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With warmer summertime weather at hand, storing
those lovely throw blankets that kept everyone cozy and warm through the winter
is a great and practical idea. However, storing blankets with care will ensure
that those throw blankets will be in top condition for their next use. Whether
cashmere, cotton or wool, storing throw blankets in low-humidity environments is
best. For more on each particular type, see below.
Storing
Cashmere
When storing blankets made of the glorious
cashmere, know that cashmere should be stored fresh and clean. Resist the
temptation to store cashmere throw blankets without giving them a good cleanse
first. Follow care instructions on the label. Some cashmere throws may be hand
washed in lukewarm water with special laundry detergent such as Le Blanc linen
wash, but double check the label. A dry-clean-only label means what it says:
dry clean only!
Cashmere likes to breathe, so storing cashmere
throws or cashmere sweaters in muslin, canvas, cotton or linen storage bags (see
link below) is recommended. Avoid any air-tight packaging. Because cashmere
likes air circulation, storing cashmere throw blankets on a linen closet shelf
is best.
Moths love both cashmere and wool, so purchase
a moth deterrent, preferably kept in a sachet and placed next to the cashmere
throw blankets, to ensure that moths do not consume the beloved cashmere throw
blankets before anyone else has the pleasure of using them again. Cedar blocks
and mothballs work well. Many new natural moth deterrents are available as
well.
Storing
Cotton
Cotton throw blankets, happily, do not
generally attract the attention of moths. As noted in an eHow article on moths
and cotton by Elizabeth Tumbarello, moths are inclined to animal-based fibers –
like the beloved cashmere and exceptional wool – and not to vegetable fibers
such as cotton. Hence, moth repellents are not a necessity when it comes to
cotton.
Cotton throw blankets are best washed and dried
thoroughly before storage. Storing cotton blankets in linen bags is recommended
to keep dust at bay. Also, placing the linen bags on a shelf with a scented
shelf liner is a nice way to keep your cotton throw blankets smelling fresh till
their next use.
Storing
Wool
Wool throw blankets are wonderful, but they do
attract the attention of moths. Therefore, thoroughly washing wool throw
blankets prior to storage is a must. Any kind of soil tends to attract
additional attention. Finding a good moth repellent is essential when storing
blankets made from wool. Place the repellent next to the wool throw blanket to
avoid any damage to the fabric from essential oils or other agents that might
cause discoloration of the wool.
Wool also prefers to breathe, so avoid storing
wool blankets in plastic containers. Store wool throw blankets in cotton or
linen bags to keep air circulating through the wool throw blanket fibers.
Again, lining the shelf with a fresh scented liner may be a nice way to keep the
wool throw blanket fresh until its next use.
For linen storage bags and other storage
solutions, click below:
http://shop.everythinghangers.com/ecommerce/products/everythinghangers/linen-storage-bag.html
For a cool site with additional storage and
household tips:
http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/2008/07/closet-organiza.html
For scented shelf liners or for more
information on luxury bedding, visit our sister site, Elegant Linens:
www.elegantlinenspc.com
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