Fabric storage
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,071
I've seen rotted cotton fabric in a plastic tote twice. And I ruined the quilt my grandmother gave me when I was eight, by putting it in a plastic garbage bag and storing it in a storage unit for about a year. These were both in California. I wonder if heat and moisture play a part in it.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 696
I took the drill and drilled holes near the handles on both sides of my big ones, down to my little ones. I certainly do not want any problems. All of mine are in rooms in the house. Most of my fabric is on the shelves in my closet, and my quilts are in suit cases under the beds. I put a washed sheet in first to line the case and then folded the sheet to cover the quilts. When I houseclean, the cases come out and opened. Just a suggestion for those who need a hiding place for your quilts. Merry Christmas everyone.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 777
I have been told by those who have had chemistry that all plastic (hard or soft) outgasses, as in that"new car" smell. I use banker's boxes, lined with freezer paper and then with cloth around the fabric bundles. Perhaps we have some chemists on the board?
Hugs,
Charlotte
Hugs,
Charlotte
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lake Stevens, WA
Posts: 1,914
Having used both at the same time, I have noticed that cardboard boxes on the floor of the closet are more likely to pick up odors (mustiness) than plastic tubs. I have even stored fabric in a plastic tub OUTSIDE, while the sewing room got painted, and forgotten it for over a month without the fabric having any problems.
I do prefer the flexibility of cardboard boxes for cramming in more fabric in a limited space but plastic keeps it cleaner and (I think) neater.
I do prefer the flexibility of cardboard boxes for cramming in more fabric in a limited space but plastic keeps it cleaner and (I think) neater.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: South East Michigan...at the bottom of the thumb!
Posts: 730
I have no problem with plastic storage totes. Mine are in the basement where I sew, it is a really dry basement so moisture is not a problem. I have a large amount of fabric in my mothers old cedar chest, I completely lined it with a stick on shelf lining product and have not experienced any problems yet. I have to wonder about the fumes from the cedar. At this time I do not have an option for other storage....but may need to rethink the chest.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Horse Country, FL
Posts: 7,341
My only thought to add anything to the conversation is that roaches love cardboard and paper of any kind. Also, those garbage bags deteriorate rather quickly. My stash is in a utility room with a dehumidifier. So far, so good. Need to quit buying fabric, though!
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
My stash is in clear totes. I get into them enough they do get air. Opened one of the totes the other day and there was a bit of a slight odor. Found a remnant with a wrap around tag, I had overlooked. Looked through the tote again and found another also. took them both out and washed in hot water then threw into a hot dryer. No more odor. Had a couple packets of silica gel and tossed them in to help absorb any odor or moisture. Does make a difference in prewashing. Just had a bit of a sour off odor.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,387
When I was decluttering my Florida house I put all my fabric into plastic totes as this was Florida and its wet, humid, hurricanes, etc. so wanted to protect them the best way I knew. Of course I hadn't realized it would take 3 years to sell the house and then move, look for another house, remodel it and finally move in. This took a total of 4.5 years. My fabric came out just fine and I still have a tote or two containing fabrics which I just don't have room for on the shelves. True, they do claim its not good for the fabric but I haven't seen any effect to mine. I have both cotton, fleece and dress apparel type fabrics. Plus, though my household goods were to be stored in an A/C unit, I doubt they were as some of my items were discolored a yellowish color, my albums were bowed from the heat that led me to this conclusion. And we know just how hot it gets in Florida plus inside a storage unit. So you do the math.
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06-10-2009 07:54 AM