Quick answer: To store winter clothes, first wash or clean everything, then dry it completely in the sun. Fold sweaters and shawls instead of hanging them, hang coats and jackets on wide hangers, and pack woollens in breathable cotton bags or boxes with dried neem leaves, cloves or cedar to keep moths away. Store them in a cool, dry place and air them once or twice before next winter, especially after the monsoon.
In most Indian homes, winter clothes spend eight or nine months packed away in a trunk, a loft or the top of a cupboard, through summer heat and a long, humid monsoon. That is exactly when moths, mould and musty smells do their damage. A little care when packing them away means your sweaters, shawls and jackets come out next winter looking and smelling the way they went in.
Step 1: Clean everything before you store it
Never store winter clothes that have been worn, even once. Moths and other fabric pests are drawn to sweat, body oils, food spills and dead skin, not to clean fabric. Stains that go into storage also set over the months and become much harder to remove.
- Wash sweaters, thermals, socks and caps at home on a gentle cycle in cold water. See how to wash woollen clothes at home.
- Wash puffer and padded jackets following our guide on how to wash a puffer jacket at home.
- Send fine pashminas, embroidered shawls and tailored coats for dry cleaning.
- Wash razais, quilts and blankets too. Our razai and quilt guide explains how.
Mentioned in this guide
Lavender & Geranium Plant-Based Laundry Liquid, Bio-Enzyme, for Machine & Hand WashPlant-based · 100% biodegradable · Lab tested
Rs. 480.00Rs. 800.00
Step 2: Dry everything completely
Even slight dampness in a closed trunk can lead to mould, yellow marks and a musty smell that is hard to remove. After washing, dry clothes fully, then give them a few hours in the sun on a dry day before packing. Turn dark woollens inside out in the sun so the colour does not fade.
Step 3: Fold or hang the right way
- Fold sweaters, cardigans, woollen kurtas and shawls. Hanging knitwear for months stretches the shoulders and neck out of shape.
- Hang coats, blazers and jackets on wide, sturdy hangers so they keep their shape.
- Roll thermals, socks, caps and mufflers to save space.
- Put heavy items at the bottom and light, delicate ones on top so nothing gets crushed.
- For special shawls and pashminas, fold them loosely with a sheet of plain white tissue or muslin between the folds to stop sharp creases.
Step 4: Choose breathable storage
Woollens and natural fabrics need a little air. Sealed plastic bags and airtight boxes can trap moisture during the monsoon, which leads to mould and smell. Better options:
- Cotton storage bags or old cotton bedsheets wrapped around the clothes.
- Breathable fabric storage boxes.
- Clean metal trunks or suitcases lined with a cotton cloth.
Vacuum bags save space and work well for synthetic jackets and duvets, but avoid them for fine wool and down for long periods, as compressing them for months can flatten the fibres.
Step 5: Keep moths away naturally
Clothes moths and silverfish like dark, quiet, undisturbed places. Natural repellents that many Indian homes have used for generations work well when the clothes are already clean:
- Dried neem leaves in small muslin pouches between layers.
- Cloves, bay leaves or dried lavender tied in a cloth.
- Cedar wood blocks or balls, refreshed with light sanding each year.
Keep these in pouches rather than loose, so they do not mark the fabric. Naphthalene balls are effective but have a strong smell and are toxic if swallowed, so if you use them, keep them away from children's clothes and out of reach of kids and pets, and never let them touch the fabric directly.
Step 6: Pick the right spot
Store winter clothes in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid outer walls that get damp in the monsoon, spaces next to bathrooms, and lofts directly under a hot roof. Before packing, wipe the inside of the cupboard or trunk with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner and let it dry fully with the doors open. A small sachet of silica gel or a bowl of charcoal inside the cupboard can help absorb moisture.
Step 7: Check and air them during the year
Once or twice during the year, especially after the monsoon, open your storage on a dry, sunny day. Take the clothes out, shake them, check for moth damage or damp, and air them for a few hours before packing them back with fresh neem leaves or cloves.
Getting winter clothes ready to wear again
When winter comes back, air everything in the sun for a few hours to remove the stored smell. Shake out jackets and pat the filling to bring back the puff. Most clothes stored clean will only need airing, not a full wash. For pilling that has appeared, see how to remove pilling from sweaters.
What we use
We wash our winter clothes before storage with our Plant Based Laundry Liquid, which dissolves easily in cold water and is gentle on skin, and wipe down cupboards and trunks with our Glass & Multi-Surface Cleaner. Both are plant-based, 100% biodegradable and independently lab tested. For the full season, see our winter clothes care guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wash winter clothes before storing them?
Yes. Moths and insects are attracted to sweat, body oils and food stains. Clean clothes are far less likely to be damaged in storage.
Is it OK to store woollens in plastic bags?
For short periods, yes, but for the long, humid Indian summer and monsoon, breathable cotton bags or boxes are better, because plastic can trap moisture.
What can I use instead of naphthalene balls?
Dried neem leaves, cloves, bay leaves, dried lavender or cedar wood, kept in small cloth pouches, are common natural alternatives.
How do I get the musty smell out of stored winter clothes?
Air them in the sun for a few hours. If the smell stays, wash them gently and dry them fully before wearing, and check that your storage space is dry.
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