Storing Blankets

[jbullard1]

How do I need to store my wool blankets between events
Seems I remember my mother saying moths will eat wool
I can't stand the smell of moth balls

[Mike Ameling]

The modern traditional way is to store them in a CEDAR CHEST at the foot of your bed.  Moths don't like the smell of cedar either.

Some sort of wood box/trunk is nice - because the wool blankets don't get "squished" by other things piled on top.  And then just put some strips of cedar wood (like shingles) in with them.  Or make some cedar shavings and toss them in.  

Some people put their wool blankets in heavy/thick garbage bags for storage in their closets.  It seals them from anything outside - like moisture or bugs.  And including a little cedar shavings inside also helps - and adds that little extra aroma to the blankets the next time you use them.

And some put them back in those heavy plastic storage containers they come in new - with zippers and all.  

Just a few ... options.

Mikey - that grumpy ol' German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands

[Three Hawks]

I fold my wool blankets and store them on an open shelf in my "snakepit."  Been doin' it this way since I got started in buckskinnin' in the early 70's.  I have one good blanket, an Early's of Whitney 4 point, three store brand, ( a JC Penney, and two unknowns), and two Trapper blankets from Jas. Townsend.

I have washed all of them in a hypoallergenic detergent on warm wash, cold rinse, and line dried 'em once each in thirty years  I give 'em all a day in the sun and half an hour in a cold dryer once a year.   They're all as soft and fluffy as a grey kitten and warm as toast.   Never had a moth prollem yet.

I wouldn't touch that line about sniffing moth's balls with a borrowed barge pole.

Three Hawks.

[snake eyes]

jbullard,
            If its PC you are looking for I can't be of much help.
But what works for me are those bags you get to store clothing
and such in that you attach a vucum to that will remove practically
all air.I can store almost an entire hunting outfit in a large one,except for boots.
I have a friend that even stores his handguns in them.
The bags are reuseable and come in different sizes.Just a thought

[melsdad]

jbullard,
            If its PC you are looking for I can't be of much help.
But what works for me are those bags you get to store clothing
and such in that you attach a vucum to that will remove practically
all air.I can store almost an entire hunting outfit in a large one,except for boots.
I have a friend that even stores his handguns in them.
The bags are reuseable and come in different sizes.Just a thought

That is a good idea, storing handguns in them bags. I may just do that.

[snake eyes]

That is a good idea, storing handguns in them bags. I may just do that.

Brian,
       Please don't let that get around that I had a good idea
snake-eyes

[ManyVoices]

You're right - moth balls are nasty (not to mention more than a bit toxic)  So, some other suggestions are:

2 ounces each of dried rosemary and mint
1 ounce each of dried thyme and ginseng
8 ounces of whole cloves

Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Blend.
Make sachets by choosing a 4 x 4 inch
piece of natural fiber with a tight weave, such
as silk. Sew three sides together, then fill with the
herbs and sew the fourth side shut.   A good idea for
small sachets is to fill cotton teabags sold for
making your own tea (these are often sold in health food
stores). If you are really in a rush, just tie the herbs
up in a cotton bandana or handkerchief; place the
herbs in the middle, gather the edges together, and
tie.

Variation: Other herbs that are good for repelling moths
include lavender, lemon, sweet woodruff, and tansy.

And, a wee bit I learned while working in a museum - should you get bugs in your woolens, if you've got a big enough freezer, put the infested item in the freezer for 2 weeks.  Kills the little varmits handily!

[Mitch]

I just store mine on my bed<GRIN>....

[deadfallpaul]

Mitch, I do the same.
Was hesitant to post it and am glad you took the lead.

[Mitch]

I also store some in those plastic tubs, some are just in big,thick garbage bags, even have one or two the dogs sleep on(when they aren't trying to claim the buffalo hides!!)....I have a fairly large "collection" of blankets and material, and I live in a one-room cabin, so storage is an issue!! I also have a couple of 55gal metal cans with removable lids that seal up weather tight-one has canvas(tent, flys,etc) and the other holds more blankets and a few hair on hides...

 Paul-you may have noticed, I'm not hesitant to post what I think or what I do...

[deadfallpaul]

Noticed that Mitch.
I haven't been around here quite as long as you so am a wee bit more careful.  
  Also, my wife can't see a Hudson Bay, Early Whitney or any point blanket without buying it.  
   She just sent for a reference book on telling the age by the labels.
Can't wait until she gets it as we have some early ones that need to be verified.

[Kermit]

Store 'em in big plastic bags or in plastic (Rubbermaid-type) tubs with lids. Easy way is to get your hands on some of what's commonly called "Tennessee cedar." It's the stuff cedar chests are made or lined with. Also sometimes used in drawers and closets. Cut some several chunks of boards maybe 3-4" long and toss 'em in with your blankets. You can sometimes find these hunks of wood in plastic bags marketed to keep moths away. Hint: about once a year give these wooden pieces a little sanding to refresh the smell.

I've stored my kilts this way for years. Nary a problem. I slip a chunk into folded woolen clothing/sweaters too.

[jbullard1]

Thanks to everyone I have taken Stihl 038 (chainsaw) in hand and attacked a southern Red Cedar, very aromatic, fluffed my blankets in the dryer and put them in a zippered plastic bag with several cedar blocks scattered through the bag  

[Kermit]

Those blankets will sure smell sweet when you use them next!

[Uncle Russ]

Those blankets will sure smell sweet when you use them next!

:rotf I was thinking the same thing, that's a lot of cedar!
We use cedar in the closets, and it's pretty dog gone strong. (The little square slabs with a coat hanger hook made in the top)

I would still prefer sleeping under "sweet" smelling blankets to sleeping under blankets that had Moth Balls stored in the same bag.

I use that bag / vacum cleaner thingy, and we put those little sheets from the dryer in with 'em.... the smell is pleaseant, but not overwhelming.

Uncle Russ...