Spring Wardrobe Refresh: How to Properly Clean and Store Winter Clothes

Spring has arrived in Houston, and that means it's time to rotate your wardrobe. But before you tuck away your coats, sweaters, and heavy fabrics until next winter, there's one critical step many people skip: professional cleaning before storage.

At River Oaks Cleaners, we've been helping Houston families care for their garments for over 35 years. Here's our guide to a proper spring wardrobe refresh.

Why Clean Before You Store?

It may seem counterintuitive to clean clothes you're about to put away, but storing garments with invisible stains, body oils, or perspiration residue is a recipe for disaster. These organic materials attract moths and other insects, and can permanently set as stains over the months they sit in storage — making them nearly impossible to remove by fall.

What to Dry Clean Before Storage

• Wool coats and blazers — Even if they look clean, body oils accumulate in collar and cuff areas
• Cashmere and merino sweaters — Moth larvae are drawn to the natural fibers and any food residue
• Down jackets and comforters — Proper cleaning restores loft and removes odor-causing bacteria
• Formal wear — Tuxedos, gowns, and suits should always be cleaned before seasonal storage
• Leather and suede — These require conditioning treatment to prevent cracking during storage

Proper Storage Tips

Once your garments are professionally cleaned, storage is the next step:

• Use breathable garment bags — Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture and cause yellowing. Cotton or fabric garment bags allow air circulation
• Cedar over mothballs — Cedar blocks and hangers naturally deter moths without the harsh chemical smell of mothballs
• Fold knits, hang structured pieces — Heavy sweaters should be folded to prevent stretching; blazers and coats keep their shape best on quality hangers
• Cool, dry, dark storage — Avoid attics and garages where temperature and humidity fluctuate. A closet or under-bed storage in a climate-controlled room is ideal in Houston's humid climate

Houston-Specific Considerations

Houston's high humidity creates unique challenges for garment storage. Mold and mildew can develop on fabrics stored in humid conditions. We recommend using silica gel packets in storage areas and ensuring garments are completely dry before storing — another reason professional cleaning and pressing before storage is worth it.

Our Spring Refresh Service

Bring your winter wardrobe to any of our 9 Houston locations for professional cleaning before storage. We offer pickup and delivery service throughout the Houston area — perfect for busy spring schedules. Let us handle the detail work so your clothes emerge from storage next fall looking as good as the day you put them away.

Ready to refresh your wardrobe? Schedule a free pickup or visit your nearest River Oaks Cleaners location today.