How to Store Comforters: 10 Practical Storage Ideas

Storing comforters can get tricky, even for those who take pride in their organizing skills.

If you’re looking for ways to hide these cozy yet bulky bedding during the day or put them away until it’s chilly again, then you’ve landed at the right place.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to store comforters to keep them clean, protected, and always smelling fresh.

Tips to Store Comforters like a Professional Organizer

• Pick a dry location

  A high-moisture environment attracts mold and mildew like a magnet, so choose a dry and airy storage location for your comforters.

  Opt for large wicker baskets, cotton canvas bags, and linen closets that allow your bedding to breathe.

  Related Article: How to Layer Bedding Like a Pro - A Detailed Guide

  If you’re thinking of using vacuum-sealed bags to save space, make sure the comforters are clean and fully dry before you pack them.

• Use Desiccants to prevent mold and mildew

  In humid places, there’s so much moisture in the air that almost every storage space you can think of can end up becoming a hub of mold and mildew. If you live in such a place, desiccants are your friend.

  These small bags full of silica gel are highly effective in absorbing moisture from air. Place them in the comforter storage bins and bags and watch them work their magic.

  You could also opt for natural moisture absorbers like cedar chips that come with the added advantage of having their divine woody smell infused in your bedding.

• Choose Roomy Storage Locations

  Comforters generally have more layers and are bulkier than blankets.

  So, the storage options for single-layered, lightweight blankets may not work for comforters.

  You’ll need roomier storage spaces, especially if you own delicate natural comforters that you wouldn’t want to compress too much.

  Related Article: What is comforter in bedding?

• Add Labels Before Storage

  If your bed linen collection includes multiple blankets, throws, quilts, and comforters, don’t forget to label them before storage. This will save you plenty of time when locating a particular piece of bedding without having to pull out everything.

• Read the Fabric Care Guide Carefully

  Remember to read the fabric care label for washing, drying, and ironing instructions. These labels also mention special care requirements that can keep your comforters in pristine condition for a long time.

• Avoid Compressing Natural Fibers

  A little care can go a long way in keeping your comforters protected during storage. This is especially true for those with natural fiber fills, like goose down or feather.

  Avoid compressing these comforters or vacuum packing them, as these methods can damage the fibers and reduce their ability to insulate. Instead, roll them gently and loosely.

  Synthetic comforters, on the other hand, have more resilient fill that makes it easy to compress them and fluff them right back up.

10 Hassle-Free Ways to Store Comforters

1. Place Them in a Large Basket

An oversized basket works as a great storage option for bulky blankets and comforters. There are several jumbo-sized baskets you can consider, including those made from eco-friendly materials like jute, rope, or seagrass.

A boho chic wicker basket will also work perfectly. Keep in mind that the basket you choose comes with a lid to keep comforters in place. Comforters offer excellent insulation, and you may not need them every day, even during the winter.

Tucking them away in lidded baskets will keep your comforters accessible for when you need them.

Related Article: 15 Best Blanket Storage Ideas

2. Stash Them in Zippable Canvas Bags

The thing about cotton canvas storage bags is their excellent breathability, which can do wonders in keeping your comforters free of mold, mildew, and musty odors.

Our eco-friendly comforter storage bags are made from the finest quality, high-strength, tear-resistant organic cotton canvas. The 2-way zipper closure keeps the bedding secure.

Meanwhile, the robustly stitched handles make carrying even the heaviest comforters an effortless affair.

3. Use a Storage Ladder

Hanging comforters on blanket ladders is a good short-term storage solution that can also make the space look cozy and inviting. You can opt for ready-made storage ladders or fashion one out of a spare wooden ladder.

That said, this option can’t compress and is, therefore, best for smaller, lightweight bedding.

4. Hide Them in Vintage Trunks or Chests'

Nothing better than classic steamer trunks or chests to hold the heaviest of bedding. Their generous capacity can accommodate multiple cotton blankets and comforters. Plus, their vintage looks can elevate the aesthetics of any space.

If you don’t own one already, opt for a chest with cedar lining. Anything you store in it will benefit from cedarwood’s natural scent, which also happens to repel moths, pests, and mildew.

