Whether you’re storing away your thick comforter for the season or simply swapping it out for something new, proper storage is very important. Merely folding it up and tossing it in the back of your closet won’t cut it.
To ensure your comforter maintains its fluffiness and freshness for years to come, it’s crucial to adhere to a few best practices. Whether you’re transitioning your bedding for a change of season, relocating, placing it in long-term storage, or dealing with limited space in a small apartment, you might be wondering the most effective way to store your luxury comforter sets. Here, we’ll outline six key steps to achieve just that:
Contents
Wash the Comforter
The initial step involves laundering the comforter, but only when it shows signs of dirtiness. Excessive washing of comforters, particularly those containing down, can result in damage to the filling. If your comforter is soiled, it is crucial to clean it before storing it.
Residual food, dead skin cells, and oils can attract pests and lead to undesired stains and odors. If you possess a down-filled comforter, it is advisable to have it professionally cleaned, as this offers the best assurance of preserving the down’s integrity. In the case of a comforter filled with down alternatives, it is possible to launder it at home, but strict adherence to the care instructions is essential.
Choose Breathable Storage Materials
If you opt for storing a comforter in a bag, a recommended practice to preserve its material integrity, it’s essential to select a breathable bag material. Cotton stands out as an excellent option for promoting airflow.
Conversely, materials such as plastic or other synthetics have the potential to retain moisture so it’s important to consider using a large cotton sheet as a cover instead of a bag. Another option is to use a box for storage, but ensure it is acid-free since cardboard with acid content can cause yellowing and discoloration over time.
Make Sure The Comforter Is Dry
If you choose to wash your comforter, it is imperative to ensure it is thoroughly dry before storing it away. Storing an even slightly damp comforter can create conditions conducive to mold or mildew growth. Whether your comforter underwent professional cleaning or was cleaned at home, conduct a thorough check for any residual dampness throughout the comforter.
If you detect any moisture, refrain from storing the comforter until it has completely dried. For those with down-filled comforters, it is advisable to avoid air-drying, as it may encourage the development of mold and mildew. However, if your comforter contains a down alternative, you have the option of allowing it to air-dry or subjecting it to an additional cycle in a large-capacity dryer.
Consider Hanging
Folding a comforter and stashing it away in a closet or drawer is a conventional approach, yet there’s a less conventional but equally effective method: hanging it up. Comforter hangers are designed to be sizable and exceptionally sturdy to support the weight of bulkier bedding.
This becomes an excellent choice when you require frequent access to your comforter. While the practice of hanging a comforter in a closet may lead to increased dust accumulation, it does optimize air circulation and breathability, addressing a challenge often encountered in confined shelves or drawers.
Clear the Space of Dust
Before you place your comforter, make sure you have a towel or duster at hand as you can start by thoroughly wiping down the area to remove any dust. Even if dust isn’t visible, it’s essential to wipe it down because even invisible particles can still impact the quality of your comforter.
Maintaining a clean storage space will also reduce the risk of mildew, mites, and other potential threats to your linens. If the surface of the storage area is rough or splintery, it’s advisable to line it with a sheet of acid-free paper. This strategy is especially important if your comforter has a woven or stitched texture that may be prone to catching and snagging.
However, consider using a cloth bag or covering specifically designed for linens. This protective layer will act as a barrier between your comforter and its surroundings, providing an extra layer of defense against potential damage. Taking the time to create ideal storage conditions for your comforter will ultimately make your life easier in the long term, ensuring its preservation and longevity.
Learn the Right Way to Fold
While the method of folding a comforter may seem straightforward, there exists a distinct art to it, as the following folding techniques wield considerable influence over the long-term storage of your comforter:
- For Thick Comforters: Begin by laying the comforter flat. Continue to grasp both corners at one end, folding them inward to occupy one-third of the comforter’s expanse. Then, replicate this maneuver with the corners of the newly folded end, extending it to encompass the remaining third of the comforter.
- For Thin Comforters: Lay the thin comforter flat. Start by taking hold of one corner and guiding it toward the center of the comforter, performing this action with each of the remaining three corners. Once all four corners have converged at the center, fold the comforter in half along this central axis.
Once you’ve folded your comforter using the appropriate method, you can assess the size of your storage space. If needed, you can fold the comforter in half again to make it fit more comfortably in your storage area.
To keep the folds in place and prevent the comforter from unfolding during storage, you can cinch it with a tie. If you plan to store your comforter for a long period, it’s advisable to periodically check for any signs of moisture infiltration. Before using your comforter once more, make sure to wash it to eliminate any allergens and dust that might have built up while it was in storage.