Minnesota winters are long, cold, and full of heavy-duty gear — but our summers are the opposite: warm, humid, and the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and fabric damage. If you want your coats, boots, gloves, and snow pants to last more than a season or two, proper summer storage is essential.
This guide walks you through how to store winter gear during humid Minnesota summers, why professional cleaning matters, and the best ways to keep your investment pieces looking new.
Why Humidity Is the Enemy of Winter Gear
Minnesota’s summer humidity can cause:
- Mildew growth on wool, down, and cotton
- Odor buildup in insulated fabrics
- Leather cracking when moisture gets trapped
- Permanent stains that set deeper over time
- Feather clumping in down coats
Even if your winter gear looks clean, sweat, salt, body oils, and slush residue can linger in the fibers — and humidity activates all of it.
Step 1: Professionally Clean Everything Before Storing
This is the most important step. Storing unclean winter gear is the #1 cause of damage.
At St Croix Cleaners, we deep-clean:
- Down coats
- Wool coats
- Snow pants
- Scarves, hats, and gloves
- UGG boots and winter footwear
Professional cleaning removes salt, oils, and bacteria that can cause odors or fabric breakdown during storage.
- Learn more about winter coat cleaning
- Explore down jacket care
Choose the Right Storage Containers
Humidity means you need breathable, protective storage — not plastic bins that trap moisture.
Best Options:
- Cotton garment bags for coats
- Canvas storage bins for sweaters and accessories
- Acid-free boxes for delicate wool or cashmere
- Cedar blocks to deter moths naturally
Avoid:
- Plastic bags
- Vacuum-sealed bags (they crush insulation)
- Cardboard boxes (they attract moisture and pests)
Step 3: Prep Each Item Properly
- Coats: Zip, button, and reshape the collar
- Down jackets: Fluff before storing
- Wool sweaters: Fold, don’t hang
- Leather gloves or boots: Condition before storing
- Scarves and hats: Store flat to avoid stretching
If you’re unsure how to prep a specific item, ask about fabric-specific care.
Step 4: Control Humidity in Your Storage Area
Minnesota basements and garages get damp — avoid them.
Ideal storage locations:
- Bedroom closets
- Climate-controlled storage
- Upper-level shelves
Add:
- Silica gel packets
- Dehumidifiers
- Cedar planks
Humidity target: below 50%.
Step 5: Store Items in the Right Position
- Hang: Wool coats, down coats, dress coats
- Fold: Sweaters, scarves, snow pants
- Stuff: Boots with acid-free paper to maintain shape
Never hang heavy knits — they stretch.
Bonus: Let St. Croix Cleaners Handle It for You
Your winter gear is an investment. We help protect it with:
- Expert cleaning for down, wool, leather, and technical fabrics
- Eco-friendly processes safe for sensitive materials
- 15+ Twin Cities locations for easy drop-off
- Specialty care for high-end brands and delicate items
If you want your winter gear to last for years, start with a professional cleaning before storing it away.
Explore St Croix Cleaners services HERE.
