**How to Store Quilts, Blankets, and Other Sheets**

On a hot summer day, the last thing you want to do in bed is a heavy, warm blanket. When putting away sheets for the season, be sure to store them properly to protect them from dust, dirt, insects, mold and damage.
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If you're used to stuffing comforters in plastic bags and storing them in the garage, it's time to stop. Here's what you need to know about storing leaves.

Start with clean and dry bedding
Before putting away your duvets, duvets and duvets, they should ideally be clean, but definitely dry. If you wash blankets or sheets before storing, make sure they are completely dry and free of residual moisture that could lead to mold growth.
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Keep these tips in mind when washing your sheets:
Gently wash bedding in cold water. Too hot water can damage the fabric. Use a small amount of mild detergent, as too much soap can harden the sheets.
Dry the leaves in a large enough dryer on medium-low heat. To make sure the quilt dries evenly, use a dryer ball to prevent the fabric from wrinkling.
Do not overfill the dryer. Let the air in the bedroom expand. Dry one sheet at a time, do not fill the dryer more than halfway.
Immediately remove the sheets from the dryer. This step ensures that you don't keep any folded sheets.
Allow some bedding to air dry. Some fabrics may require air drying or absolutely no heat. When in doubt, check the label.
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Best storage conditions
Ideally, sheets should be stored neatly folded on a shelf in the closet. This ensures your duvet breathes as much air as possible, preventing mould, mildew and unpleasant musty smells. This should be your default way of storing your quilt.

Unfortunately, some of us don't have enough room to have that much, so we put the sheets away.
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As a general rule, your sheets should be kept as far away from the shed, attic, or garage as possible. They want to avoid humidity, rats and bugs, and these places are often home to all three.

Consider the following bedding storage options:
Cotton storage bag. These pockets keep bugs and dust out, but allow air to circulate. If you don't have a bag, wrap quilts and other sheets in cotton before storing.
Quilt hanger. These are great for hanging items like heirloom quilts and allow air to flow through the fabric.
Acid-free box and paper towels. This option is ideal for long-term storage. Wrap tissue between each layer to prevent wrinkling and tissue bleeding.

Here are some creative ways to store blankets:
Linen wardrobe. Maximize space by keeping your laundry closet organized.
under the bed. Make your own storage solution under the bed.
attic. Just make sure there's enough airflow there and it's not too hot.
Storage baskets and stools. Hide your bedding with functional furniture.
under the shelf basket. Create extra space under the shelf in the closet.
Closet or chest of drawers. Use large-format furniture in hallways.

Laundry Storage Tips:
Use a vacuum bag. These are suitable for synthetic, wool or cotton duvets. If you have a duvet, be sure to leave some air in the vacuum bag.
Store by weight. When you fold the blankets and place them on the rack, place the heavier blankets on the bottom. Do not store anything on the comforter.
Store sheets in pillowcases. To assemble the sheet, fold the sheet and place it in a matching pillowcase.

rescue package
OK, so you don't have room in a linen closet or any other closet. The second best option is to place the quilt under the bed. Be sure to use a storage bag to protect your bedding from dust (which accumulates under the bed).

Cotton bags are the best option because they keep dust and bugs out, but also allow moisture to escape. Another option is a vacuum storage bag. These are fine for most beds, with a few exceptions, which I'll detail below.
Whatever you do, stay away from plastic trash bags. Because they are not airtight, they can let in moisture and then trap it, causing mold and mildew.

Duvet

Aside from folding it on a shelf, the best way to store your quilt is in a large cotton bag so it can breathe and doesn't compress too much.

With a goose down duvet, you want to protect your feathers from getting crushed in storage. Crushed, damaged feathers can cause the duvet to roll up and not keep you warm. The easiest way to avoid this is to not store anything on the duvet.
The same problem applies to storing duvets in vacuum bags. Compressing the duvet can damage the springs.
Vacuum bags can be avoided as long as you leave some air in the bag so you don't fully compress the spring. When you remove the quilt from storage, be sure to shake and loosen the quilt to help it regain its loft.
Alternative duvets for synthetic or down
Cotton or polyester duvets feel safe in a vacuum-sealed storage bag. They're instantly rejuvenated when you're ready to use them again. Before putting them in the bag, make sure they are clean and completely dry, and insert a tea towel to keep them fresh.
Quilt
Quilts and comforters that you buy from the store are OK under the same storage conditions as above. With handmade quilts, you should take extra care to protect them for future generations.

If you have closet space, buy a duvet stand. This allows your duvet to breathe and is good for short-term storage if you change your bedding every few months. Alternatively, you can fold the quilt, wrap it in cotton, and store it on a closet shelf.For extra special quilts or long-term storage, use an acid-free box and acid-free paper towels. Fold the quilt to fit the box, and place crumpled tissues in the folds to prevent them from flattening and creating permanent creases. Also, slide tissue paper between each layer to prevent dye transfer to the fabric.

Vacuum bag
Protect blankets and pillows with vacuum storage bags to reduce the space needed to store them. If you own a vacuum with a hose attachment, these durable polyester and nylon bags create an airtight seal to keep dust, bugs, mold and odors out of your sheets during storage. Put the folded blanket or pillow in the bag and seal the plastic zipper. Insert the tube into the valve, turn on the vacuum, remove all air and close the valve cap of the bag. Make your own vacuum storage bag out of plastic trash bags. Put blankets and pillows in the trash bag and pick up the open end with one hand. Insert the vacuum cleaner nozzle into the bag until the contents are compacted. Seal the bag with packing tape or tie a knot at the open end.
Cedar Box
Wooden boxes lined with fragrant cedar wood are a practical solution for storing blankets and pillows. Cedarwood oil acts as a natural moth and insect repellant, making it suitable for storing natural fiber bedding. Cedar wood can lose its potency without regular maintenance. Before packing the sheets, lightly sand the inside of the cedar box to stimulate the wood's oils and restore the scent.
Plastic container with lid
Plastic containers with lids are readily available and come in a variety of sizes. They are especially good for storing synthetic blankets and stuffed pillows. Plastic containers keep sheets clean and allergen-free. The under-bed box design keeps the ceiling out of sight. Larger bins can be used to store bulky blankets and pillows in the basement, attic, or rented storage space.
Cardboard Moving Box
This budget-friendly storage option may not provide the same protection for your blankets and pillows as other storage methods, but it's more than enough in a pinch. Buy or find oversized moving boxes and fill them with heavy duty lawn and leaf debris bags. Line the inside bottom of the bag with wrapping paper. Put the folded blanket and pillow into the bag, squeeze out as much air as possible and secure with zipper.
Important Notes
Wash or dry clean items before storing. Even seemingly harmless substances, like body oils, can permanently stain or damage fabrics. Properly cleaned and packaged sheets will stay fresh and ready to use after prolonged storage. Store duvets and pillows in a breathable cotton bag, or roll them up into a large sheet for storage. Use the manufacturer's bag or purchase the correct size stretcher. Never store duvets in vacuum bags. Prolonged compression can damage fragile down tufts and reduce insulation. Make sure your storage environment is as dry as possible to avoid mold growth. Place storage containers on separate racks or in plastic wrap in damp areas. Thoroughly dry washed blankets and pillows before packing and storing.
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