How to Store Summer Clothes

Summer storage is easier than winter storage but has its own failure: sunscreen and chlorine residue that sets over months.

Seasonal Rotation1 min readAugust 15, 2026Priya Nair

In short

Wash out sunscreen and chlorine. Both keep working after they dry.
Swimwear needs particular care. Rinse, wash gently, dry completely flat.
Light fabrics need less protection. Cotton and linen are not moth targets the way wool is, so summer storage is simpler — but they still need to be dry.

Summer storage is easier than winter storage but has its own failure: sunscreen and chlorine residue that sets over months.

Both keep working after they dry. Sunscreen oxidises into stubborn yellow stains, and chlorine degrades elastane.

Rinse, wash gently, dry completely flat. Stored damp, it grows mildew that cannot be removed.

Cotton and linen are not moth targets the way wool is, so summer storage is simpler — but they still need to be dry.

Do summer clothes need special storage?

Less than winter clothes, since moths target protein fibres. But sunscreen and chlorine residue must be washed out or they set permanently.

How do I stop linen creasing in storage?

Fold loosely with as few folds as possible, or roll it. Tight folds over months create creases that need damp ironing to remove.