If you are planning to store your items in a storage unit for a prolonged period, you may be concerned about their preservation. Sometimes, items made of natural fibers, such as wool, can become damaged in storage. If you are planning to store expensive wool items, such as coats and sweaters, you probably want to protect your investments. Here are a few things that you can do to prepare your wool clothing for prolonged storage:
Wash and dry the items.
Wool is generally washable. It's best to use lukewarm water and soap or detergent that has a relatively low pH, meaning it should be acidic. If you don't have a detergent that is somewhat acidic, simply add a dash of lemon juice or vinegar to the water. Washing the wool helps remove dirt and other particles that may attract moths.
As you wash the wool, be careful not to wring or twist the items harshly. This can cause the wool to stretch out of shape in some areas while leaving it shrunken in others. Instead of wringing the wool items dry or placing them in a dryer, allow the wool to dry by laying flat on a towel or a vented surface, such as a screen.
Moths can cause a great deal of damage to a wool item. The insects lay eggs in the wool, and once the eggs hatch, the larva eat the keratin protein found in the wool fibers. Often, the insects prefer wool that is slightly moist or damp, so it is important for the wool to be completely dry before it is stored.
Use an airtight container.
Before placing the wool in a storage unit, it is best to place each item in a sealed container, such as a resealable plastic bag. Having the items individually sealed can help prevent the entry of moths. In addition, it can help ensure that the items remain dry, even in damp weather conditions.
Use insect control.
Mothballs can be stored with the items to help prevent a moth infestation. If you are uncomfortable using commercial mothballs, you can make your own. Here are a few dried natural ingredients that can help repel moths:
There are other plant-based repellents that can also be used to protect the clothes, and many of them smell much better than commercial mothballs. For instance, cedar chips, lavender and lemon have wonderful natural fragrances while discouraging moths from taking residence.
To find an appropriate storage unit for your wool items, contact a storage facility like East "O" Street Self Storage LLC in your area.
Share4 July 2016
Do you have too much stuff and not enough space? If so, you don't have to get rid of the things that you enjoy collecting or having. Instead, you can use a storage unit to store the things that you won't immediately be using or needing. This blog is loaded with tips for storing all sorts of things. You will learn how to pack, store, organize and log all of the things that you move from your home to the storage unit so that you can easily find what you are looking for in the same condition as when you put it there.
