Once Halloween is over, it's time to put away your Halloween decorations—jack-o'-lanterns, skull ornaments, LED string lights, spider webs, and so on. If you just shove them in a box, they might get moldy, break, or not light up when you take them out next year. Not only will you waste your money, but you'll also have to buy new ones. Many people ask, what care should be taken when storing them to ensure they remain in good condition and can be used again next year?

Thorough Cleaning

Regardless of the type of Halloween decoration, it's crucial to clean them thoroughly before putting them away. Otherwise, dust and stains will accumulate, and they'll be prone to mold and insect infestation after six months. This is especially true for fabric or paper decorations. For example, for fabric pumpkins or stuffed skulls, vacuum them first to remove any dust. If they're slightly dirty, gently wipe them with a damp cloth dipped in mild laundry detergent. After wiping, place them in a well-ventilated area to dry, avoiding direct sunlight, as this can cause the fabric to fade and become stiff. Don't wash paper decorations with water. Gently brush them with a dry brush to remove dust. If they're greasy, carefully erase them with an eraser and then place them between cardboard to prevent them from creasing. Rinse plastic decorations with clean water or wipe them with a damp cloth. Let them dry before storing. Water on the surface can degrade the plastic and attract dust.

Sort by Material

After cleaning, don't pile all your Halloween decorations together. Sort them by material. This makes it easier to find them next year and prevents damage to different materials. For example, keep plastics together, fabrics together, electronics together, and paper separately. Be selective when sorting. For example, if you find a broken decoration, fix it if you can before sorting it. If it's not repairable, throw it away so it doesn't take up space and you don't have to sort it out again next year.

Prevent Electronics from Leaking and Damage

Electronic Halloween decorations are the most fragile, so be extra careful when storing them. First, check that the lights are working. If any bulbs aren't working, replace them immediately to avoid leaving them in the string and making it difficult to troubleshoot next year. Then, wrap the string lights around cardboard. Avoid folding them too much, as excessive folding can break the wires and prevent them from lighting up next year. For battery-powered decorations, be sure to remove the batteries before storing them. Otherwise, they will leak over time, corroding the internal circuitry and ruining the decorations. Also, avoid storing wires from electronic decorations with metal ornaments, as the metal can scratch the insulation and cause leakage. It's best to wrap them individually in plastic bags and place them in a storage box.

Protect fragile and easily deformable items

Fragile and easily deformable Halloween decorations, such as glass pumpkins, ceramic skulls, and paper cutouts, should be properly protected from bumps and impacts during storage. For glass and ceramic items, wrap them in soft cloth or bubble wrap and place them in a cardboard box. Stuff the box with newspaper or tissue paper to fill in any gaps to prevent breakage. Don't stack paper decorations too thickly. Place them flat in a cardboard box, using cardboard dividers to prevent them from folding. You can also roll up your paper lace and secure them gently with a rubber band, but don't tie them too tightly, as this will leave marks.

Choose the Right Storage Environment

Avoid storing Halloween decorations in damp areas, such as basements or balcony corners. Humidity can cause mold and rust. It's best to store them in a dry place, such as on top of a closet or on a shelf in a storage room. Also avoid storing them in direct sunlight, such as near windows. Excessive sunlight can age and fade plastic, harden fabric decorations, and brittle paper decorations. Also, avoid placing heavy objects on top of decorations, especially those made of fabric, paper, or glass. These can warp and break over time. If your home is humid, such as during the rainy season in southern China, place one or two packets of desiccant in the storage box to absorb moisture and prevent mold.