Types of Plastic Storage Containers
Not all plastic clothing storage bins have equal properties when it comes to potential health hazards, durability and suitability for long term textile preservation needs:
Polycarbonate and Polystyrene - Clear rigid plastics like these can leach hormone altering bisphenols, xenoestrogens and hydrocarbon residues. Generally unsuitable especially when cracked. Avoid.
Polypropylene (PP#5) - A high density opaque plastic considered food safe without softening agents, BPA or phthalates. Withstands higher heats than other plastic bins making dishwasher and autoclave sterilization possible. More expensive.
Polyethylene (PE#2 and PE#4) - Lower density opaque plastic still BPA/phthalate-free but more malleable over time, absorbent of ambient odors like rubber and prone to accumulating biofilm gunk residue if not washed properly. Affordable but less ideal for clothes.
Consider also avoiding cheaper plastics marked PETE#1 or PVC#3 which risk leaching antimony and phthalates into contents with temperature fluctuations and UV exposure over time. Look for HDPE#2 or PP#5 symbols instead for safer rigid opaque bin choices resistant to warping, cracking, fumes or bacterial residue buildup inside.
Dangers of Plastic Container Off-Gassing
Plastic storage bins, especially thinner models can off-gas volatile chemicals called phthalates that are added as plasticizers to increase malleability but have not undergone extensive safety testing regarding long term low dose inhalation. Traces end up accumulating in indoor air and dust. When inhaled, phthalate residue has tentatively been linked with the following health issues:
- Respiratory irritation or asthma flares in sensitive individuals
- Hormone disruption possibly increasing infertility, diabetes and obesity rates
- Neurodevelopment issues if fetuses/babies exposed during critical windows
- Increased heart disease and cancer risks long term
These tentative associations are still being rigorously researched. But choosing thicker, less pliable plastic bins made with high density polyethylene or polypropylene minimizes venting concerns plasticizers pose because less gets added during manufacturing. Properly wash new containers in hot water before first use to decrease traces clinging inside. Avoid stacking containers tightly trapping gases indoors. Have them openly accessible on shelves allowing ventilation instead of hidden away permitting volatile compounds to concentrate undetected.
Responsible reporting calls for acknowledging potential hazards from plastic chemical exposures remain controversial and need more proof before declaring certain doom or ignoring wise precautions, especiallyfor susceptible young children and those with respiratory conditions affected by indoor air contaminants and dust. Limit risks responsibly instead of overreacting out of fear. Further study hopefully clarifies what thresholds may exist regarding safe exposure cutoffs.
Mold Risks Storing Clothing in Closed Plastic Containers
Trapped moisture encourages fabric decaying mold taking hold over time on stored clothing, leading to irreversible staining damage, costly specialty cleaning efforts or total loss. Plastic bins seem like logical protectors but have downsides. When inadequately ventilated, plastics foster humidity buildup much like a mini-greenhouse that molds thrive within when unchecked. Stop the cycle by:
- Letting clothing fully finish machine or line drying before bin storage to avoid sealed in moisture trapping cold dampness over weeks especially in basement locations.
- Using breathable archive grade acid-free cardboard storage boxes instead for the most vulnerable antique fabrics/costumes allowing needed airflow without light exposure fading risks some clear bins create. These sturdy conservation quality boxes have vented sidewalls. Museum curators rely on acid-free paperboard for safely preserving all manner of historical textiles, flags, uniforms and delicate accessories for many decades without promoting mold or material degradation. It offers ideal environmental buffering.
- Storing inside non-airtight cedar chests or cedar lined closets with cedar divider panels between garments allowing airflow if plastic bins still preferred for mainstream everyday clothing items less susceptible to mold or mildew over weeks, not years. Cedar’s natural aroma also deters moths.
Take proper mold prevention steps seriously when choosing storage methods and containers for clothing meant to endure many seasons without microbial decay or externally caused deterioration. Pay heed to textile preservationist wisdom - breathability balanced by darkness in archival grade encasements provides ideal long term protection keeping heirlooms like wedding gowns or baby christening outfits pristine despite decades passing by. Don’t risk cherished fabric treasures on convenience alone.
