Every year the same routine: the fan slows down, someone pulls the razais out of the top shelf of the almirah, and the whole room smells of storage for a week. A proper changeover takes one afternoon and saves that entire week of musty bedding.
Here is the order that works, because the drying and airing steps need to happen before anything is packed or put on a bed.
Step 1: Air the winter bedding first
Before anything else, take out the razais, comforters and blankets and put them in direct sun for three to four hours, turning them once. Sunlight removes the stored smell better than any spray and kills the damp that builds up in a closed cupboard over summer.
Do this on the first clear day you get. In December fog it becomes almost impossible, which is why late September and October is the right moment.
Step 2: Wash the summer bedding properly before storing
Bedding must be completely clean and completely dry before storage. Body oils and sweat that are invisible now will oxidise into yellow patches by March, and any dampness turns into a musty smell or mildew.
- Wash on a normal cycle in cold or lukewarm water; see washing printed bedsheets without fading.
- Skip fabric softener before storage: it leaves a residue that attracts insects.
- Dry fully — an extra hour in the sun is worth it. If a corner is even slightly damp, the whole set will smell by January.
Step 3: Store it the right way
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Cotton bags, pillow covers or an old bedsheet as a wrap | Sealed plastic bags — they trap moisture and cause a musty smell |
| A dry shelf inside the room | A store room that leaks in monsoon, or a damp outside wall |
| Neem leaves or naphthalene balls wrapped in cloth, not touching fabric | Naphthalene laid directly on bedding, which stains and smells for months |
| Loose folding, refolded along different lines next season | Tight compression for months, which sets permanent creases |
Store each set inside one of its own pillow covers. The set stays together and you can pull out a complete set in one movement next summer.
Step 4: Deal with the AC
The AC is about to sit unused for five months. Clean or wash the indoor filters, let them dry, then cover the unit. A cover keeps dust off the fins and stops the first start of summer smelling stale, and on the outdoor unit it takes the worst of winter rain and sun.
Our quilted AC cover set covers both units, and the AC cover guide explains sizing and the common mistakes. While you are at it, seal the wall gap around the pipe — it leaks cold air all winter, as covered in keeping a bedroom warm without a heater.
Step 5: Rebuild the bed for winter
Rebuild from the mattress up rather than just throwing a razai over the summer bed:
- Air the mattress for a few hours with nothing on it. This is the one day of the year it is completely bare, so use it.
- Fit a quilted protector. It adds a padded layer against a cold mattress and keeps it clean: the quilted waterproof protector comes in seven colours.
- Switch to a warmer bedsheet. Khaddar in cold cities, crystal cotton elsewhere — the winter bedsheet guide compares them.
- Add the blanket layer between sheet and top layer. This costs the least and adds the most warmth.
- Razai, comforter or duvet on top. Not sure which suits you? Here is the difference.
Step 6: The quick room audit
While the bedding is off the bed, deal with the things that are easy to see only today:
- Pillows. Fold one in half — if it does not spring back, it is finished. A flat pillow in a fresh cover is still a flat pillow.
- Gol pillows. New covers cost far less than new bolsters; see cushions and pillows.
- Curtains. Wash them now, and hang the heavier pair if you have one.
- The rug. Marble floors are about to get cold — see our room styling ideas for finishing the rest of the space.
What to replace rather than store
Do not pack away bedding you already know you will not use. Sets that are faded, pilled, torn at the seam or the wrong size for your bed will be exactly as unwanted in June. Pass them on now while they still have some life in them, and free the shelf.
If you are replacing, our crystal cotton sets are king size with two pillow covers at Rs 2,399, with free delivery and cash on delivery across Pakistan. Our price guide explains what each budget realistically buys.
Frequently asked questions
When should I change bedding for winter in Pakistan?
Late September through October in most of the country. Doing it before the fog arrives means you can dry and air everything in real sunlight.
Why does stored bedding smell musty?
Almost always because it was packed slightly damp, or sealed in plastic. Store it fully dry, in cotton or an old bedsheet, on a dry shelf.
Should I wash bedding before storing or after taking it out?
Before storing. Marks left on fabric for months set permanently, and washing after storage means waiting another day before you can use it.
Do I need to cover the AC in winter?
It is worth it. A cover keeps dust off the indoor unit and shields the outdoor unit from rain and sun during the months it sits idle.
How long should a razai last?
Many years if it is aired every few weeks and the cotton is re-carded occasionally. If it has gone flat and lumpy, no cover will make it warm again.
