Everything About Knit Garment Storage: Complete Guide to Preventing Stretching, Pilling, and Moths

🧶 The Enemies of Knits: Stretching and Pilling! Complete Guide to Storing Winter Knits Like New for a Long Time

Knit garments are excellent for warmth and easy to style, but they are sensitive materials that are prone to stretching, pilling, or moth attacks if stored incorrectly. Especially during the long-term storage process when seasons change, much deformation and damage occur. We share the know-how for perfectly preserving expensive cashmere or wool knits until the next season.

🔑 3 Core Essentials for Long-Term Knit Storage: Washing, Drying, Pressure Blockage

The key is to thoroughly block the main culprits that ruin knits: moisture, dust, and pressure.

💡 3-Step Perfect Formula for Long-Term Knit Storage

1. 🧼 'Thorough Washing' Before Storage (Essential):

• Use Neutral Detergent: Knits must be washed using a neutral detergent like wool shampoo via hand washing or the wool cycle in a mesh bag. (Alkaline detergents damage the fibers.)
• Pill Removal: After washing and before storage, use a fabric shaver to remove pills in advance to make the garment look new when worn next.
• Odor/Stain Removal: Storing clothes in the state they were worn in can attract moths due to sweat, sebum, and food odors, so they must be thoroughly cleaned.

2. 🌬️ 'Perfect Drying' (Moisture Blockage):

• Dry Flat: Knits absorb water and become heavy, making them prone to stretching. Do not hang them; they must be laid flat on a drying rack or on a towel on the floor to dry completely.
• Tip: It is crucial to dry them thoroughly in a well-ventilated area for 2–3 days until all moisture is completely removed. (The outside may feel dry, but moisture may remain inside.)

3. 📦 'Folding and Storing' (Preventing Stretching):

• Absolutely No Hangers: Hanging knits on hangers causes the shoulders to stretch or the garment's shape to deform.
• Folding Method: Carefully fold the knit into a rectangular shape for storage.
• Storage Container: Store them in a breathable non-woven fabric box or a vacuum compression bag (do not compress severely). Plastic bags block moisture but lack ventilation, which can cause mold.

🐛 Moth Prevention Measures

• Use Moth Repellents: Place moth repellents (naphthalene, natural repellents) in the knit storage box to prevent moth access. Moth repellents should not touch the fibers directly, so wrap them in paper or hang them.
• Charcoal or Newspaper: Placing newspaper at the bottom of the closet or storage box or adding charcoal to absorb moisture is also a good method.