Static Electricity Risks of Plastic Clothing Storage Containers
In addition to potentially increasing humidity and mold risks compared to breathable archival boxes, standard plastic bins also accumulate far more static charge through simple friction contact over time - especially in drier winter months. This poses a largely unconsidered threat:
Static sparks risk irreparably damaging fragile vintage clothing fibers, lace, beading through microscopic burns that accelerate deterioration even if not immediately visible. Repeated folding/unfolding older fabrics alone creates friction heat searing threads. Lightly rubbing plastic bins to retrieve items makes matters exponentially worse. Yet danger hides unseen as small holes and severed threads structurally weaken irreplaceable material integrity over subsequent seasons.
Additionally static cling causes pet hair, microfiber crumbs and other particulate debris to stubbornly stick to clothing instead of being fully removed by washing. This gradually reduces visible vibrancy and promotes faster wear from embedded clinging dirt abrading delicate fabrics worn. Avoid plastic storage generating static for anything old or collectible.
Even cautious handling modern clothing to/from plastic bins risks subtle unseen damage from sparking static discharges compared to cardboard’s natural static resistance. Ensure plastic bins have vented sidewalls, stay moderately climate controlled and get handled minimally by grasping sides instead of dragging clothing across bin bottoms to reduce static buildup if avoiding plastics entirely remains unrealistic long term.
Safe Alternatives to Plastic Clothing Storage Containers
Plastic-free storage methods exist protecting clothing from light, pests, moisture, and gases without hazards plastics risk. Besides archival grade acid-free conservation boxes, additional safe alternatives include:
Cedar Chests/Cedar-Lined Closets - Aromatic red cedar wood repels moths naturally while allowing needed airflow to prevent dampness. Stylish cedar chest designs range from blanket boxes to storage chests to full closets integrating cedar panels.
Muslin Cotton Storage Bags - Odorless, unbleached washable muslin cotton bags protect clothing from dust and over-handling between wears while still permitting needed breathability. Cotton absorbs static unlike synthetics that generate cling. Machine washable durability varies; air dry only.
Acid-Free Divided Cartons - Conservation grade divided cartons create custom sized compartments protecting delicate items from crushing or snagging while buffered by lignin-free corrugated barriers on six sides. Designate separated archive boxes by outfit; stack together.
Window Screen Fabric Bags - Surprisingly effective for warding off hungry moths, these mesh bags allow ventilation like specialty museum screening designed for curating costumes on open display while obstructing insects. Sturdy synthetic material is more durable long term than cotton against tears.
Evaluate clothing value, personal health factors and intended years stored when selecting among plastic or plastic-free storage options that all carry unique pros, cons and protective trade offs depending on needs. No single solution ranks best across all scenarios and priorities. Make informed fabric-conscious choices resisting hype in either direction.
Best Practices for Safe Clothing Storage in Plastic Bins
If selecting plastic storage containers to organize clothing despite the risks covered previously, incorporating prudent safeguards and proactive monitoring helps minimize health hazards and textile damage threats over both short and long term storage.
Implement these best practices for maximizing safety:
- Choose thicker, BPA-free plastic bins - Look for high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) rather than cheaper, thinner plastics. Avoid clear plastic which degrades fabrics through light exposure.
- Wash thoroughly before first use - Hand wash or dishwasher new containers using hot water settings to decrease chemical residues from manufacturing possibly clinging inside that could leach out later when stored in warm locations.
- Incorporate cedar wood inserts - Place cedar panels, cedar filled pouches or loose cedar blocks inside bins to help stabilize humidity while repelling moths and other insects attracted to fabrics.
- Store bins in open air surroundings - Do not tightly stack or seal plastic bins away in confined closets or basement corners. Allow generous airflow around containers to prevent unseen buildup of chemical off-gassing, high humidity and resulting mold growth risks over the long term.
- Avoid dragging clothing across plastic - Gently lift garments out by the hangers or edges rather than pulling across bin bottoms to minimize fabric damage from static electrical charges that attract micro fibers and particulate debris contributing to faster textile wear.
- Periodically air out contents - Every 2-3 months, unfold and rearrange clothing to aerate fabrics preventing permanent creases from compressed storage while checking for early signs of mold or moisture issues needing adjustment.
Exercising these added safeguards reduces known pitfalls plastic clothing storage risks compared to more breathable alternatives. But realizing true long term archival museum grade preservation still requires upgrading to acid-free lignin-free conservation quality boxes with buffered pH neutral barriers ideal for protecting heirloom textiles 500+ years without deterioration. Evaluate your family treasures accordingly.
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