Will my fabric be damaged if I store it in my garage in a plastic bin away from direct sun light?

Question

Will my fabric be damaged if I store it in my garage in a plastic bin away from direct sun light?

Answer 1

Depends on the fabric. If it's something really important ,for example a wedding gown or something equally treasured, you aren't going to want to store it in a plastic box. Plastic can cause fabric to yellow. For special items, pack it in in acid free box with acid free paper in each fold or crease.

If it's something like drapes or clothes you don't wear, a plastic box should be okay. When you open it again it'll have that funky plastic smell,but should be okay.Just keep it out of the light like you mentioned.

Answer 2

Well many things come to play when it comes to how fabric can get damaged.

  The most detrimental is moisture, trapped moisture will result in mi ldew , mildew feeds on the actual fibers , and damaging them. If the fabric is put in the box with humid conditions and then trapped....

   If the box is not completely sealed than moisture can get it , and bugs. Silverfish love the starches and finishes put on some fabrics.

  You have not mentioned how long you want to store the fabric , if it is a long term situation ...over a few months , I would first suggest climate control area should be a high consideration for potential areas.

  Yes do keep it out of direct sunlight.

  One thing to keep in mind that storing fabric for a long term can be a problem for some fibers. Keeping them folded in the same place can create a permanent crease. ) I had this happen on a few pieces)

   Most fibers do best when they can breath, but if you must "air tight " to keep moisture out, not for too long a period of time, and consider prewashing to get rid of finishes. Consider the "space bag" where you can extract any moisture filled air.

Answer 3

Here's what I do when storing expensive fabric in my basement locker.

I wrap the fabric in clean brown paper, or clean newsprint paper, ( without the printing on it) I add a fabric softener sheet inside the fabric. Then I enclose it in a plastic bag and place in a clean cardboard box or a plastic storage bin.

good luck