Mould is something that British households become familiar with at this time of year - but did you know that it can also appear on your clothes?
During the cold months, it is understandable to keep the windows shut to stop any precious heat from escaping. But this warm air converts to water droplets and dampens interiors and this includes fabrics.
When it comes to mould, it is important to prevent growth before it gets out of control. Luckily, the tailoring experts at Suit Direct have revealed the simple step that will keep your garments pristine.
According to the specialists, using a water-repellent spray on your clothes will give them a protective, moisture, resistant later. The solution, commonly used by campers and hikers, costs just £5.33 on Amazon.
To use, spray it all over the outside of your clothes before storing them in your wardrobe. For an added layer of protection, they also recommend using silica gel packets.
The small sachets contain a powdered drying agent which soaks up moisture wherever they’re placed, so they can easily fit into jacket and trouser pockets. They are sold in packs of 50 for £5 on Amazon.
Once grown, mould can be difficult to shift, as it needs to be chemically treated to stop it from returning. What's worse is you may not even realise that your clothes are riddled with spores until it's too late.
Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, said: “When investing money into quality suits and formalwear, shoppers want their garments to have as long of a life span as possible. Though we can’t predict damp problems occurring in the home, we can do our best to protect our garments with the right care.”
“Although clothing storage and care might seem like a laborious process, keeping up these simple care habits can have long term benefits when it comes to the lifespan of your tailoring.”
The next time you need an outfit for a special occasion, you may have to resort to footing costly dry cleaning bills to quickly remedy the problem. However there are a number of other steps you can take to keep your clothes mould and mildew free.
Air dry in a cool, dry place
Although some shirts and suit trousers can be tumble-dried, the best method to protect your clothing against damp is to air dry them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
Always make sure the area is properly ventilated as damp clothing is a hotbed for mould.
To hold the shape of your garments, use a wide, sturdy wooden hanger with rounded edges. Trousers should be placed on a clipped wooden hanger. When air-drying, never cram clothing together as they won’t ventilate properly and may leave a musty smell.
Store your garments in a cloth suit cover
To protect your garments from moths and mildew, store them in a breathable cloth suit cover.
Always avoid plastic covers as they can trap in moisture and leave your clothes smelling damp. Hang clothing in a cool, dry, clean, and dark wardrobe. If you have several outfits, ensure that you space them out evenly inside the closet to prevent creasing.
For extra moth and mould prevention, place a few cedar blocks or sachets of lavender in your wardrobe. For those items of clothing you aren’t wearing regularly, use vacuum bags to seal out the moisture while minimising the amount of space they take up in your wardrobe.
Brush up well and invest in a suit brush
Over time dust and debris can sneak their way into the fibres of suits and shirts, which can cause odour or moths to take advantage.
As a suit-wearer, the most important investment you can make is a suit brush. A wood-handed brush with natural bristles is the best choice.
Simply brush the fabric in a downward motion to remove any dust, dead skin, hair, or food particles. Follow it up with a lint roller for a spotless clean.
Invest in a dehumidifier
If you’re looking to future proof your home from mould issues, dehumidifiers are a worthwhile investment.
A good dehumidifier will draw excess moisture from the air, preventing conditions that favour mould growth. As a bonus, a dehumidifier will help to remove any musty smells, commonly found in damp and humid spaces.
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