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Keep clothing boxes on higher shelves and away from the floor, preferably in temperature-controlled spaces. Always choose tight-sealing plastic containers, and layer silica gel packets inside to prevent moisture damage. While you’re at it, toss in a few lavender sachets to ward off mustiness.
Is it OK to store clothes in basement?
The best conditions for clothing storage are cool, dark, and dry. Depending on your climate, the attic or garage may not be the best option because of extreme heat. If you’re using a basement, make sure it’s not prone to flooding or excessive moisture.
How do you store clothes in the basement long term?
Pick a cool, dry place to store clothing. No matter how clean your clothing is, if you store your bins in a musty basement, your clothing could very likely become musty. When picking a spot to store clothing for an extended period, find a place that is dry, dark and maintains a cool temperature.
How do I keep moisture out of my clothes in storage?
Store clothing in an air- and water-tight plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, instead of cardboard boxes or paper bags, to keep moisture away from the clothing.
How do you keep your clothes from smelling in the basement?
6 Tips on How to Keep Clothing Fresh in Self Storage Use Air Fresheners. Air fresheners can be great for keeping clothes smelling fresh for a long time. Vinegar. Dryer Sheets. Coffee Grounds. Vodka. Essential Oils.
What should you not store in a basement?
7 Things You Should Never Store in Your Basement or Attic Delicate fabrics. Furniture and décor made from natural materials. Important papers. Food (unless you store it carefully) Electronics. Candles. Anything flammable (near heat sources).
Will clothes get moldy in the basement?
Wet clothes are another culprit of mold in basement areas. If you throw your clothes in the basement hamper while they’re wet, mold can start to grow on them. Always spread out and dry your clothes to keep both them and your home free of mold.
Is it bad to store clothes in plastic?
Hot Tip: Never store clothing in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Plastic bags trap moisture, which quickly transfers to your clothing causing it to become mouldy. Cardboard boxes are easily infiltrated by vermin and pests like silverfish.
Can I store clothes in plastic boxes?
You should store clothes in plastic rather than wood, paper or cardboard boxes. It’s waterproof and protects well from pests. If you use plastic boxes make sure they’re not completely airtight, as some clothes (such as wool and other natural fibres) need to breathe.
Should clothes be stored in plastic bags?
Properly Hang Items And make sure the clothing has enough room for air circulation. This will lower the risk of mildew and mold, as well as prevent the clothing from creasing during storage. Storing clothes in plastic bags is not recommended, as the bags don’t breathe enough.
How do you store clothes in a humid basement?
Since basements can be damp, metal shelving and cabinetry protect possessions better than wooden alternatives; plastic bins, in turn, protect better than cardboard boxes. If you are using plastic tubs for storing clothes, make sure that the bin is not airtight, as clothing needs some ventilation.
What is a natural dehumidifier?
The most popular DIY dehumidifier is the one that works the best—rock salt. Rock salt naturally absorbs moisture out of the air, making it a great choice to use as a dehumidifier. The water will then collect inside the outer bucket, trapping excess moisture.
How do you absorb moisture from clothes?
Silica soaks up the moisture and does not allow fungus to grow on clothes. Vinegar: Wash your clothes with vinegar. Add 3/4 cup white vinegar to a load of wash and soak your clothes in the mixture. Vinegar will remove the mold patches AND the musty smell.
Why do clothes smell musty after storage?
Why Do Clothes Smell After Being Stored for a Season? One of the most common sources of stored clothes smell is mildew, not mold as sometimes believed. The lack of fresh air and ventilation in dark closets can make coats and stored clothes the perfect place for mildew to grow all year long.
Can you use dryer sheets to store clothes?
Large, stackable plastic bins are inexpensive and practical for storing clothes. Try adding a Downy Dryer Sheet to each bin to help keep clothes fresh. Before storing, wash and dry clothes thoroughly—you wouldn’t want to pack away clothes with food or other stains.
How do you store items in an unfinished basement?
DON’T: Leave Items Unprotected When storing off-season gear in an unfinished basement, your best bet is a sealed, air-tight tub or bin. Not only will this kind of container seal out moisture, it can prevent unwanted pests from chewing and nesting in your supplies.
Should you put a humidifier in the basement?
So, do you need a humidifier or a dehumidifier in your basement? With most basements suffering from dampness, it means you need a dehumidifier to help control the moisture level and balance the relative humidity. However, if you live in the basement (rare cases) and the air feels dry, you will need a humidifier.
Can you store cardboard boxes in the basement?
Cardboard boxes aren’t a great option for basement storage, because they can hold moisture. For most homeowners, the basement area of their home provides a large area for storage.
How do I keep my basement dry and mold free?
The Experts’ Guide to Preventing Mold In Basements Repair Leaks and Cracks. Waterproof From the Outside. Use a Dehumidifier. Insulate Your Water Pipes. Avoid These Two Items. Launder Responsibly.
What causes white mold in basement?
The cause of white mold is the same as all types of mold. Mold needs two things to thrive – a moist environment and a food source. Many times, the moisture is caused by leaks or poorly ventilated spaces. Common food sources are wood, drywall, carpeting and other organic materials.
Will a dehumidifier help with mold in basement?
Reduce Mold and Mildew A dehumidifier is designed to reduce the moisture level in the air by extracting the excess water. By doing so, dehumidifiers can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew and improves the indoor air quality of your space.
