Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with festive decorations that make our homes feel warm and inviting. Among these decorations, Christmas pillows add a touch of comfort and holiday spirit to any room. But once the holiday season is over, storing these beloved pillows properly is crucial to ensure they remain in great condition for next year. This guide will walk you through the best practices for storing Christmas pillows, covering everything from cleaning and packing to storage location tips.
How to Store Christmas Pillows? (Short Answer)
To store Christmas pillows, clean them well to remove any dirt. Once clean, make sure they are completely dry before putting them away. Use pillow protectors or cotton pillowcases to keep them dust-free. Store the pillows in breathable fabric storage bags or plastic bins with lids. Choose a cool and dry place for storage to keep them in good condition.
1. Clean Your Christmas Pillows
Before storing your Christmas pillows, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly. Proper cleaning ensures that no dirt, dust, or stains set in while they are stored away. Here’s how to clean different types of Christmas pillows:
Fabric Pillows
- Check the Label:
Always check the care label for specific cleaning instructions.
- Spot Clean:
If the pillows are not machine washable, use a mild detergent and a damp cloth to spot clean any stains.
- Machine Wash:
Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent for machine-washable pillows. Ensure the pillows are completely dry before storing them.
Decorative Pillows with Embellishments
- Dust Off:
Gently dust off surface dirt using a soft brush or lint roller.
- Spot Clean:
Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to spot clean any stains, being careful around embellishments like sequins, beads, or embroidery.
Pillow Covers
- Remove Covers:
If your Christmas pillows have removable covers, remove them before cleaning.
- Machine Wash:
Wash the covers separately gently with cold water and mild detergent.
- Air Dry:
Air dry the covers to prevent shrinkage and damage.
2. Prepare for Storage
Once your Christmas pillows are clean and dry, it’s time to prepare them for storage. Proper preparation helps maintain their shape and prevents damage.
Protect the Pillows
- Use Pillow Protectors:
Place the pillows in pillow protectors or cotton pillowcases to keep them clean and dust-free.
- Wrap in Acid-Free Tissue Paper:
For added protection, especially for decorative pillows, wrap them in acid-free tissue paper to prevent discolouration and damage.
Avoid Compression
- Avoid Vacuum Sealing:
While vacuum sealing can save space, it can also compress and deform your pillows. Instead, opt for breathable storage options.
- Use Storage Bags or Bins:
Place the pillows in breathable fabric storage bags or plastic bins with lids. Ensure the bins are evenly packed to avoid crushing the pillows.
3. Choose the Right Storage Location
Where you store your Christmas pillows is just as important as how you store them. The right storage location can prevent damage from moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations.
Ideal Storage Conditions
- Cool and Dry:
Store your pillows in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and moisture damage.
- Climate-Controlled Area:
Choose a climate-controlled area, like an indoor closet or a spare room, to maintain consistent temperature and humidity.
Avoid Problematic Areas
- Avoid Basements and Attics:
Basements and attics can be prone to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests, making them less ideal for storing delicate items like Christmas pillows.
- Off the Floor:
Store the pillows off the floor to avoid potential water damage in case of leaks or flooding.
4. Organize and Label
Proper organization makes finding and retrieving your Christmas pillows easier when the holiday season rolls around again.
Storage Bins
- Use Clear Bins:
If you use plastic bins, opt for clear ones so you can easily see the contents without opening each bin.
- Label Each Bin:
Clearly label each bin with its contents, including the type of pillows and any special care instructions.
Group Similar Items
- Store by Theme:
If you have multiple sets of Christmas pillows, consider grouping them by theme or room for easy retrieval.
- Keep Accessories Together:
Store pillow covers, protectors, and accessories to avoid searching for them later.
5. Regular Maintenance
Even in storage, checking on your Christmas pillows periodically is essential to ensure they remain in good condition.
Seasonal Check-ins
- Inspect for Damage:
Check for any signs of moisture, pests, or damage every few months.
- Rotate Position:
If storing for an extended period, rotate the position of the pillows to prevent permanent creases or deformation.
Conclusion:
Properly storing your Christmas pillows ensures they stay in excellent condition, ready to bring holiday cheer year after year. You can protect your festive pillows from damage and wear by following these simple steps: cleaning thoroughly, preparing carefully, choosing the right storage location, organizing effectively, and performing regular maintenance. Happy storing, and may your home be filled with the joy of the season when your Christmas pillows make their delightful return next year!
FAQs
Can I store Christmas pillows in plastic bags?
You can store Christmas pillows in plastic bags to keep them clean and protected from dust. Ensure the pillows are completely dry before sealing them in the bags to prevent mildew. Label the bags with a marker so you can easily identify them when you bring them out again next year.
How do I prevent the yellowing of pillows during storage?
Ensure pillows are completely dry before storing.
Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Consider using pillow protectors or breathable storage bags.
Can I store pillows in the attic or basement?
Pillows can be stored in the attic or basement; ensure they’re in airtight containers to avoid dust and moisture. Attics might get hotter, while basements can be damper, so pick accordingly for better preservation. Watch for signs of mildew or pests to keep your pillows fresh.
How often should I check stored pillows?
Check stored pillows quarterly for cleanliness and condition maintenance. Monthly fluffing and inspection can extend their lifespan. Always air them out in the sunlight to prevent odours and mildew.
Is it necessary to store pillows in climate-controlled environments?
It’s not vital, but storing pillows in stable conditions helps them maintain their quality longer. Extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the pillows’ materials over time. Store them in a cool, dry place to extend their lifespan if possible.
Can I store Christmas decorations outside?
Yes, storing Christmas decorations outside can work well, but it’s important to use sturdy containers or bins to protect them from weather damage.
Ensure they’re securely sealed to keep out moisture and pests and consider choosing a shaded spot to prevent fading from sunlight.
How do you store Christmas balls?
To keep Christmas balls safe, Box them gently, not in haste. In tissue or bubble wrap, they’ll happily await.