As the seasons change, our clients begin the “Seasonal Swap” process, switching out their favorite wool, cashmere, and furs for warm-weather garments. Maintaining the integrity of such a collection requires individualized, garment-specific care – pieces made from wool, cashmere, and fur necessitate a proactive approach to pest management, as these fibers contain keratin, the primary food source for clothes moths and carpet beetles. Their presence is a common reality of fashion collecting, particularly in urban environments or during seasonal transitions. Our dedicated quarantine room is designed to isolate incoming garments, preventing the introduction of pests into our broader storage ecosystem, while providing a controlled environment for specialized, low-temperature treatment.
Garment Isolation & Low-Temperature Treatment
When a garment arrives with evidence of pest activity identified in our thorough inspection process, it is immediately isolated in our dedicated quarantine room. This protocol is essential for protecting the high-value collections of our clientele, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed before the item enters long-term storage.
While several methods exist for pest eradication, including dry cleaning or anoxic (oxygen-depletion) treatments, we utilize a low-temperature, chemical-free treatment performed with a specialized sub-zero chest freezer. The greatest risk during the freezing and warming process is the introduction of moisture. To mitigate this risk, garments are wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and placed within archival-grade vacuum-sealed bags. Embellishments such as signature buttons or delicate hardware, are individually covered to protect against condensation. Garments remain in the sub-zero environment for a minimum of 72 hours. This duration is sufficient to eliminate pests at all stages of the life cycle.
Following the treatment, items must re-acclimate to room temperature for 24 hours before the vacuum seals are broken. This step is vital to prevent the dew point from shifting and causing frost or moisture to form directly on the fibers.
Once the freezing cycle is complete, the physical evidence of the infestation must be removed. For this, we utilize an archival vacuum. Unlike domestic vacuums, archival units feature highly adjustable suction and HEPA filtration, allowing for the gentle removal of debris without causing mechanical stress to the fabric. By utilizing micro-attachments and adjustable gaskets, we can tailor the suction levels to the specific needs of the garment—whether it is a sturdy wool suit or a fragile embellished piece.
The Importance of Proper Care for Seasonal Swaps
Vigilance is particularly critical during the spring season, as rising temperatures coincide with our Seasonal Swap offering, where clients move large quantities of winter garments into storage.
Pests are a natural risk associated with high-quality organic fibers, and do not necessarily reflect a lapse in care. However, through professional intervention—combining isolation, low-temperature treatment, and archival cleaning—damaged items can be stabilized and restored to their original glory, ensuring they remain pristine for generations to come.
UOVO Fashion clients receive complimentary pickup and delivery for a seasonal storage swap twice per year. Contact us now to learn more.