Airtight storage

[Mikilt]

Rabble,
We had a recent thread on moth abatement. I have since taken steps to better protect my woolen goods. Breathable storage, plenty of cedar, etc.

My question is about airtight storage. I just purchased some tartan that I plan to have made into a kilt at a later date. I have an air/watertight container that I am considering using to store it. Is this wise? Would I be better off storing it with my other wool?

Thanks,

Michael

[unixken]

For new, un-used/un-worn fabric, I would think you would be ok with air-tight storage, as long as the container (plastic of some sort?) doesn't out-gas some kind of vapor, or leach some kind of chemical compound into the fabric directly (or into the trapped air space), that could cause harm to the fabric over the long term. I would wrap the fabric in some kind of fabric-safe tissue to prevent direct contact of the fabric with the plastic, and periodic inspection of the fabric to ensure no long term surprises.

For things like finished kilts that have been worn, I would recommend a good professional cleaning (or thorough wash, rinse, and dry) first, and then a full day or two to air out before placement in the container, so that cleaning agents, or evaporations from sweat and body oils, don't get trapped in the container.

[Mikilt]

Thanks, Ken.

I have confidence in the container, but thanks for the tip about wrapping the cloth in a fabric-safe tissue. Can't be too careful.

[unixken]

You might also speak to a dry cleaner who specifically does storage/preservation of wedding gowns, for any further recommendations.

[WillowEstate]

You might also want to consider tossing in a few small sachets of silica gell to absorb any moisture that might be in the container when you seal it. Varying temperatures can induce condensation. I got a whole box of sachets from an electronics supply store for our packing cases when we moved down here and they kept everything nicely dry. The fabric packets are slightly better than the paper ones, in my experience.

[Mikilt]

You might also want to consider tossing in a few small sachets of silica gell to absorb any moisture that might be in the container when you seal it. Varying temperatures can induce condensation. I got a whole box of sachets from an electronics supply store for our packing cases when we moved down here and they kept everything nicely dry. The fabric packets are slightly better than the paper ones, in my experience.

Good idea. I made some calls to electronics stores but none of them sold the packets. I found some on Amazon for just $4.

[Hawk]

Just a suggestion, concerning the small silica packages, if you are really nice to the Hardware/Tool Associates at your local Home Depot, you can ask them for a few packets out of their Tool Belt and Leather Belt area boxes. Once they empty the boxes of merchandise they throw the packets away......

Hawk

[Mikilt]

I just read the following:
http://www.garmentcare.info/maintain...rage_tips.html

It suggests that airtight storage is not ideal and that I ought to just wrap the wool in tissue paper and store it in a breathable box with some cedar. Actually, it suggests mothballs, but I am not going there. I don't live in an excessively humid climate, so I am not certain that silica gel would make a difference.

Interesting.