Putting winter clothes away the wrong way is how you end up with yellowed collars, musty coats and moth holes next fall. Here is how to store winter clothes, sweaters and coats so they come out ready to wear.
Step 1: Clean everything before you store it
This is the step that matters most. Stains and body oils you cannot see can darken over time and attract moths, so wash or have each item cleaned before it goes away. Our guides cover wool and cashmere sweaters, down jackets and puffer coats and leather jackets.
Step 2: Make sure everything is completely dry
Any dampness in stored clothing can turn into odor or mildew. Let items air out fully before packing them.
Step 3: Store each item the right way
| Item | How to store it |
|---|---|
| Sweaters and knits | Fold them. Hanging stretches the shoulders. Wrap wool in tissue or place it in a breathable cotton bag. |
| Wool and structured coats | Hang on a wide, padded hanger in a breathable garment bag. |
| Down jackets and puffers | Store loosely in a breathable bag. Do not compress them for months, which can flatten the filling. |
| Leather and suede | Hang on a wide padded hanger in a breathable bag, never in plastic. |
| Wedding dresses and special garments | Have them cleaned and stored in a proper box. Avoid plastic bags. |
Step 4: Choose the right place
- Cool, dry and dark. A closet or under-bed box is better than an attic, garage or basement.
- Away from heat and sunlight, which fades and weakens fabric.
- Add a natural moth deterrent, such as cedar blocks or lavender sachets, and keep them away from direct contact with delicate fabric.
- Avoid plastic bags and sealed plastic bins for natural fabrics, since they trap moisture.
Step 5: Check on them
Open the storage once or twice a season to air items and check for moths or musty smells.
Professional cleaning before storage
If you do not want to clean everything yourself, we can help. At Top Hat Cleaners, coat dry cleaning starts at $17.99 for a medium coat and $20.99 for a long coat, sweaters from $5.99, leather and suede from $74.99 per item, and wedding dress cleaning and boxing is $299.00. Final prices are confirmed after inspection. See the full price guide.
Pickup and delivery is free on qualifying orders of $45 or more in participating areas, so a whole closet of winter items is easy to hand off. Find your nearest store on our locations page.
Ready to book? Schedule a pickup or call 214-348-0666.
Skip the DIY. We'll clean it for you.
Top Hat Cleaners picks up and delivers across Dallas-Fort Worth. Dry cleaning, wash & fold laundry, pressing, and specialist saree care, with free pickup and delivery on qualifying orders.
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Also see our dry cleaning, laundry service, leather cleaning, comforter cleaning, wedding dress cleaning and all locations.