How to Store Woolens and Other Clothes to Prevent Moths

To protect your clothes from moth damage, it's essential to understand why moths target fabrics like wool and cashmere and implement proper storage techniques.

Cleaning clothes before storing, using natural moth repellents, and mothproofing your wardrobe, drawers, and long-term storage items are key steps to prevent infestations.

By spotting early signs of moth damage and treating affected clothes quickly, you can preserve your garments and keep them fresh after storage.

Why moths target clothes

Moths are drawn to certain fabrics, especially those made from animal fibers like wool, cashmere, and silk, because they contain keratin, a protein that moth larvae feed on.

However, it’s not just the fabric itself that attracts moths; clothing with sweat, body oils, or food stains provides additional nutrients for the larvae to thrive. This is why dirty or unwashed clothes in your wardrobe or storage boxes are especially prone to moth infestations.

There are two primary types of clothes moths that cause damage:

• Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella): The most common type, these moths lay eggs directly onto fabrics, and the larvae feed on the fibers.
• Casemaking Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella): Similar to the webbing moth, the larvae of this moth type feed on clothing and often make silk cases, which remain attached to fabrics.

How to prevent moths in your wardrobe

Preventing moths requires a proactive approach that combines good storage practices, regular cleaning, and natural repellents.

Below are the most effective ways to protect your clothes from moth infestations:

• Regular ventilation: Moths prefer dark, warm, and humid environments. Open your wardrobe doors occasionally to allow air and light in, which naturally deters moths. Consider installing a low-wattage light inside the wardrobe or moving it to a well-lit location.
• Use cedar: Cedar is a natural moth repellent. Cedar blocks, sachets and rings can be placed inside your wardrobe to deter moths. The oils in cedar are toxic to moth larvae, keeping them away from your woolens.
• Regular vacuuming: Moths can lay eggs not just on clothes but also on carpets and upholstery. Make it a habit to vacuum the areas around your wardrobe regularly to prevent infestations.

Clean clothes before storing

One of the most crucial steps in preventing moth damage is ensuring your clothes are clean before storing them. Moths are particularly attracted to garments that contain sweat, food particles, and body oils.

Here’s what you should do before putting your wool and cashmere away:

• Wash thoroughly: Make sure all garments, especially wool and cashmere, are washed or dry-cleaned according to their care instructions before storage. This helps eliminate food residues, oils, and any moth eggs that may already be present.
• Remove stains: Stains act as an additional attractant for moths. Be sure to treat and remove all visible stains before packing your clothes for storage.
• Dry completely: Ensure that your garments are fully dry before storing. Moisture can encourage mold or mildew, which further attracts moths.

If you’re wondering how to best protect your fabrics while ensuring they maintain their quality, check out how to prevent pilling on your sweaters and fabrics for more detailed fabric care techniques. It’s essential to maintain not only the cleanliness of your clothes but also their structure to prevent damage from both wear and storage.

Mothproofing wool and cashmere

Wool and cashmere are two of the most vulnerable fabrics when it comes to moths. These luxurious natural fibers require special care to prevent damage.

Here are some methods to mothproof them effectively:

• Closed storage: Store your wool and cashmere garments in lidded boxes or zipped cotton garment bags with cedar, especially if they’re going into long-term storage. A closed container keeps moths away from the fibers, and unlike a vacuum bag it doesn't crush them. Vacuum bags are fine for a short trip but not for a season; see what vacuum packing does to wool.
• Freezing your clothes: If you suspect that your clothes may have been exposed to moths, freezing can kill any eggs or larvae. Place garments in a sealed plastic bag and freeze them for 48 hours to eliminate any potential infestations.
• Use natural repellents: Natural moth repellents like cedarwood, lavender, or rosemary can help keep moths away from your woolens. These are a great alternative to chemical-based mothballs, which can leave an unpleasant odor.

For more in-depth tips on keeping your wool and cashmere safe from moths, check out our guide to preventing moth damage in wool. This guide offers detailed strategies on how to mothproof these delicate fabrics, ensuring they stay in excellent condition, free from damage season after season.

How to protect clothes in drawers

Wardrobe mothproofing is essential, but don’t overlook your dresser drawers where wool, cashmere, or delicate clothing may also be stored.

Here are some strategies to keep moths away from your drawer-stored items:

• Cedar lining: Line your dresser drawers with cedar paper or insert cedar blocks to naturally repel moths.
• Sachets of herbs: Keep sachets filled with dried lavender, mint, or rosemary in your drawers. These natural repellents work well for smaller spaces like drawers and help prevent moths from laying eggs on your clothes.
• Clean and maintain drawers: Every few months, empty out your drawers, wipe them down, and inspect your clothes. Regular cleaning helps eliminate any larvae that may have started to settle.

