Most dry cleaning shops in America give out their fresh and dry cleaned clothes with plastic bags that help protect your clothes until you get them into the safety of your home. It efficiently prevents dust particles and unwanted dirt to cling onto your fresh clothes. However, the question lies whether you should keep them as you store your clothes in the closet. The answer is: NO. As stated in the plastic bags, it is a suffocation hazard especially to children, and it can also do more harm to your clothes.

Yes, you read it right. It is caused by BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), an antioxidant used in the manufacturing of the plastic bag. When BHT comes in contact with any moisture and impurities in the air, it forms a yellow pigment that transfers to the fabric.

Since the dry cleaning process involves the use of chemicals that allow moisture, trapped moisture in these plastic bags is a real headache. The plastic bags used by dry cleaners trap moisture and after a long exposure, it can cause mildew growth which tends to weaken the fibers in your clothes and damage them in the long run.

No judgements here, don’t worry! If you happen to keep your clothes hung with their plastic garment bags, you can still undo the damage. If your clothes have started staining or if you have noticed mildew, leave the work to your trusted dry cleaner. They know the steps to fix it, and just consider it as a lesson. And if you still prefer to keep a bag in your clothes for added protection, opt for breathable zippered cotton bags! These cotton bags allow air and moisture while keeping out dust, dirt and insects, and you can also toss them in your washer to be reused! However, if you’re tight on budget and cannot invest in breathable cotton bags, you can just make your own. Here’s how:

1. Use an old cotton sheet, but make sure that it is made of 100% cotton.
2. Cut a small hole for the opening of the hanger hook to go through.
3. Drape the sheet over your clothes, you’re good to go!
4. Optional step: use a colorfast or white sheet to prevent excess dye bleeding in the long run.

Caring for your clothes is essential, since our garments are like investments that we use to express ourselves. Just make sure that you are doing the right step, because a simple mistake can end up destroying your beloved garments instead of prolonging them.