How To Store Old Linens

Here's How:

1. Store linens laying flat, if possible. Avoiding folds helps to decrease stress and protect the fabric.
2. If linens must be folded due to space constraints, use acid-free tissue paper or muslin to cushion the folds.
3. Smaller linens can be stored by rolling them onto cardboard tubes (tubes saved from paper towel rolls and aluminum foil work well) wrapped with several layers of acid-free tissue or muslin. Old linens should not come into direct contact with cardboard.
4. Wrap linens with acid-free tissue or muslin to protect them, especially if stored in ordinary cardboard, paper, metal or wood boxes.
5. Keep in mind that unsealed wood containers, such as cedar chests, will eventually stain cloth items.
6. Avoid plastic boxes that don't allow air circulation and may trap mildew causing moisture. If you do place linens in a air-tight plastic container, make sure they are completely dry beforehand.

Tips:

1. Refold linens occasionally to distribute wear and minimize damage.
2. Ordinary cardboard, paper, metal and wood will deteriorate textiles with direct contact.
3. To reverse staining, especially from wood, expensive treatments by a professional may be needed.

What You Need

• Acid-free tissue
• Muslin
• Cardboard rolls