Best Way to Store Silks in Drawers: Tips for Longevity
I’m passionate about taking good care of my silk clothing and accessories so they last for years while maintaining their beauty.
As a long-time silk enthusiast, I’ve learned the ins and outs of proper silk storage and want to share my top tips for using drawers to store your precious silk items.
Read on for practical advice on setting up drawer storage for silks and best practices for keeping them in pristine, wrinkle-free condition.
Why Use a Drawer for Storing Silk Garments?
When it comes to storing your silk pieces, using a drawer offers some nice advantages:
- More protected from light damage compared to hanging storage
- Allows you to neatly fold or roll items to minimize wrinkling
- Provides a flat surface so items don’t stretch out of shape
- Drawer liners can further cushion and protect the silk
I know some people worry that drawer storage can lead to increased wrinkling or creasing of delicate silk fabrics.
But as long as you properly prepare the drawer and carefully fold or roll the garments, wrinkling is minimal.
The tips below will help you optimize your drawers for silk storage success!
Preparing Your Drawer for Silk Storage
To transform an ordinary drawer into a silk-friendly storage space, there are three key steps to take:
- Cleanliness: Make sure drawers are clean, dust-free, and free of any rough or sharp edges that could snag delicate silk. Vacuum drawers and wipe down with a lint-free cloth before placing silks inside.
- Lining: Line drawers with a smooth, non-abrasive fabric to prevent snags. Good options include washed cotton, silk, or satin.
- Organization: Use dividers, compartments, or rolls to separate items. This prevents overcrowding and allows garments to lie flat.
Example Drawer Organizers for Silk Items
- Acid-free tissue paper folded between scarves or blouses
- Muslin rolls for separating scarves, ties, and ribbons
- Fabric-lined boxes with lids for folded silk pants or delicate camisoles
Proper drawer prep is key for keeping silks in great condition and preventing wrinkles down the road.
How to Properly Fold Silk Garments
When it comes to folding techniques, different silk garment types have their own best practices:
Folding Silk Blouses and Tops
- Button or zip up prior to folding to retain shape.
- Lay flat on a clean surface with backside facing up.
- Fold both sleeves inward so edges meet at center back.
- Fold top in thirds from bottom edge to neckline.
Folding Silk Dresses
- Zip or button dress and ensure lining fabric faces out.
- Lay flat on a clean surface with backside facing up.
- Fold in half lengthwise so shoulders meet.
- Fold in thirds from hemline to neckline.
Folding Silk Pants
- Fully zip or button pants before folding.
- Smooth out any wrinkles and lay pants front-side up on clean surface.
- Fold each leg in half lengthwise with creases aligned.
- Fold pants in half at midline with waistband facing out.
Tips for Wrinkle-Free Silk Folding
- Fold on item’s crease lines when possible
- Fold gently and avoid harsh creases
- Unfold and refold if needed to reduce wrinkles
- Store folded items in breathable fabric vs. plastic
- Refold and gently steam if wrinkles appear
Be mindful when folding silk garments—rushing increases wrinkling! Take it slow and handle the fabric gently.
Specific Tips for Storing Silk Scarves in Drawers
For keeping silk scarves looking their best, I recommend these drawer storage methods:
Rolling Scarves
- Lay scarf face down on a flat, smooth surface
- Fold over one short end about 2 inches
- Gently and tightly roll up the scarf from bottom to top
- Store rolled scarves upright in a divider box
Folding Small Silk Scarves and Squares
- Fold scarf in half diagonally to form triangle
- Fold triangle in half again to make smaller triangle
- Continue folding into smaller triangles
- Store folded scarves stacked in acid-free tissue paper
Scarf Accessories for Drawers
- Muslin rolls with velcro closures to separate scarves
- Acid-free divider boxes to hold rolled or folded scarves
- Fabric-lined jewelry trays for delicate silk scarf jewelry
The right accessories make organizing scarves a breeze! And proper rolling/folding means your scarves stay wrinkle-free.
