew. Confusing, we know.
There are a couple of hacks you can do to up the freshness on these items while they are in storage. Placing a few dryer sheets in the folds of your bedding before storing can do a lot. There are also DIY odor absorbers you can make with items you probably already have on hand. Don't use mothballs. They leave an undesirable scent. Many cedar options fare far better.
Now that your bedding is stored and put away, you’re ready to take on a new season. If you’re looking to improve your sleep even further, stop by our store or give us a call to shop our entire selection of mattresses and sleep accessories. We’d love to assist you in any way we can. Visit us today!