In recent weeks, I find myself talking about moths a lot. These annoying little creatures come uninvited, and before you know it, they are munching away on your favourite jumpers and coats. It is no secret that moths are connoisseurs of natural fabrics like wool, mohair, and silk, but what attracts them in the first place is the scent of unwashed clothing.
As wardrobes are often dark and undisturbed places, moths can thrive in them unnoticed for a long time, feeding on dust, hair, and fibres. Before you know it, your clothes are full of little holes that are not always possible to repair.
Taking steps to prevent moths from entering your abode is always the best strategy, and good practices are as follows:
- Clean clothes only: When putting clothes into your wardrobe, always make sure they are clean. A little food stain, sweat, a bit of hair, or a skin cell is like an open invitation.
- Give them breathing room: Make sure wardrobes are not stuffed to the brim with clothes. There should be space between hangers to allow air to flow.
- Deep clean twice a year: Remove everything, check the items, and optionally air your clothes outside in the sun for an hour or two if possible. Wash the inside of the wardrobe with soapy water or a vinegar solution (the smell will evaporate shortly after washing, so it won't affect your clothes).
- Use natural deterrents: Use scented bags filled with lavender, thyme, or rosemary, or use cedarwood balls (these need to be sanded down once in a while to release their natural oils).
- Store smart: If you are storing seasonal items for a few months, try to keep them in plastic, airtight containers.
If by any chance moths have already found their way into your wardrobe, here is what you can do to get rid of them:
- Heat or freeze them: Wash your clothes at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius to kill the larvae. For clothes that cannot be washed, you can seal them in a plastic bag and freeze them for at least three days. Some items might need dry cleaning, so make sure to inform the dry cleaner about the moth issue.
- Strip it down: Empty your entire wardrobe and clean it thoroughly as explained in the preventive steps above.
- Invest in pheromone traps: These attract and catch male moths, effectively disrupting the breeding cycle.
- Harness the sun: On a dry, sunny day, let your clothes soak up some sunshine for a couple of hours. Full sunshine and dry air will kill any remaining eggs and larvae. Keep in mind that the sun can fade fabric colours if the exposure is too long, so stick to 2–3 hours max.