Climate. Heat and humidity also cause deterioration to fabrics. We cannot adopt climate control as the museums do, but we can keep the hope chest within our normal household conditions, where extremes in temperature or humidity won't cause damage over time.
Find a good place within your home to store your hope chest treasures Look for space in a spare bedroom or closet where the household climate is more consistent and less extreme. Avoid the attic, garage or basement if possible.
Within the hope chest itself, textiles should never be sealed in plastic, which may promote the growth of mold or mildew. Mildew and mold will stain and weaken the fibers of the fabric. We live in a very dry climate so humidity isn't a problem for me. Silica gel crystals may help in humid climates, but these crystals should not be placed in direct contact with the textiles. Wrap them in an old handkerchief or place in a little muslin bag before placing in the hope chest. The bag should be checked over time to make sure the crystals are still effective.
Those of you who do live in a humid climate might have other suggestions. Please comment and help us all out.
Great tips. Keep well.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
Delete