Inside: Save your favorite sweaters from damage. Check out these simple tips on how to prevent moth holes in clothes. Keep your wool and cashmere clothes looking like new!
Recently I put up all my winter clothes and pulled out all of my summer items.
I always keep off-season items folded in my dresser drawer and keep the clothes that I am currently wearing hung up in my closet.
Before I put up my clothes for the summer I always check them for any stains or damage. If they have any stains I make sure I apply my DIY stain remover and wash them.
I have a few wool and cashmere sweaters that I love and I always make sure to protect them from moths too.
I'm not too fond of the smell of moth balls so I prefer to use other methods to prevent moth holes.
If you are wanted to keep your wool clothes free from holes check out these easy tips on how to prevent moth holes in clothes.
How To Prevent Moth Holes
There are a few different ways to prevent moths from ruining your clothes. One of the easiest ways is to use moth balls. The problem with moth balls is they can be toxic.
Although we as adults know not to eat the moth balls our kids and dogs could get into them. For that reason, I don't recommend them. Most people don't care for the smell of them anyway.
Moths can easily work their way into tiny cracks or crevices and ruin your clothes so preventing them is the best way to keep your clothes in good shape.
See my favorite ways on how to prevent moth holes below.
Dust Regularly
Moths are attracted to dust so prevent them from staying in your closet by dusting and vacuuming regularly.
Dust can easily gather on rarely used shelves and attract the most.
I recommend dusting and vacuuming the closet every other week to prevent the moths. If you have a lot of shoes and clothes that don't regularly get worn make sure you dust them too.
Clean Your Items
Moths can also be attracted to odors and oils so make sure you wash or clean any items before putting them away.
I like to wash or dry clean my wool sweaters before I put them up. Just the every day wearing of clothes can leave some of your body oils on the clothes, I know it's gross but true. By washing the clothes you can get rid of the body oils or odors and keep the moths away.
Cedar Wood to Prevent Moths
If you keep your wool clothes in drawers one of the easiest ways to prevent moth holes is to use cedar wood to keep the moths away.
When I was growing up we had a cedar chest that we kept our wool clothes in. If you have one or don't mind purchasing one it is an easy way to prevent moths.
However, if you don't have one and don't want to spend the money you can also just line your drawers with cedar.
You can find inexpensive cedar wood drawer liners on Amazon and they work great.
I have some that I bought back when I first got married and they still work to prevent moths and moth holes.
Spray To Prevent Moths
If you don't store your wool clothes in drawers you can also use a spray to prevent moths.
There are a bunch of different sprays that you can buy. I personally prefer The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray.
It is usually under $10 at The Container Store or you can buy it on Amazon.
The wool and cashmere spray smells great and does a great job of keeping the moths away.
To use just spray the items from about 6 inches away to prevent the moths. Although I would recommend testing it in a small area on whatever you use first it is labeled safe for clothing, bedding, throws, and rugs.
Using a spray is an easy way to keep your clothes from getting moth holes all year long.
I just give the clothes a spray before I put them up for summer and after every time I wear them.
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Storage Bags
Another way to prevent moth holes in clothes is by using airtight storage bags.
I use the large Ziploc vacuum bags for some of my larger wool blankets. The dollar store has some off brand ones that work pretty well too.
Just put your items in the bag and follow the instructions on the bag to remove the air. The moths will be sealed out of the bags and it will help prevent moth holes in your clothes.
With these easy tips, you can help keep the moths away and keep your favorite wool clothes from getting moth holes in them.
Want some other easy cleaning tips? Check out how I wash wool at home. These simple tips will help save you money and time at the dry cleaner!
Carol Hoch says
I enjoy reading your tips.
Julie says
I am so glad you enjoy them!