Storing your bedding properly is key to extending its lifespan and keeping it fresh and cozy. Whether you’re changing out your bedding for the season or just storing extra blankets and sheets, here’s how to store bedding for future use!
How to Wash Bedding for Storage
The first step to storing comforters, bed sheets, and blankets is ensuring that they’re as clean as possible to prevent fabric damage, mold, mildew, and musty odors. Especially with vintage quilts or comforters, be sure to check the tags for care instructions—while many comforters are machine washable, those made of delicate materials like silk, wool, cashmere, and down may require dry cleaning.
If you can machine wash your bedding, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Wash your bedding in cold water on a delicate cycle, using only a small amount of gentle detergent to protect the fabric and prevent stiffness.
- Dry the bedding on low heat, using dryer balls to prevent bunching and promote even drying.
- Don’t overstuff the dryer—leave it half-full for better airflow. Larger comforters may need multiple cycles, so dry thinner bedding like sheets separately.
- Immediately remove the bedding from the dryer to prevent wrinkles, then ensure that the fabric has cooled down and completely dried before storing it away.
- Air-dry delicate fabrics as recommended by the care tags. Consider drying white bedding in the sun to naturally deodorize and bleach it.
How to Fold Bedding Sets for Storage
Since comforters are bulkier than other sheets and blankets, it’s important to properly fold them before storing to save space and keep your home organized. Here are a few tips for how to fold your entire bedding set for ease of storage:
- Fold a fitted sheet with the KonMari folding method so it lays flat on a shelf or in a drawer.
- Maximize space by storing folded sheet sets inside their matching pillowcases.
- Fold heavy comforters in half length-wise, roll them up, and tie them off with a ribbon to keep them secure.
- Roll down and feather comforters loosely before storing the roll vertically to avoid bunching and compression.
- If stacking bedding sets, place heavier comforters on the bottom for better support.
Where to Store Bedding
Store bedding in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space—avoiding areas like attics or basements with extreme temperatures. You should also try to avoid using plastic wrap, as it traps moisture, encouraging mold and odors. Instead, use cedar blocks or silica gel packets in storage containers to absorb moisture and deter pests. Rotate your bedding periodically to prevent mustiness from long-term storage. For neat and organized linens, here are the best places to store your bedding, from classic to decorative solutions.
Closets
Closet storage is the go-to option for storing bedding. Designate a shelf or section of a coat closet or your main closet for neatly folded sheets, comforters and blankets. Avoid storing them in bathroom closets due to the humidity of the room and lack of full circulation. Alternative ideas for closet comforter storage include using labeled bins, dividers, or comforter hangers—which can also be used to neatly store heavy blankets and duvets without compressing them or taking up shelf space.
Hidden Bedroom Storage
There are many hidden bedroom storage ideas that can create space for your stored bedding if you don’t have a lot of extra closet space. For example, storage benches and under-bed storage are perfect for keeping comforters, heavy blankets, and sheets within reach, yet out of sight. If you’re storing your bedding long-term, vacuum-sealed bags, canvas bags, and fabric storage bins are typically small enough to fit under beds or inside armoires or cubbies.
Alternative Storage Ideas
If traditional or hidden storage ideas aren’t feasible, there are still plenty of bedding storage solutions that can help keep your home organized:
- Cedar chests: Cedar chests help protect bedding from pests and odors while giving your home a charming flair.
- Baskets: Stylish woven baskets can be mounted or placed near walls, closets, or beds to double as decor and keeping your linens accessible.
- Spare drawers in guest rooms: Store extra bedding sets in unused dresser drawers to save closet space and keep guest bedding conveniently located.
- Climate-controlled storage unit: If you’re moving, renovating, or short on space, a climate-controlled storage unit—ideally with humidity control—helps keep your stored bedding protected, accessible, and out of the way.
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