To keep my silks fresh, I’ve mastered the best way to store silks overnight.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Silk Storage
It’s also important to know what not to do when storing precious silks in drawers:
- Control humidity: High humidity causes mildew and dampness that damages silk. Ideal levels are 50-55%. Consider silica gel packs in drawers.
- Avoid plastic bags: Plastic traps moisture and can yellow silk over time. Use breathable, acid-free tissue instead.
By knowing the pitfalls of improper silk storage, you can take steps to prolong the life of your cherished silks.
Long-term Silk Storage Solutions
For storing silk items for extended periods, like off-season:
- Clean garments first using a gentle silk detergent
- Allow to fully air dry on a flat surface
- Fold and place in archival storage boxes with acid-free tissue
- Store boxes in cool, dark places with consistent 50-55% humidity
- Periodically air out silks to prevent mildew and pests
Proper seasonal silk storage keeps items protected from light, pests, dust, and other environmental damage during those long months waiting for the next season.
Special Considerations for Different Silk Garments
Not all silk pieces should live in a drawer…
Best Stored Hanging
- Formal gowns and dresses
- Long silk coats
- Heavy brocade jackets
- Anything with beads, sequins, or heavy embellishments
Best Stored Folded in Drawers
- Silk shirts, blouses, camisoles
- Pajamas, nightgowns
- Lightweight pants, shorts
- Most scarves, shawls, and wraps
Use your best judgment based on the garment’s structure and embellishments. When in doubt, I recommend folded drawer storage to be safe.
I often debated whether silk should be hung or folded, and I finally found the best approach.
FAQs About Storing Silk in Drawers
Still have some questions about the ins and outs of drawer storage for silks? Here are answers to some common queries:
How Long Can Silk Be Stored in a Drawer?
With proper storage methods, silk can safely remain folded in drawers for up to a year. Any longer than that, it’s best moved to archival off-season storage boxes.
Will Silk Wrinkle in a Drawer? How to Minimize This Risk
With careful folding techniques and using drawer liners, wrinkling risk is low. Refolding periodically and a gentle steaming also helps smooth things out.
Are There Specific Drawer Types Better Suited for Silk Storage?
Look for solid wood drawers with a smooth finish. Stay away from lower-quality particle board drawers with metal runners that could snag. Lined wooden chests of drawers work great!
How Often Should I Take Out and Refold Silk Stored in Drawers?
I recommend unfolding and refolding drawer-stored silks at least twice per year. This helps maintain their shape, redistribute folds, and smooth out any creases that have developed.
Can I Use Silica Gel Packs When Storing Silk in Drawers?
Silica gel packs are safe and effective for regulating humidity levels in enclosed spaces like drawers.
Use them per the package instructions to absorb excess moisture that could harm your precious silks over time. Just be sure to replace them at least once a year!
Should I Use Cedar in Silk Storage Drawers?
Yes, placing cedar blocks or cedar drawer liners can help repel moths, beetles, and other insects that can damage silk over long storage periods.
The natural aromatic oils found in cedar wood act as a safe and pleasant-smelling pest repellent to keep your precious silks protected.
You can find cedar products designed to line drawers or make small sachet bags to tuck between folded silks.
Using them prevents eggs from being laid on fabrics and deters any existing insects.
Key Takeaways for Storing Silk in Drawers
Here’s a quick recap of my top tips for keeping silk garments and accessories protected in drawer storage:
- Line drawers with a smooth, non-abrasive fabric
- Use dividers and compartments to prevent overcrowding
- Fold garments gently on crease lines when possible
- Roll or fold scarves based on size and shape
- Avoid plastic bags – use breathable, acid-free tissue
- Maintain 50-55% humidity in storage spaces
- Clean and air out periodically
I hope these practical storage guidelines give you the knowledge and confidence to properly store your precious silks.
Implement these drawer storage best practices, and your silk pieces will maintain their beauty and last for many years to come!
