How Do You Store Christmas Pillows?
Why Properly Storing Christmas Pillows Matters
Properly storing Christmas pillows is important for several reasons. First, it helps prevent damage and wear. Christmas pillows are typically made from fabrics like velvet, silk, and cotton. If not stored properly, these materials can become faded, stained, torn, or otherwise damaged over time. According to Montgomery’s Self Storage, storing pillows in airtight plastic bins or storage bags helps protect them from dust, dirt, moisture, and pests that can degrade the fabric (https://montgomeryss.com/self-storage-the-best-solution-for-christmas-decorations/).
Proper storage also keeps Christmas pillows clean between seasons. When packed away neatly in bins or bags, pillows are less likely to collect dust, pet hair, and other debris that can dirty them over months in storage. Starting each holiday season with clean pillows ready to decorate saves time and hassle.
Additionally, proper storage allows Christmas pillows to last for many holiday seasons to come. With careful packing, gentle handling, and storage in a temperature controlled space, decorative pillows can stay in good condition for years of use. Neglecting storage best practices often leads to accelerated wear, damage, or ruined pillows.
Storing Christmas Pillows with Other Decorations
One convenient way to store Christmas pillows is to keep them together with your other holiday decorations. This allows you to easily access all your Christmas items in one place when it’s time to decorate again for the next holiday season.
To properly store pillows with other decorations, use clearly labeled plastic storage bins to organize everything. This keeps items protected from dust, dirt, bugs, and other damage. Make sure the bins you select are large enough to fit your pillows without having to overly squeeze or smash them.
Within the bins, arrange your pillows and decorations neatly by theme or color. For example, you may have a bin just for your red and green Christmas pillows and a separate bin for your snowflake pillows and winter decor items. This makes it easy to find exactly what you need when decorating each area of your home.
Plastic bins designed specifically for Christmas storage, like the Sterilite Christmas Tree Box, are very useful. The segmented areas help keep delicate ornaments protected and organized. You can use some of the compartments for pillows as well. Just make sure not to overload any bin too much.
With your pillows and other decor items properly stored together in labeled bins, setting up your holiday decor each year will be quick and easy. You’ll always know right where to find your Christmas pillow collection.
Using Storage Bags
One convenient way to store Christmas pillows is by using storage bags. Plastic storage bags are beneficial for keeping pillows dust-free and clean over time. According to isellpackaging.com, plastic bags are durable and weatherproof, which helps protect pillows from dirt, dust, and moisture
Storage bags allow you to compress and flatten pillows to maximize space. By removing excess air, you can fit more pillows neatly into a small storage area. Look for thick plastic bags that won’t rip under pressure when packing them tightly.
It’s also handy that storage bags are reusable from year to year. Simply label the bags so you remember what’s inside. Sturdy plastic bags can be used season after season if they don’t get damaged. Be sure to get bags that seal completely and don’t allow air leaks. A tight seal prevents bugs or pests from getting inside the bags with your pillows.
Storing in a Cool, Dry Place
One of the best places to store Christmas pillows is in a cool, dry place in your home. Avoid storing pillows in areas that are damp, humid, or experience high temperatures, as this can cause mold, mildew, or other damage over time. Some ideal storage spots include:
- Attic – If you have a sealed, insulated attic, this makes an excellent storage space for Christmas decorations. Make sure the attic doesn’t get too hot in the summer or humid after rains.
- Closet – An empty closet or shelf works well for pillow storage. Just be sure it’s not an area prone to moisture accumulation.
- Underbed – The space under a bed often stays cooler and drier than other areas of the home. Use plastic underbed storage bins to keep pillows contained and protected.
The key is finding an area that maintains a consistent, moderate temperature and lower humidity all year long. Avoid uninsulated attics and basements if they experience temperature or moisture extremes. With a little planning, you can store Christmas pillows properly so they stay in great condition for many holiday seasons to come. For more tips, check out this guide. https://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/decorating/how-to-store-christmas-decorations/
Cleaning Pillows Before Storing
It’s important to thoroughly clean your Christmas pillows before packing them away for storage. This will help remove any dirt, debris, or odors that may have accumulated over the holiday season.
To clean pillows before storage, first check the care instructions. Many Christmas-themed pillows have removable covers that can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent. For pillows without removable covers, spot clean stains and debris with a damp cloth and mild detergent solution. Allow to fully air dry before storing.
You can also freshen pillows before storage by sprinkling baking soda over the surface. Let sit for a few hours to absorb odors, then vacuum off. The antibacterial properties of baking soda will help disinfect the pillows as well.[1] Just be sure pillows are completely dry before packing away.
