How do you store leftover Mardi Gras throws until next year?

The parade is over and you still have throws left. That is normal. Good storage means you can use them next season instead of throwing them away.

Here is how to keep leftover throws in good shape for a year.

Where is the worst place to store throws?

A hot attic, a hot garage or a car trunk. Louisiana summers get very hot. Places with no air conditioning can get much hotter than the rest of the house.

Strong heat can soften plastic. Beads may stick together in a clump. Printed designs on cups or toys can fade or peel. Glue on specialty throws can let go.

Pick a spot that stays close to normal room temperature all year. A closet inside the house, a spare room or a climate-controlled storage unit all work. Keep throws out of direct sunlight too. Sun through a window can fade colors over time.

What should I store them in?

Use plastic bins with lids that seal tight. Cardboard boxes are fine for a few weeks, but not for a year. Cardboard soaks up damp air, gets weak and can attract bugs.

A few tips for bins:

• Choose clear bins. You can see what is inside without opening them.
• Do not overfill. A bin that is too heavy is hard to lift and can crack.
• Stack heavy bins on the bottom. Put lighter ones on top.
• Keep bins off the floor if you can. A shelf or pallet keeps them away from water if there is a leak or flood.

How should I sort leftovers before storing?

Sort them now, not next year. You will thank yourself.

Make one bin for each kind of throw. For example: short beads, long beads, specialty beads, plush and novelty toys. Untangle beads as you go. A tangled pile only gets worse in storage.

Label each bin on the side and the lid. Write what is inside and how many, if you counted. A list taped to the lid works well.

It also helps to write the year on the label. That way you use the oldest throws first.

How do I keep plush toys from going bad?

Plush toys hold water. If they are damp when you pack them, they can grow mold or start to smell.

• Make sure plush is fully dry. If it got wet at the parade, let it air dry first.
• Seal plush in bags inside the bin. This gives a second layer against damp air.
• Store plush apart from beads. Beads can snag fabric and pull threads.

Check plush once or twice during the year. If you smell anything musty, take it out and air it.

What about light-up throws?

Take the batteries out before you store them. Batteries left inside a device for a long time can leak. A leaking battery leaves a crusty residue that can ruin the toy.

Store the loose batteries in a separate small box, in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from metal objects like keys or coins. Next season, test each item with fresh batteries before you pack it for the float.

If you find a light-up throw with a leaky battery, wear gloves when you handle it. Throw out the battery the way your area tells you to.

What about cups and other plastic novelty throws?

Wash cups if they were used, and let them dry fully. Nest them in stacks so they take less room. Keep them out of heat, since heat can warp them.

For other plastic toys, a quick wipe and a sealed bag are usually enough.

Should I check stored throws during the year?

Yes. A quick look every few months helps you catch problems early. Open a bin or two. Look for damp, bugs, smells or melted plastic.

Then, a few months before the next parade, do a full count. Write down what you have. Now you know what you still need for the new season.

How do leftovers fit into next year’s order?

Count your leftovers first. Then work out how much you need in total for the new parade. The store’s guide to beads for a parade float can help you with that. Order only what you are missing.

You can order online and pick up at the store in Bridge City or Houma, Louisiana. If you want to fill gaps with soft throws, see the plush toys.

What is the short version?

1. Keep throws out of heat and sun.
2. Use sealed plastic bins, not cardboard.
3. Sort and label before you store.
4. Make sure plush is dry and sealed.
5. Take batteries out of light-up throws.
6. Check your bins a few times a year.

A little care now saves you money and a headache next season.

Sources

• Bob Vila, “How to Clean Battery Corrosion”: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-battery-corrosion/