Cloth moths are fond of fine natural fabrics made of cotton wool or cashmere. They seek to lay eggs in these fibers and since the fabrics can hold water, moths and their larvae have plenty of food and water or sweat to feed. They’ll not only eat your expensive wool and cashmere clothing, but they’ll also leave behind an unsightly mess for you to clean up.
If you’re struggling to eliminate moths in your house, this article will help you learn how to mothproof your wool and cashmere after winter.
When Do Moths Attack?
In the US, moths’ breeding season begins in May and continues through the summer and into October. You’ll find them in dark, undisturbed places, and your closet is a perfect fit.
During the breeding season, moths mostly feast on garments as they also provide a warm and dry environment in which to lay their eggs. Since you rarely need your wool and cashmere garments during this time of year, moths may have plenty of time to reproduce and feast on them. It’s disheartening to discover holes and moth eggs on your favorite knitwear.
How to Moth Proof Your Wool and Cashmere
Launder Before Storage
Clean-looking garments may have unseen stains from food and drinks, perspiration, and hair from the skin and head that adhere to the fabric. All these are a moth’s favorite diet. Laundering your clothes before storage will prevent the stains from accumulating, which attract and nourish moths that cause long-term damage, staining, and odors.
If you have found moths in your wardrobe, you must start by breaking their breeding cycle completely. Dry cleaning is a good pre-storage deep clean alternative since moths dislike the smell of the solvents. Gently hand-washing knitwear or using the woolen or delicate setting on your washing machine are also good options.
To avoid musty odors, make sure each item is totally dry before storing it. Most dry cleaners that provide this option work pretty well. You might also freeze your garments in a sealed plastic bag for up to two weeks to try to kill the larvae completely.
Proper Storage for Wool and Cashmere
Wool and Cashmere need a breathable environment. So you must ensure to wipe your wardrobe with a detergent or solvent-soaked rug to remove all eggs, hair, or moth larvae. Egg-laying adult moths can be prevented by using cedarwood blocks, moth paper, or lavender sachets. These have to be checked and replaced regularly to maintain a high level of deterrence.
Keep your clothes neatly packed and away from soft furnishings like carpets or other fabrics. Preferably somewhere clean and cold since moths like the warmth. Furthermore, keep your soft furnishings, curtains, and carpets clean and dust-free to ensure that moths have little to eat.
Monitor Your Traps
Most individuals do not monitor their trap setups to ensure they’re efficient. You can use Clothes Moth Killer Cassettes, pheromone traps, lavender sachets, or cedarwood blocks, but they’ll all fail if you do not monitor them regularly. Some expire or require regular replacement, so make a note of maintaining and inspecting them on a regular basis.
In addition, regularly check your wardrobe for clothes you rarely wear. Moths have little chance against often-worn clothing in well-lit settings. This is the ideal opportunity to fluff and organize your entire wardrobe to prepare for putting it back in storage.
Do Your Cleaning Outside
If you prefer to hand wash your clothes to break the reproduction cycles, brush the knitwear and jackets outside. You must not clean the moth eggs in your house. Else, you will transfer the dirt or egg to other materials like your carpet or beddings.
Take the clothes outside on a sunny day and thoroughly brush them, paying specific attention to collars and seams. This should get rid of the eggs, larvae, or dirt, some of which may be invisible to the naked eye. This is an old-fashioned but effective regiment to keep your wardrobe mothproof.
Use Moth Deterrents
Mothballs and moth crystals can help to prevent pest infestations by emitting fumigant gas. These, however, can be toxic to adults, unborn infants, and pets. So you’re probably better off without them.
The heartwood of red cedar contains natural oils that can kill clothes moth larvae. Lavender sachets can also be used to repel clothing moths. However, because these will not kill moth eggs or older larvae, so you must first keep the area clean and clear of moths.
Learn More About Protecting Your Wool and Cashmere After the Winter
As inconvenient as it may be, you don’t have to dispose of a garment with moth holes. Instead, try to mend it invisibly or convert the hole into a feature turn. Many excellent tailors and repair shops will help you salvage your moth-eaten cotton and cashmere with ease. However, the best strategy is to keep your wardrobe clean and monitor it regularly. Contact us today for high-quality wool and cotton garments that match your style.