Taking the time to clean Christmas pillows before storage will help keep them fresh and damage-free, so they are ready to use again next holiday season.
Storing Flat vs Stuffed
When it comes to storing Christmas pillows, you have two options: keeping them flat or keeping them stuffed. Both methods have their pros and cons.
Storing pillows flat involves removing any stuffing from the pillow and folding or stacking the empty pillow cover neatly. According to PillowDecor.com, this can help the pillow maintain its shape and prevent creases or wrinkles. To store flat pillows, stack them neatly in a bin or storage container so they don’t get crushed.
Keeping pillows stuffed means leaving the filling inside and placing the entire pillow into a storage bag or container. As recommended by HousefullofSummer, using storage bags for stuffed pillows helps protect them from dirt, dust, bugs, and other damage. Make sure to press out excess air before sealing the bags.
The choice between flat and stuffed depends on the pillow material, size, and personal preference. Storing flat takes more time but may prolong the life of delicate pillows. Storing stuffed is quicker but can cause creases if not packed properly. Either way, use clean, breathable storage materials to keep Christmas pillows protected.
Mothballs & Cedar
Some people use mothballs or cedar chips when storing Christmas pillows and other seasonal decorations to help deter insects like moths. However, there are some downsides to consider when using these products:
Mothballs contain chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene that can repel and kill moths and their larvae. However, these fumes can also be toxic for humans, especially in enclosed spaces. Prolonged exposure can cause headache, nausea, and other symptoms. Mothballs should always be used carefully in well-ventilated areas and kept away from pets and children.
Cedar chips release an aromatic oil that can deter moths and other insects. However, some sources indicate cedar oil does not effectively kill moth eggs and larvae that are already present in fabrics before storage. So cedar may just deter moths, rather than kill them. Additionally, the strong scent of cedar can absorb into pillows and fabrics.
An alternative option is to use sachets filled with dried lavender, rosemary, mint or other herbs known to repel moths. These provide pleasant natural scents without harsh chemical fumes. Just place a few sachets in with stored Christmas pillows. Lavender sachets can provide similar moth-repelling benefits as mothballs or cedar chips, but with much lower risk of unwanted odors absorbing into pillows.
Storing Christmas Pillows with Pets
When storing Christmas pillows in a home with pets, take some extra precautions to keep your decorative pillows safe. Pets like dogs and cats can be tempted to chew on or play with pillows, damaging the fabric or stuffing.
Store Christmas pillows up high on shelves out of your pet’s reach. Avoid storing pillows in closets or under beds where your pet may find them (Source). You can also keep pillows in closed plastic bins to prevent chewing.
Keep an eye out for any signs your pet is nibbling on pillows, like teeth marks, stuffing on the floor, or ripped seams. Redirect them to appropriate chew toys if you catch them in the act. With some simple precautions, you can safely store your Christmas pillows even with curious pets around.
Signs of Damage
Over time and with improper storage, Christmas pillows can show signs of damage like fading, stains, and unpleasant odors. According to Seven Tips for Storing Your Throw Pillows – PillowDecor.com, moisture and humidity are the biggest culprits when it comes to damage. If you notice any of the following on your Christmas pillows, it may be time to replace them:
- Fading of colors, images, or lettering
- Stains that don’t come out with washing
- Musty, moldy, or mildew smells
- Brittle or decomposing fabric
- Clumping stuffing
If the damage is minimal, you may be able to salvage the pillows with thorough cleaning and patching small holes. But if the fabric is brittle or the stuffing is badly clumped, it’s best to toss the pillows and purchase new ones before next Christmas.
Other Christmas Pillow Storage Tips
Here are some additional tips for properly storing your Christmas pillows to keep them looking their best for years to come:
Consider getting insurance or making sure your homeowner’s insurance will cover any damage to your Christmas decorations and pillows while in storage. Having coverage can provide peace of mind in case of fires, floods, or other incidents.
Clearly label all bins, storage containers, and storage bags used for Christmas pillow storage. Include details like the year and contents. This will make locating specific pillows and decor easier when it comes time to unpack everything for the holidays.
Create an inventory list of all your Christmas pillows, noting details like size, color, pattern, and any other unique identifiers. Store this list digitally or print out a hard copy to keep with your holiday decorations. It will help ensure none of your special pillows get misplaced in storage.
Check out these additional Christmas pillow storage tips from https://www.bhg.com/how-to-store-pillows-7095437 and https://www.drivenbydecor.com/throw-pillow-storage/.
