How to Store and Care For Winter Bedding in the Summer Months

The summertime is all about playing outside, taking summer trips to exotic locations, excursions into the great outdoors and long days relaxing on the beach.

The summer is also all about relaxation – and in order to sleep soundly you need a bed that’s not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

So what should you do with your warm duvets, heavy blankets and wool during these warm summer months? Storing them properly is essential to maintaining their longevity, avoiding smell as well as damage so they’re ready to go once the temperature drops and winter sets in again.

The good news? You don’t need ample linen closet space to make this happen effectively! There are plenty of alternative storage options available that will achieve the same result.

First things first, you’re going to want everything to be super clean when you put it in storage. You should be washing your comforter way less than your bedding – as exposure to water and moisture aggravates it. Wash your sheets more than your actual bedding to decrease the need to wash larger, bulkier items.

When laundering bedding these are the best tips to follow.

Use cold water and a delicate wash cycle.
Make sure your dryer is big enough to fit your comforter – if not take it to a laundromat to avoid damage.
Be sure to use low to medium heat when drying.
Don’t put too much into the dryer as it can damage both items in extreme circumstances. A dryer should never be more than halfway full. Plus, you want to leave enough room for your comforter to fluff up again! Dry your sheets separately and remove everything from the dryer as soon as its done. This will avoid wrinkling and other wear and tear.
Check the label! Some bedding requires hand wash or dry cleaning only – follow these instructions carefully for best results. Above all, the manufacturer knows best.

After you’ve cleaned everything – storing properly is your second step to success and protecting your bedding from mold, mildew, damage, wear and tear and critters for years to come.

Here are some steps to follow for optimal storage:

Let It Breathe

Allow the fabric to breathe and avoid tight plastic bags that constrain fabric and make it a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Some alternative storage options include cotton storage bags, comforter hangers, or acid-free boxes with tissue paper.

Avoid Damp Storage Areas

Humidity is the ultimate thing to be avoided here – do not leave valuable bedding exposed to the elements in these hot summer months.

Explore Creative Storage Places

Storing them in a linen closet, under the bed, or in the attic will certainly do the trick, but decorative storage baskets, ottomans, or hidden in armoires also works!
Storage doesn’t have to be boring and don’t worry if you feel like you don’t have enough of it! There’s always a way to find more space somehow. Make it fun and add a decorative element to your home in the process.

Fold Properly

Folding properly is the key to using storage efficiently!
Make sure you don’t stack blankets on top of comforters that are made with goose or down feathers as it can crush them and create bunches within the comforter
Roll blankets into a ball and tie with a ribbon if needed to avoid this effect, thus making them easier to access and use

Tips for Freshness

Place a few dryer sheets within the piles of bedding before it’s stored – this will keep it fresh for longer while it’s in storage
DIY odor absorber – combine baking soda with a few drops of essential oil in a jar, punch some holes in the top and place it in your linen closet or bedding storage area for prime freshness
Hang blankets in the sun! Once you remove your blankets from storage and launder them fully dry them on a clothesline on a bright sunny day. The sun acts as a deodorizer and kills bacteria that causes odors.

Take a few extra steps now and save your bedding from potential damage in these long glorious months of summer when you don’t need it! Once you want to get cozy again and protect from the chill, they’ll be ready.