No matter where you live, it's likely you rotate your wardrobe at least twice a year — once when the temperatures fall and once when they rise again. After spending months in a dark closet or storage box, your seasonal clothes will likely need some special care before they can step back into the spotlight. Here are some tips for taking clothes from under wraps to ready to wear.

An ounce of prevention…

For best results, make sure to do all you can to protect clothes before you store them for the season.

Pests (especially clothes moths and carpet beetles) cause the most damage to stored clothes and thrive on stains, so it's essential to remove all stains and clean all garments before storing. Use your favorite formula of Tide to pretreat stains and clean washable items. And try Dryel to freshen dry-clean-only and delicate garments.

To further prevent infestation, use natural repellents, such as cedar, to fend off these pesky buggers. Cedar is the most popular since it smells good and comes in many forms including blocks, hangers and sachets.

What about old-fashioned moth balls, you ask? Try a moth repellent containing paradichlorobenzene instead. You can use less to get the same results and there is no clinging odor or risk of fabric staining.

If your closet or storage area is large enough, use a dehumidifier to help prevent mold, mildew and fungus. And make sure the area is kept cool, well-ventilated and dark. Ultraviolet light deteriorates fabric over time.

Face the consequences

If you did all you could to protect seasonal garments, but they still suffered the effects of being "under wraps" for the past few months, here are some ways to combat the consequences of storage.

Musty odors

This is probably the most common complaint about stored clothes. To get rid of that stale, musty smell, try Febreze Fabric Refresher on your clothing. And look for something from Tide, Downy® and Bounce soon that adds Febreze freshness to your laundry — in one easy step.

Also, remember that both Tide and Downy come in a variety of refreshing scents, including Clean Breeze, Mountain Spring, Tropical Clean, April Fresh and Soft Ocean Mist.

Moth holes

If you notice holes in garments when removing them from storage, you can thank the clothes moths. First, clean the infested storage area with soapy water and/or vacuum it. (Dispose of the vacuum bags promptly, since they likely contain the moths' eggs or larvae.)

Next, launder all the clothes stored in the same vicinity in the hottest water safest for them or use Dryel for dry clean only garments. Even if you don't notice holes, there may be moth larvae embedded in the clothing fibers.

Seek the help of a professional experienced in reweaving to repair garments with moth holes.

Next, launder all the clothes stored in the same vicinity in the hottest water safest for them or use Dryel for dry clean only garments. Even if you don't notice holes, there may be moth larvae embedded in the clothing fibers.

Seek the help of a professional experienced in reweaving to repair garments with moth holes.