Protecting clothes in long-term storage

For garments that are being stored for an extended period, such as seasonal clothes or special occasion wear, long-term storage requires special attention. Here’s how to protect your items in storage:

• Use garment bags: For delicate items like wool coats, cashmere sweaters, or silk dresses, breathable garment bags are ideal. Cotton or linen garment bags keep moths out while allowing the fabric to breathe.
• Airtight containers: For clothes you won’t be wearing for a long time, consider storing them in airtight plastic containers. This method creates a protective barrier, preventing moths from reaching your clothes.
• Label and organize: Store your clothes in an organized manner to minimize the need to constantly search through boxes. The less you disturb stored garments, the less friction, and damage they will experience.

For a detailed look at preparing your clothes for long-term storage, including the best storage materials and methods, refer to our guide on how to pack your clothes for long-term storage. Proper packing not only prevents moths but also protects your clothes from dust, dirt, and mildew.

Best natural ways to repel moths

If you prefer natural methods over chemical solutions, there are several effective alternatives for repelling moths. Here are some of the best natural ways to keep moths away:

• Cedar: One of the most effective natural moth repellents, cedar blocks or cedar sachets can be placed inside your wardrobe or storage containers.
• Lavender: Moths hate the scent of lavender. You can use lavender sachets or sprinkle lavender essential oil on cotton balls to place in drawers or wardrobe corners.
• Herb sachets: Rosemary, thyme, and cloves are other natural repellents that can be used in sachets. These herbs not only deter moths but also leave your clothes smelling fresh.
• Mint leaves: Fresh or dried mint leaves in sachets can also help repel moths from stored clothing.

Keep closets dry, aired and disturbed

Clothes moths like still, dark, slightly humid corners where nothing moves for months. Changing those conditions does as much as any repellent.

• Don't overstuff. Leave space between hangers and in drawers so air moves and you can see what's there.
• Keep humidity down. Aim for below about 55 percent. In damp rooms use moisture absorbers or a small dehumidifier; see how humidity affects clothing.
• Disturb things. Moths avoid clothes that get moved. Wear wool regularly in season, and shake out and rehang stored coats every few weeks.
• Let light in. Larvae avoid light, so open closet doors and air the space whenever you clean.

A year-round moth prevention routine

• Spring: wash or dry clean winter woolens before they go away, pack them with cedar, and put pheromone traps in closets as moths become active.
• Summer: warm months are peak moth season. Check stored boxes once a month and look at the traps.
• Fall: unpack, inspect each piece in good light, and air everything for a day. Sand cedar blocks before they go back.
• Winter: vacuum closet floors and corners, and keep rotating sweaters so none sit untouched for months.

Our free seasonal home calendar puts these checks in the right month for you.

How to spot early signs of moth damage

Recognizing the early signs of a moth infestation can save your clothes from serious damage. Here’s what to look out for:

• Small holes in clothing: One of the most common signs of moth damage is small, irregular holes in garments, particularly in wool and cashmere.
• Silk webbing or cases: Moth larvae often leave behind silk cases or webbing on the fabric. These may be found on the folds or seams of your garments.
• Shed skins or larvae: Moth larvae shed their skin as they grow, leaving small translucent shells. You may find these skins in the corners of drawers or along the edges of fabrics.
• Fecal pellets: Clothes moths leave behind tiny, grain-like fecal pellets. These are often found in the seams or folds of wool and cashmere clothing.

How to treat moth-infested clothes

If you discover moth damage, it’s essential to act quickly to minimize further harm. Here are the steps to treat moth-infested clothes:

• Wash or dry clean: Start by washing the affected clothes in hot water, as this will kill any moth eggs or larvae. For more delicate garments, dry cleaning is a safer option.
• Freeze items: If washing or dry cleaning isn’t immediately available, you can place the garments in a plastic bag and freeze them for 48 hours to kill moth larvae.
• Vacuum your wardrobe: Thoroughly vacuum the area where the infested garments were stored, paying particular attention to cracks and crevices. Moths can lay eggs in hidden places, so ensure the entire area is cleaned.

Refreshing clothes after storage

After storing your clothes for a season or longer, they may need a bit of care before they’re ready to wear again. Here’s how to freshen them up:

• Air them out: Hang your clothes in a well-ventilated area to let any stale odors dissipate. If possible, hang them near an open window or in the sun for a few hours to refresh the fabric.
• Steam or press: Use a garment steamer to release wrinkles and refresh the fibers. Avoid using an iron directly on wool or cashmere, as this can damage delicate fibers.
• Wash if necessary: If the garments still carry a musty smell or need additional cleaning, consider washing them before wearing.

Protecting your clothes and other delicate fabrics from moths requires a combination of preventive care, proper storage, and regular maintenance.

By implementing these strategies, cleaning your clothes before storing them, using natural moth repellents, and keeping a close eye on your wardrobe for early signs of moth damage: you can ensure your wardrobe will be well-protected, and you’ll enjoy your garments season after season, free from unwanted moth damage.