One of the biggest mistakes people make after cleaning their winter wardrobe is storing clothes in improper environments, said Steve Boorstein, a third-generation former dry cleaner, author and clothingcare guru also known as "The Clothing Doctor." We enlisted his advice for keeping clothes in their best condition.

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Clean your closet. "Dust mites, including moth sacs, are in almost every closet. So when you're getting ready to wash (clothes), take the time to vacuum your closet and the upper reaches of the corners," Boorstein said. "If you're going to take the time to store your clothes in there, make sure the environment is clean."•

Avoid wire hangers. Boorstein said wire hangers are particularly weak and not suited for heavy items. "The shoulders bow and curve under the pressure. This causes distortion to the shoulder area and, over time, can ruin the line and the shoulder cavity of the garment," he said.•

Say no to plastic. When dry-cleaned clothing is returned, consumers should remove the plastic immediately. "Plastic does not breathe, and garments need air," Boorstein said. "In many situations in the summer when things are humid, (plastic) helps promote moisture. Moisture can discolor clothing and can also promote stains."•

Keep clothes in dry, dark places. Seasonal clothes should not be stored in the basement. "They generally sweat and have moisture. In worst-case scenarios you'll (end up with) mildewy odors," he said. "If you have to store it in a basement, you should consider a dehumidifier."•

Keep the bugs away. To prevent moths from feasting on your wool, Boorstein advises using polypropylene clothing bags."They are breathable, but they don't allow insects to bore through and aren't considered attractive to insects because they are synthetic," he said. "Never store in cardboard boxes," he added, because the "glue that holds them is made of protein, which does attract insects."