All types of clothing’s, whether it is household linens or personal clothing, in order to last long, look fresh and pleasing, need, a lot of care, not only while washing and finishing, but also while storing these clothes.

All types of clothing’s, whether it is household linens or personal clothing, in order to last long, look fresh and pleasing, need, a lot of care, not only while washing and finishing, but also while storing these clothes. The greater the care we take of them, the longer they will last and better they will serve. The action of dust and dirt in the presence of moisture (perspiration) friction (wear) and grease (body contact) has a very deteriorating effect on clothes. The amount of destruction of garments made to animal fibers by clothes- moths and other insects is sufficient to make its prevention of first-rate importance. Hence, the following are some important rules, usually followed to avoid damage of the different types of clothing’s:

1. Brush garments thoroughly by emptying out pockets, shaking well and airing in the sun to kill the grubs and keep the moths away before storing.

2. Garments which have been worn should not be put away until they have been thoroughly aired. Cupboards, boxes, almirahas and clothes- chosets should be aired frequently. The storage space on the whole should be a cool, dry place away from dust and dirt.

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3. Washable garments should be laundered frequently. Woolen coats, suits and shawls should be sponged and pressed. Garments which cannot be laundered should be dry cleaned occasionally and then can be stored.

4. While storing the suites and overcoats, it should be hung away on cloth hangers. Make sure that the shoulders sit properly on the hanger and to keep their shape much better, if they are stuffed with tissue paper.

5. While storing the colored garments, keep those in dark closets having the facilities of frequent airing, as light often fades the colour of fabrics.

6. The garments should not be damp at the time of storing it, as presence of moisture causes mildew, which penetrates in to the fiber, changes its colour and may even cause it to fall to pieces. This can be easily prevented by brushing the garments each time after wearing and hanging and storing it away in a dry place in a perfectly dry condition.

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7. While storing the woolen clothes, special care should be taken to protect the fabric from destructive insects. The moth grubs feed upon wool fabrics, carpets, furs and feathers.

8. By the use of naphthalene balls, neem leaves and other insecticides inside the storage space will go a long way in protecting the clothes from being attacked by moths, insects and mildew.

9. It is better to pack each article of clothing in polythene bags separately before storing.

10. Never store starched clothes for a long time.

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11. Safety pins should always be removed from garments when they are stored in order to prevent the clothes from getting rusted.

It is not only the responsibility of the housewife to take care of the clothes of all the members of the family and the household linens commonly used by all, but also every family members must have some knowledge of taking care of their own clothes.