Now that the Florida re-enacting season is over with, it is time to turn our attention to storing our things properly for the summer.  Caring properly for you re-enacting items will ensure they last longer.
  Clothing, being one of the expensive items, is the biggest concern.  Dresses and uniforms must be cleaned at the end of the season for storage, as well as underpinnings.  Whether you can wash them at home or you have to send them to the cleaners, it is necessary.  Perspiration, oils and proteins from skin, and dirt can all deteriorate the fibers of fabric. Over time this causes the fibers to weaken and in some cases, rotting of the fabric.  After cleaning the clothing, there are two options for storing.  The time saving option is hanging clothing in a closet.  This option saves the time of extensive ironing at the beginning of the season.  However hanging clothing, especially the heavy clothing of re-enacting, causes material to weaken by the pulling of the fabric which can cause mis-shaping and improper fit.  Wide wooded hangers and wooden skirt hangers are recommended; for the weight is disbursed more than typical plastic or wire hangers.  It is also recommended that cedar is hung with the clothing.  Remember wool is a favorite among moths and ants and must be kept in a dry place free from such pests.  Cedar is a preferred pest control so that your clothes do not end up smelling of mothballs.  The other option is to place the clothes in a cedar chest or storage box free from any dampness.
  Boots, as with all leather items, should be cleaned with a leather cleaner and moisturizer.  This can be found at any leather store in the mall or at any saddle or tack shops.  The boots should have baking soda packets (envelopes sealed or fabric pouches) stored in the bottom of the boots.  This will absorb moisture and odor.  Then stuff the boots with clean tissue paper to keep the shape of the boot true.  If possible, store the boots in the box they came in or any other cardboard box.  Plastic boxes are NOT recommended for storing leather.  Leather needs to breath and plastic is too air tight.
  Jewelry should be cleaned in proper solutions after every re-enactment.  Dirt and particles can get in between the stone and the setting making it loose causing it to fall out.  If jewels are real, check with a jeweler on which is best for which gems.  Many times jewelers will have cleaners for sale in the store.  After cleaned and dried well, the jewelry should be placed in a moisture free box.  Pearls should always be stored in the box they came in.  You should have different compartments for each item so as not to cause entanglement or injury to the article of jewelry.  Small little gift boxes as for jewelry is perfect and you can fit several in a bigger box.
  Parasols should be spot cleaned only.  If cleaned entirely, it may shrink ruining the parasol.  After dried, it should be stored in a natural muslin cover.  Parasols should always be stored laying flat on a shelf to not cause any mis-shaping.
  Lace is extremely prone to dry rot and must be handled with care.  Lace will also be stretched out of shape easily by hanging.  All lace articles should be cleaned carefully by hand and laid flat to dry.  Store lace articles laying flat, free from moisture and direct sunlight.
  Gloves can be cleaned gently and hung, fingertips down, to dry.  Once dried completely they can either be stored flat or with cardboard inserts.  If you use the cardboard inserts;  be sure it does not stretch out the gloves.  This will ensure a proper fit the following season.
  Handkerchiefs should be cleaned by hand, laid flat to dry, and ironed.  Avoid using starch on handkerchiefs.  Iron while still slightly moist or mist with a spray bottle before ironing.  If the handkerchief has an embroidery design;  take a hand towel lay it flat on the ironing board.  Lay the handkerchief on the towel right side down.  Then press the wrong side of the handkerchief, lightly steaming.  This process will cause the embroidery design to stand out and be ready for storage.  Store them laying flat in a box or drawer free from moisture.
  Hats and bonnets should be gently brushed with a soft lint brush.  Stuff the hat/bonnet with acid free tissue paper to keep its shape.  Store hats and bonnets in proper hat boxes, to avoid accidental crushing.  Put a baking soda packet in the bottom of each box to absorb odor and moisture.  With a hat box, the rim of the hat/bonnet should always fit easily into the box.  The rim of the hat/bonnet should barely touch the walls of the box.  You can also use square storage (cardboard) boxes if hat boxes are not had or can not be found.
  Hand purses should be spot cleaned and laid flat to dry.  Storage of hand purses should be laid flat in a box or drawer.
  Baskets should be dusted with compressed air to remove any dirt.  Baskets should be stored in a place where they will not be crushed or mis-shaped.  Baskets can break easily so care is important.
  Fans can also be cleaned with compressed air. Store fans in the box they came in.  This will prevent the fan from breaking while being stored for the summer.
  If nothing else, always remember:  never store clothing in plastic.  Plastic traps moisture next to the fabric causing mildewing.  Plastic can also cause yellowing of some fabrics.  So please remove the plastic from the dry cleaned items.  Taking a little care today saves a lot of money later.

  Fredricka