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Expensive clothing requires proper care and storage to keep it in pristine condition. Organising expensive clothes requires more attention and care than regular clothing items. Whether you have a collection of designer pieces or handcrafted gems that hold sentimental value, taking the right steps to store your expensive clothes will help extend their lifespan and prevent damage.
These garments may be made of delicate materials, might need unique wardrobe organiser ideas, must need special cleaning tips, or come with specific care instructions that should be followed closely. In this article, we'll explore some tips on how to store your expensive clothes to ensure they remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Tips for organising and storing expensive clothes
1. Clutter is never cool
Keeping your closet and wardrobe clutter-free is the first step in maintaining your expensive clothes. Clutter can make it difficult to locate and access your clothing items, leading to disorganisation, wrinkles, and damaging your precious clothes. Getting a wardrobe organiser and creating a system for organising clothes is a crucial step in avoiding clutter.
2. Elevate your shoes and bags
We always focus on organising clothes in our wardrobe, making this an easily ignored wardrobe organiser idea. Shoes and bags can be expensive investments and should be stored carefully to prevent scratches, dents, and other damage. Consider elevating your shoes and bags using shelves or storing them in individual dust bags to protect them from dust and other environmental factors.
3. Organise your closet space
If you have limited closet space, it is important to use it wisely. Consider using closet organisers and dividers to make the most of the space available and prevent overcrowding. When storing your expensive clothes, it is important to use your space wisely. Hanging your clothes in a cramped closet or wardrobe can lead to wrinkles, stretching, and damage to the fabric. Consider using hangers that are appropriate for the fabric of your garment. For example, use padded hangers for delicate fabrics such as silk or satin to prevent snagging and damage. Additionally, fold knitted or woollen items to prevent stretching and distortion.
4. Segregate always
Never mix worn clothes with clean ones. Worn clothes can harbour bacteria and germs, which can transfer to clean clothing items when stored together. Separate your worn and clean clothes to prevent cross-contamination. Investing in a wardrobe organiser is a great idea to have clear bifurcation between worn and clean clothes.
5. Invest in quality hangers
Using the right hangers for your expensive clothes can prevent stretching, sagging, and other damage. Consider investing in wooden or padded hangers for delicate fabrics and heavy-duty hangers for heavy items.
6. Avoid wired hangers
Wire hangers are a common household item, but they can cause damage to expensive clothing items. The thin and sharp edges of the hanger can leave marks on the fabric, causing it to stretch or lose its shape. Additionally, wire hangers are not strong enough to support the weight of heavy or bulky items, leading to stretching and distortion. Instead, consider using wooden or padded hangers for your expensive clothes. Also, you must hang your garments after every use. Hanging your garments after every use can prevent wrinkles and creases, reducing the need for ironing or steaming, which eventually helps in organising expensive clothes.
7. Fold knits and delicates
Knitted and delicate fabrics should be folded instead of hung to prevent stretching and distortion.
8. Create the optimum environment
The environment in which you store your expensive clothes can also affect their lifespan. It is important to keep your clothes in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent mould, mildew, and moisture damage. Direct sunlight can also cause fading or discolouration, so it is best to store your clothes in a dark area. Consider using wardrobe covers or garment bags to protect your clothes from dust and other environmental factors.
9. Always remove stains as soon as you notice them
Stains on clothing can be unsightly and difficult to remove, especially if left untreated for an extended period. If you notice a stain on your expensive clothing, it is important to act fast and remove the stain immediately. Use a clean cloth or tissue to blot the stain, taking care not to spread it further. Avoid rubbing the stain as it may damage the fabric. You can use a stain remover or take the garment to a professional cleaner for treatment.
10. Use natural alternatives for odour protection
Avoid using synthetic air fresheners or fabric fresheners on your expensive clothes, as they can cause discolouration and other damage. Instead, consider using natural alternatives such as cedar chips or lavender sachets to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
11. Invest in a good steamer
A good steamer can help you remove wrinkles and creases from your expensive clothes without the need for ironing, which can damage delicate fabrics and help in organising expensive branded clothes.
12. Invest in a good quality stiff brush
A stiff brush can be used to remove dirt and debris from your expensive clothes without causing damage. Use it to brush your expensive branded clothes before storing them to prevent stains and discolouration.
13. Laundry care
‘Dry clean’ or ‘hand wash’ expensive clothing items such as silk, wool, and cashmere should not be washed in a washing machine as they may cause shrinkage or damage to the fabric. Instead, consider hand washing the garment or taking it to a professional cleaner. Dry cleaning is also an option, especially for delicate fabrics such as silk or wool. Be sure to read the care label before deciding on the cleaning method for your garment.
14. Professionally clean delicate materials
Wondering how to store clothes long? One of the most underrated cleaning tips is for delicate materials such as silk or wool, it is best to take them to a professional cleaner to avoid damage from the washing and increase the longevity of your expensive branded clothes.
15. Read and follow the care label
The care label attached to your clothing item provides essential information on how to clean and care for it. Care labels typically include instructions on washing, drying, and ironing the garment. It is important to follow these instructions to avoid any damage to the fabric. For instance, a piece of clothing that is labelled ‘dry clean only’ should not be washed with water or ironed, as it may cause shrinkage or damage to the fabric.
Pro tip: The right under-bed storage ideas can help immensely to organise your wardrobe and understand how to store clothes long term.
Taking the right steps in organising expensive clothes and relying on a wardrobe organiser is crucial to extend their lifespan and keep them in pristine condition. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your expensive clothes stay in excellent condition for years to come.
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