How to Store Ugly Sweaters to Keep Them Looking Great

Ugly sweaters have become a beloved holiday tradition, but they require special care to keep them looking their best. Storing your ugly sweaters properly is just as important as washing them correctly. If you don't store them properly, they can become misshapen, faded, or damaged.

Clean the Sweater Before Storing

Before storing your ugly sweater, it's important to make sure it's clean. Even if the sweater looks clean on the surface, it may still have invisible dirt or stains that can attract moths or other pests. Plus, dirty sweaters can become discolored or faded over time. To clean your ugly sweater before storing it, follow the hand-washing method outlined in our guide on how to wash ugly sweaters without ruining them. Make sure the sweater is completely dry before storing it.

Fold Your Sweaters

Folding your ugly sweaters is the best way to store them, as hanging them can cause stretching and misshapenness. When folding your sweater, it's important to do it carefully to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric.

Here's how to fold your ugly sweater properly:

• Lay the sweater flat on a clean surface, such as a bed or table.
• Fold the sleeves of the sweater in toward the center of the sweater.
• Fold the sweater in half vertically, bringing the bottom of the sweater up to meet the top.
• Fold the sweater in half horizontally, bringing the bottom of the sweater up to the neckline.
• Gently tuck any embellishments or decorations on the sweater inside the folds.

Store Sweaters in a Dark, Cool, and Dry Place

When storing your ugly sweaters, it's important to choose the right place. Sweaters should be stored in a dark, cool, and dry place to prevent damage from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid storing sweaters in direct sunlight, which can cause fading and discoloration. A closet or dresser drawer is an ideal place to store your ugly sweaters. Avoid storing sweaters in plastic bags, as plastic can trap moisture and cause mold or mildew to grow.

Use Cedar Blocks or Lavender Pouches to Repel Moths

Moths can be a common problem for wool and cashmere sweaters. To prevent moths from damaging your ugly sweaters, use cedar blocks or lavender pouches to repel them. Cedar blocks can be placed in your closet or dresser drawer to repel moths. They are natural and safe for clothing, and their scent will keep moths away. Lavender pouches are also a natural moth repellent and can be hung in your closet or placed in your dresser drawer.

Rotate Your Sweaters

Rotating your sweaters is important to prevent creases and misshapenness from forming. When a sweater is worn and then folded and stored in the same way, it can cause permanent creases or stretching in the fabric. To avoid this, rotate your ugly sweaters every few weeks. This will give them a chance to "breathe" and will prevent creases from forming in the same place.

Avoid Storing Sweaters Near Heat or Light Sources

Heat and light can cause damage to your ugly sweaters, so it's important to store them away from these sources. Avoid storing your sweaters near radiators, heaters, or other heat sources, as this can cause the fibers to dry out and become brittle. Similarly, avoid storing your sweaters near windows or other sources of direct sunlight, as this can cause fading and discoloration.

Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper to Fill Sweaters

When storing your ugly sweaters for a long time, it's a good idea to fill them with acid-free tissue paper. This will help them maintain their shape and prevent creasing. To do this, simply stuff the sleeves and body of the sweater with acid-free tissue paper. This will help the sweater keep its shape while in storage.

Avoid Using Mothballs

While mothballs are effective at repelling moths, they are also toxic and can be harmful to humans and pets. Instead of using mothballs, opt for natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender pouches. If you must use mothballs, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and keep them away from children and pets.

Don't Store Sweaters in Plastic

Plastic can trap moisture and cause mold or mildew to grow on your ugly sweaters. Instead of storing your sweaters in plastic bags or containers, use cloth bags or clean pillowcases to protect them from dust and pests. This will allow the sweater to breathe and prevent mold or mildew from growing.