SPRING CLEAN YOUR CLOSET

The air is getting warmer. The freesias have pushed up along the sidewalk. And you are just beginning to believe that spring might actually be here after all.

Before the weather beckons you outside, spend at least one more day indoors and give your closet a good spring cleaning. This is the perfect opportunity to clean and put away winter clothes and get your summer duds in gear.

Most of us (unless you’re living in Miami) have a summer and winter wardrobe - even if the word “wardrobe” sounds a bit highbrow for the clothing in residence in your closet. To maximize closet space - and your clothes’ lifespan - tuck the winter duds in for a good summer’s rest.

The Closet Spring-Cleaning Routine

Go through all your clothes and divide them into five separate piles:

1 Clothes that are clean, in good condition and that you will definitely wear this summer.

2 Clothes that need cleaning.

3 Clothes that need repair.

4 Winter clothes.

5 Clothes you rarely wear - regardless of season.

You know the drill here. Donate the out-of-favor clothes. Clean and repair the rest. Box up the winter clothes for a rest.

While the closet is empty, vacuum it well and wipe down all shelves.

Now you have a closet ready for clothes that you are actually going to wear. What a concept! Here’s how to take the best care of what you have left:

-- Use cedar balls or blocks to ward off moths.
-- Use good hangers. Don’t use the flimsy wire ones that you get from the dry cleaners. They don’t provide enough support; plus they can rust or snag your clothes. Invest in curved wood or plastic hangers for suits and jackets; padded hangers for delicate dresses or silk robes; plastic hangers for blouses and jeans; clamped hangers for pants (always hang from cuffs). To save space, buy the multiple skirt or pants hangers that will accommodate five- to 10 garments.
-- Never store clothing in plastic bags. They can promote mildew and light damage.
-- Do use plastic shoulder protectors to keep dust off rarely-worm clothing.
-- Space clothing out to promote airflow and to minimize wrinkling.
-- Air clothing overnight before returning an item to the closet to rid it of any moisture or odors.

Finally, don’t be like your kind and wear the same thing everyday. Clothing needs a rest. (Shoes, too.) If you like it that much - buy two!