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Short answer
Store fabric rolls lying flat on racks, off the floor and away from walls, windows and direct sun, in a dry, ventilated space. Never fold coated blackouts or stack heavy rolls on velvets. Keep each roll's label and lot number with it, cut on a clean table, and sell older stock first.
How should fabric rolls be stored?
- Lying horizontally on racks, supported along their length. Rolls stood on end crush their edges.
- Off the floor and away from walls, so damp and spills cannot reach them.
- Out of direct sun: even through glass, sunlight fades the outer layer of a roll. See Light-Fastness Explained.
- Wrapped, in the original film or a breathable cover, to keep dust off.
How do you keep damp and mould away?
- Keep the store dry and ventilated; use air-conditioning or a dehumidifier in the wet season.
- Never store rolls that arrived wet; dry the outer layers first.
- Check the back rows and lower racks regularly for musty smells or spots.
- Keep food out of the store, which draws insects.
See Mouldy Curtains for how mould starts.
Which fabrics need extra care?
| Fabric | Risk | Store |
|---|---|---|
| Velvet | Crushed pile and marks | On its roll, never folded, nothing stacked on top |
| Coated blackout | Permanent creases in the coating | On its roll, never folded or bent sharply |
| Sheers | Snags and dust | Wrapped, away from rough edges |
| Natural fibres | Damp and mildew | The driest part of the store |
How do you cut and label stock?
- Cut on a clean, flat table, never on the floor.
- Keep each roll's label, with its collection, colour and lot number, on the roll until the last metre.
- Never mix two lots on one order without telling the customer. See What Is a Dye Lot?.
- Label short ends with the collection, colour, lot and length, so they can be sold or used for samples.
How do you rotate stock?
Sell older rolls first, so stock does not sit for years and fade or yellow at the edges. Check slow-moving rolls before cutting: unroll the outer layer to make sure it has not faded or marked. For live stock and incoming dates on JOTEX collections, signed-in dealers can check each collection page on jotexfabrics.com.
Frequently asked questions
How should fabric rolls be stored?
Lying flat on racks, off the floor, away from walls, windows and sun, in a dry, ventilated room.
Can you stand fabric rolls on end?
It is best not to. Rolls stood on end crush and damage their edges.
How do you store velvet fabric?
On its roll, never folded, with nothing stacked on top, so the pile is not crushed.
How do you stop mould in a fabric store?
Keep it dry and ventilated, keep rolls off the floor and away from walls, and never store damp rolls.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.