How Should You Store Your Clothes After Dry Cleaning? 5 Expert Tips

You’ve had your clothes professionally dry cleaned and they’ve been returned to you clean, pressed, and refreshed. So what’s the next step? A crucial but often neglected aspect that directly affects the longevity of your garments is this: proper storage. Dry cleaning doesn’t just clean—it protects and preserves. But to keep this care going, how you store your garments is just as important.

At MY DRY CLEAN, we guide you on how to store your clothes post-dry cleaning—considering fabric types, wardrobe conditions, and environmental factors. Be sure to apply our expert recommendations for a clean, organized, and long-lasting wardrobe.

1. The First Step After Dry Cleaning

When your garment is returned from the dry cleaner, it’s usually inside a thin plastic bag. This cover is designed for short-term protection during transport. However, leaving clothes inside these plastic bags too long can trap moisture, prevent ventilation, and cause yellowing or odor.

What to do first: Remove the plastic and air out the garment for at least 1–2 hours. This helps eliminate the remaining solvent smell and lets the fabric breathe, preserving its freshness.

2. Hangers, Garment Bags & Wardrobe Space

Using the wrong hanger is a common mistake that leads to misshapen garments. Thin metal hangers can deform shoulders or create fabric creases. Instead:

• Opt for wide wooden or velvet-padded hangers.
• For jackets and coats, use hangers that support shoulder structure.
• Use breathable cotton garment bags after dry cleaning for dust and light protection.
• Leave space between clothes in your closet to prevent wrinkling and allow air circulation.

Organizing your wardrobe helps your clothes breathe and maintain their shape. Separating off-season items also keeps your closet clean and functional.

3. Fabric-Specific Storage for Wool, Silk & Cotton

Different fabrics need different storage approaches. A one-size-fits-all method can shorten your garment’s lifespan. Here’s how MY DRY CLEAN recommends storing them:

• Wool: Fold instead of hang to avoid shoulder distortion. Use lavender sachets for moth protection.
• Silk: Keep out of sunlight in a cool, dry place. Use hangers with a cotton garment bag to prevent yellowing.
• Cotton: Fold gently with tissue between layers to reduce creasing.

These personalized storage methods help maintain the shape, texture, and color of your clothes.

4. Protecting Against Humidity and Sunlight

Even after dry cleaning, bad storage conditions can ruin garments. Moisture and sunlight are your wardrobe’s biggest enemies. To prevent damage:

• Use silica gel or moisture absorbers inside your closet.
• A few times a year, completely empty and air out your wardrobe.
• Use opaque garment covers if your closet gets sunlight—UV light can fade fabrics.
• Maintain a stable indoor climate. High humidity can lead to mold on fabrics.

Remember: even the best cleaning can’t save clothes from poor storage conditions. Cleaning and storing go hand in hand.

5. How Dry Cleaning Promotes Wardrobe Hygiene

Dry cleaning eliminates not just visible stains but also bacteria, allergens, and odors. Regular dry cleaning is essential for overall wardrobe hygiene.

At MY DRY CLEAN, our antibacterial solvents don’t just clean the surface—they sanitize. The result:

• Garments stay fresh for longer periods
• Bacterial buildup inside your closet is reduced
• Risk of allergies is minimized
• Seasonal clothing stays odor-free during storage

Make dry cleaning a routine at least twice a year for a cleaner, healthier wardrobe. Hygiene starts with proper care.

Your Clothes Are Safe with MY DRY CLEAN

Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Anatolian side, MY DRY CLEAN offers more than just dry cleaning. We specialize in preserving and protecting your garments for long-term use.

MY DRY CLEAN - KÜÇÜKYALI BRANCH

Address: ÇINAR MAHALLESİ, BAĞDAT CADDESİ 154/D, KÜÇÜKYALI - MALTEPE - ISTANBUL - TURKEY

To us, clothes are not just fabric—they represent style, memory, and identity. If you want more than just cleaning—if you want to extend the value of what you wear—the answer is clear: MY DRY CLEAN.