When the holidays come to a close, most people quickly pack away the festive sweaters, formalwear, and cold-weather gear without much thought. But if you’re not storing your garments properly, you could be in for a surprise next season, think musty smells, fabric damage, and even moth holes. Before you toss everything into a plastic tub and call it a day, read these essential garment storage tips from the experts at Hangers Cleaners in Arkansas.
Why Holiday Garments Need Special Care
Holiday clothing often includes materials that require extra attention, sequins, velvet, wool, cashmere, and silk are all sensitive to temperature, moisture, and improper folding. Whether it’s your go-to ugly Christmas sweater or that stunning New Year’s Eve dress, storing these items the wrong way can shorten their lifespan.
Proper care starts with clean clothes. Never store anything that hasn’t been thoroughly washed or professionally cleaned. Even if a garment looks clean, hidden oils, perfumes, and food particles can attract pests and cause discoloration over time. One of the simplest yet most overlooked garment storage tips is to never store anything dirty.
Clean Before You Store
At Hangers Cleaners, we recommend dry cleaning holiday garments before storage. Our gentle hydrocarbon process ensures your clothes are free of residues and odors. Clean clothes won’t just last longer—they’ll be ready to wear as soon as you pull them out next season.
Use this checklist:
- Inspect for stains, loose threads, and missing buttons
- Dry clean items made of wool, silk, velvet, or sequined fabrics
- Wash and press cotton or polyester blends
- Let clothes fully dry before packing
Choose the Right Storage Containers
Skip the cardboard boxes and old grocery bags. For long-term protection, choose breathable fabric garment bags, acid-free boxes, or high-quality plastic containers with secure lids. One of our most important garment storage tips is to avoid airtight containers for natural fabrics, they need airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths naturally. Avoid mothballs too, as they can leave an unpleasant odor and even damage certain fabrics over time.
Folding vs. Hanging: Know the Difference
Some clothes should be folded; others should be hung. Use padded or wooden hangers for heavier pieces like coats or structured dresses. Avoid thin wire hangers, which can stretch or distort shoulder seams.
Fold delicate knits and sweaters to prevent them from losing shape. Store them flat in breathable containers or drawers with tissue paper between layers to avoid creasing.
Climate Control Matters
Temperature and humidity can make or break your storage setup. Store your garments in a cool, dry place, avoid garages, attics, or basements where temperatures can fluctuate wildly. One of our go-to garment storage tips is to keep stored clothing out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time.
Label Everything for Easy Retrieval
It’s easy to forget what you packed away six months ago. Label your storage containers with contents and categories so you’re not digging through boxes next December. You’ll save time, protect your clothes from unnecessary handling, and avoid the dreaded “I can’t find it” panic.
Let Us Help You Store Smarter
At Hangers Cleaners, we know how important it is to preserve your favorite holiday garments year after year. With proper care, your festive outfits can stay fresh, clean, and ready to go—whether it’s for next year’s holiday card photos or a last-minute office party.
If you’re not sure where to start, our team is happy to provide personalized garment storage tips and take care of all your dry cleaning needs before you pack things away. Contact your nearest Hangers Cleaners location in Arkansas and let us help you protect your seasonal wardrobe the right way.
The Truth About Washing “Dry Clean Only” at Home
We’ve all been there. You’re sorting laundry when you spot a label that says “Dry Clean Only,” and you hesitate. Do you really need to take it in? Can you just toss it in the wash and hope for the best? With the rise of online DIY tips and influencer hacks, it’s tempting to try washing dry clean only clothes at home. But before you press start, let’s clear the air with some honest truths—and why Hangers Cleaners recommends caution.
Understanding the “Dry Clean Only” Label
That tiny tag sewn inside your blouse or suit isn’t just a suggestion. “Dry Clean Only” means the fabric, construction, or trim could be damaged by traditional washing. Still, not all items with the label will disintegrate in a home wash, which leads to confusion.
Some brands label garments conservatively to avoid customer damage claims. Others truly require special handling. That’s why knowing the difference—and having expert input—can save your clothes and your wallet.
What Happens When You Ignore the Label
Washing dry clean only clothes can lead to serious problems:
- Shrinkage: Natural fibers like wool or silk can shrink significantly in water.
- Color Bleeding: Rich dyes, especially in rayon or silk, may run or fade.
- Fabric Distortion: Structured garments can lose shape or get warped.
- Texture Changes: Velvet, suede, and other luxury finishes can stiffen or mat.
- Stitching and Embellishments: Beading, pleats, or linings may get ruined in a wash cycle.
If your favorite blazer suddenly looks like it belongs to your child, there’s a good chance it should’ve been professionally cleaned.
Are There Exceptions to the Rule?
Sometimes. Certain dry clean only garments can survive a gentle hand wash with cold water and a mild detergent—but it’s risky. One of the key things to understand about washing dry clean only clothes is that even if they survive one wash, long-term damage can build up over time.
When in doubt, consider these factors:
- Fabric type: Silk, wool, rayon, and acetate should always go to the cleaners.
- Construction: Items with inner linings, pleats, or embellishments require expert care.
- Sentimental or expensive items: Never experiment with garments you can’t replace.
DIY Tips If You Still Want to Try It
We don’t recommend it, but if you’re determined, here are the most cautious steps:
- Spot test in an inconspicuous area to check for colorfastness
- Use cold water and a detergent made for delicates
- Avoid wringing; instead, press gently between towels
- Lay flat to dry, never hang wet garments that may stretch
- Expect subtle damage even if everything looks fine on the surface
Even following all of these doesn’t guarantee success, which is why many of our Arkansas clients trust us with their dry clean only pieces from the start.
Professional Cleaning vs. At-Home Washing
At Hangers Cleaners, we use a safe, non-toxic hydrocarbon solvent that lifts dirt and oil without damaging the fabric. Our team checks each item for stains, loose threads, and delicate areas before cleaning. We even press and finish the garments so they’re ready to wear. Washing dry clean only clothes at home won’t give you that same precision or protection. In fact, most DIY attempts lead to more damage, followed by a visit to us asking if we can fix it, sometimes we can, but not always.
What’s the Safer Choice?
Peace of mind. Let the experts handle it. Whether it’s a silk blouse, a wool coat, or that statement piece you wore once to a wedding, washing dry clean only clothing at home is a gamble. One that often costs more in replacements than the cleaning would have in the first place.
Trust Hangers Cleaners with Your Most Loved Garments
We’re more than just a dry cleaner, we’re your partner in clothing care. Our team in Arkansas is here to make sure your wardrobe stays fresh, flawless, and functional. If you’ve been debating washing dry clean only items at home, let us take the worry off your shoulders. Schedule a pickup or visit one of our convenient locations today. Your clothes will thank you.