Storing heirloom linens properly will keep them beautiful for years to come.

Difficulty Level: easy      Time Required: 5 minutes per item

1. Store linens laying flat if possible and avoid folds since they stress the fabric.
2. If they must be folded, use acid-free tissue or muslin to cushion the folds.
3. Smaller linens can be stored by rolling them onto cardboard tubes wrapped with several layers of acid-free tissue or muslin.
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, they don't allow air circulation and trap mildew causing moisture along and produce static electricity which attracts dust.

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.
   

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