Is it OK to store clothes in Ziploc bags?

Author: Cristopher Bednar  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

Never store clothing in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Plastic bags trap moisture and cause mildew to form or cause the yellowing of fabrics, which quickly transfers to your clothing.

Is it safe to store clothes in Ziploc bags?

Natural fibres such as wool and silk in a plastic bag can be damaged by the vacuum seal and can make clothing lose shape over time. Although it may seem like a good idea and a quick fix to use plastic bags, they can be a breeding ground for mould and bacteria.

Is it OK to put clothes in plastic bags?

Hot Tip: Never store clothing in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Plastic bags trap moisture, which quickly transfers to your clothing causing it to become mouldy. Cardboard boxes are easily infiltrated by vermin and pests like silverfish. Cedar wood naturally protects clothes from moths, mildew and musty odours.

Is it OK to store fabric in plastic bags?

Instead, textiles can be wrapped in clean, white cotton cloth, such as an old sheet or pillowcase, or in muslin. Because textile fibers need to be in an environment where there is some air movement, fabrics should not be sealed in air-tight plastic bags or containers to prevent damage from moisture condensation.

How to pack clothes for long term storage?

First, when preparing a storage unit for clothes, avoid storing clothes in plastic bags. Plastic bags can cause clothes to become musty and can trap moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Instead, store clothes in breathable containers such as cardboard boxes or garment bags.

Everyone Was Stunned And Bought Zip Lock Bags After Seeing This Genius Travel Hack!

What is the best long-term storage solution for clothes?

Plastic-lidded containers are the best way to store clothes long term as they keep your clothes dry, mould free and secured. If you have any particularly delicate items, make sure your boxes are acid-free and wrap them in tissue paper. You could also add cedar balls to deter moths and keep your clothes extra fresh.

Is it better to store clothes in plastic or fabric?

Fabric and Canvas Bins

In addition to storing clothes in plastic bins, fabric or canvas bins are another alternative favored by organization specialists because the material is breathable. Though more expensive, they make a good option for clothing made from delicate fabrics such as silk or cashmere.

Why should stores stop using plastic bags?

The discarded bags that find their way into our environment are more than just unsightly. They can also be deadly to sea life, as sea turtles, fish, birds and marine mammals often mistake them for food. Their lightweight nature also makes them prone to being carried by wind.

Is it OK to store linens in plastic bags?

The presence of moisture in the air is why you should not store sheets in plastic bags or tubs, they trap moisture and allow mould, mildew and bacteria to breed. Cardboard and paper tend attract bugs as well as cause discolouration.

Can you store clothes in garbage bags?

Trash bags are great for many things that aren't trash (you can even use them to fill an air mattress), but one thing you shouldn't use them for is clothing storage.

Do clothes need to breathe in storage?

Yes, clothes need to breathe in storage to prevent mould, mildew, and odour buildup. Storing clothes in airtight containers can trap moisture, lead to mould and mildew growth, and cause fabrics to become musty.

Why should we avoid using plastic bags?

Plastic bags are difficult and costly to recycle and most end up on landfill sites where they take around 300 years to photodegrade. They break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them.

How to store clothes for 6 months?

The best way to store clothes in storage is to place all your clothes in plastic containers with clip-on lids. These will protect your clothes from moisture, dust, mould and mildew. Make sure you give your plastic containers a good clean and dry them thoroughly before you place any clothes inside.

Can you leave clothes in plastic bags?

Never store clothing in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Plastic bags trap moisture and cause mildew to form or cause the yellowing of fabrics, which quickly transfers to your clothing. Cardboard boxes are easily infiltrated by vermin and pests like silverfish.

Are plastic Ziploc bags safe?

Absolutely! If you've used the bags for food storage, we recommend handwashing. We don't recommend reusing the bag if it was used to store raw meat, fish or any allergy-triggering foods – safety first! When it comes to non-food storage, the sky is the limit!

How to store clothes without yellowing?

Always wash clothes and make sure they're completely dry before you stow them away. Also, be sure to store clothes in a way that will prevent mold and protect against dust and moths. While storing clothes in plastic bags will keep away dust, it also restricts the air flow, which can cause the fabric to mold or yellow.

How to store sheets and blankets so they don't smell?

The Secret to Avoiding Musty Smelling Bed Linen
  1. Add a scent. ...
  2. Try baking soda. ...
  3. Wash your sheets before storing. ...
  4. The drier the better. ...
  5. Consider the location. ...
  6. Ventilation is key. ...
  7. Skip plastic tubs. ...
  8. Use a linen bag or pillowcase protection.

Should you store fabric in plastic bags?

Condensation can develop in airtight containers which can damage fabric and dyes. Store, wrapped in muslin or old sheets, in un-sealed plastic bags or between sheets of plastic or layers of muslin. You may use tissue paper in between pieces as long as it is acid-free.

Can you store clothes in plastic?

Plastic containers are great because they seal out a lot of dirt and moisture, but they're not so great because they don't allow your clothes to breathe. For that reason, it's a good idea to open the containers up to let your clothes air out about once a year.

Do Ziploc bags have microplastics?

New studies are showing that products like Ziploc create microplastics, aka microscopic plastic particles that can be ingested or deposited into the environment.

Which country is the world's worst plastic polluter?

The United States is the world leader in generating plastic waste, producing an annual 42 million metric tons of plastic waste.

What is the best storage for clothing?

Long-term seasonal storage for these types of garments is a task best left to sealable storage, like plastic totes or cedar chests, because they keep out pests.

Is it better to hang or fold sweaters?

Here are some of my favorite sweater storing/preserving tips to help you through the long winter weeks still ahead of us. 1. Never hang sweaters because they will stretch and lose their shape. Folded is the best choice.

How do you keep clothes from getting moldy in storage?

Keeping clothes mold-free in storage requires a few key steps to manage moisture and ensure proper ventilation.
  1. Clean clothes thoroughly: Before storing, wash and dry clothes thoroughly. ...
  2. Use airtight containers: Invest in high-quality, airtight storage bins.

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