5. Use Vacuum Sealed Bags

A great way to minimize comforters so they don’t eat too much into your storage space is to use a vacuum sealing technique.

All you need to do is grab some jumbo-sized vacuum bags and shove the comforter inside. Next, use the vacuum hose or travel-sized hand pump that comes with the bags to make the whole thing airtight. This is a preferred way of storing synthetic comforters that can fluff right up on removal. However, those with natural fiber fill may not hold up well to the excessive compression.

6. Use Roll Up Packing Method

This method can work for every type of comforter you own, whether made from synthetic or delicate natural materials.

Here’s what you need to do: start by washing and drying your comforter and then lay it all out. Now fold it into thirds till it looks like a long sheet. Add odor eliminators before rolling the folded comforter further into a tight, tiny roll. Store rolled-up comforters in your linen closet, bins, or baskets.

7. Store Them in Dedicated Cabinets

Put your built-in bathroom cabinets to good use by storing your comforters, bedding, and towels in them.

Don’t have a dedicated linen cupboard? Head to a thrift store or antique store and scout for an old glass cabinet. Turn it into a stylish, functional piece of furniture using paint or sandpaper to add a distressed vintage appeal.

Use this DIY cupboard to keep your organic cotton sheets, blankets, and comforters neatly organized. The glass will make it easy to locate the bedding you need.

8. Put Them Away Under the Bed

Instead of overcrowding your closet, use the space under your bed to store comforters. Your bed may already have drawers or storage space built in.

Otherwise, use shallow bins or zipper bags that can slide comfortably under the bed, allowing you to store the bedding flat or folded.

9. Store Them in Underused Furniture

Have some extra closet space in the guest room? Or an unused furniture piece in the garage? Get creative and put these unused or underused furniture pieces to store your comforters.

10. Invest in a Storage Bench

If you don’t mind adding an extra piece of furniture into your bedroom but a vintage steamer trunk isn’t your jam, opt for a minimalist storage bench.

In addition to housing your comforters, a storage bench offers extra seating space, not to mention look chic when stationed at the foot of the bed. Really, what’s not to like?

How to Prep the Comforters for Storage

It’s always a good idea to clean your comforters well before tucking them away until their next use. Here are the steps, you’ll need to follow to prepare them for long storage.

1. While most comforters are machine washable, check the care label to know the recommended cleaning method. Some may be too big to be washed and dried at home.

2. If it’s okay to run them through the washer, then, use a mild detergent and a gentle cycle to do the job. Cold water instead of hot will ensure your precious comforters don’t lose their shape.

3. Once they’re free of dirt and debris, place the comforters in the dryer on the lowest heat setting. This is an important step, as even the slightest dampness can cause mold and mildew.

4. Toss in wool dryer balls or tennis balls to fluff them up. The last thing you want, after a day of washing and drying, is to see your favorite comforter emerge from the dryer lumpy and out of shape.

5. Once these are fully dried, allow your comforters to cool down before storage.

How to Keep Your Comforters Smelling Fresh

Cedar planks: Place cedar planks in your comforter storage containers or bags to add a fresh scent. Cedar’s natural fragrance also helps repel moths, mildew, and pests.

Dryer sheets or balls: Grab some dryer sheets or wool dryer balls and place them in storage bins to prevent your comforter from getting clumped up. Dryer balls are also helpful in getting rid of static while keeping your comforter smelling fresh.

Zipper-Closure Cotton Bags: Use an extra layer of protection to prevent your comforter from collecting dust or picking up a musty scent while inside the storage bin.

Our comforter storage bags have convenient zipper closures to secure your comforters before storing them in a chest or trunk.

Final Thoughts

True to its name, a comforter acts like a warm hug during the colder months. But what do you do with these bulky and fluffy pieces of bedding when the weather gets warmer?

Unlike throws and blankets, comforter storage can be tricky, especially in small spaces.

We hope this guide will help make the best use of your existing space to keep your comforters tucked away clean, protected, and smelling fresh until it’s chilly again.