How do you prevent moths in your wardrobe?
Nothing is more annoying than pulling your favorite sweater out of the closet… only to find out there are tiny holes in it. There is a good chance that moths are the culprit. And believe me: once you have them, they can be quite persistent.
But don't stress, fortunately, you can prevent moths in your wardrobe with a few simple tips. And believe it or not: we also pay attention to this every day in our shop, because a moth infestation among our clothing is honestly a bit of a nightmare for us.
Why do moths actually come into your wardrobe?
Moths are especially fond of natural materials such as wool, cotton, silk, and cashmere. And those happen to be the exact materials often used in sustainable clothing.
We notice this at Natur-el as well, because a large part of our collection consists of natural fabrics. These materials are much better for the environment, but unfortunately also more attractive to moths.
By the way, the moths themselves don't actually eat your clothes. It is mainly the larvae that feast on the fibers. They essentially see your wardrobe as a sort of all-you-can-eat buffet.
1. Keep your wardrobe clean
Moths are attracted to odors, dust, and skin flakes on clothing.
That is why it is important to:
- Store clothing clean
- Dust your closet occasionally
- Wash clothing that you haven't worn for a long time first
We also pay close attention to this in our shop. Clothing is regularly checked and refolded, so everything stays clean and fresh.
2. Ensure movement in your clothing
Moths love dark and quiet places where clothing hangs still for a long time. That is why it is good to wear clothing occasionally or air it out. By creating movement, you disturb their quiet spot.
In the shop, we actually do exactly the same thing. Stacks of sweaters are regularly refolded or moved. This keeps movement in the clothing, and moths get fewer chances to nest somewhere.
3. Use natural moth repellents
Fortunately, there are also natural ways to keep moths away.
Moths, you see, do not like strong scents such as:
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Cloves
- Rosemary
A small bag of lavender or cedarwood in your wardrobe can therefore already make a big difference. At Natur-el, we also use these types of bags in the shop to provide extra protection for the clothing.
4. Store clothing the right way
Clothing that you do not wear for a longer period of time, such as winter sweaters in the summer, is best stored in:
- Sealable storage boxes
- Garment bags
- Vacuum bags
Some items of clothing, especially wool, are also given extra protection during shipment. That is why we send certain items in protective bags. That is, for example, one of the reasons that we cannot always use completely plastic-free packaging. We want the clothing to arrive safe and protected.
5. Check your clothing occasionally
Do you see tiny holes, cocoons, or small moths in your closet? Then it is smart to act quickly.
Wash affected clothing at a higher temperature or put it in the freezer for a while. That helps to kill any larvae.
Small effort, big difference
Moths in your wardrobe may be small, but the damage can be large. Especially with clothing made from natural materials, it is important to take good care of it.
With a few simple habits, such as keeping your closet clean, airing out clothing occasionally, and using natural scent bags, you can already prevent many problems.
At Natur-el, we regularly receive clothing from brands that pack their items in protective plastic bags. These bags are actually intended to keep clothing clean and safe during transport, but they can also come in handy at home.
If you are, for example, storing wool sweaters or other clothing made of natural materials for a long time, you can put them in such a bag before you place them in your closet. This way, they are better protected against dust, dirt, and therefore also against moths.
That is why we often keep some of these bags in the shop. Customers are welcome to take them home to store their clothing safely. A small tip, but one that can ensure your favorite sweater stays beautiful for a very long time.
And believe us: your favorite sweater will thank you.
