Clothes moths are the "bane" of our wardrobes. Tiny larvae that devour our clothes in our closets before turning into moths, they are a dreaded scourge, especially for cashmere. Yet, the "massacre" can be avoided with a few good habits that are completely respectful of both our clothes and our health. Come on, we'll share our secrets with you!
Moths and cashmere: the 20-second answer
- Wash your cashmere clothes before storing them away to eliminate dirt and other organic residues that moths feed on.
- Use effective and natural repellents such as cedar balls, lavender sachets, cloves, or thyme.
- Keep your clothes in a dry and well-ventilated place, away from heat and moisture.
Hygiene above all against moth larvae
Cleaning is the best solution to prevent a moth infestation in cashmere.
Why? Because, contrary to what you might think, larvae do not feed on the fabric of the garment itself, but on the dirt and sweat that have soaked into the fibers of the material.
So before storing your garment, remember to rid it of impurities with a good wash!
But that's not all: to prevent moths from colonizing your belongings, remember to store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, as moths love humidity and heat.
👌 Charlotte's tip, founder of Linnea Lund and an avid collector of cashmere pieces.
“When I swap my warm clothes with my summer outfits, I avoid placing them in airtight plastic bags that can create condensation. Instead, I choose cardboard boxes or cotton garment bags that let the material breathe while protecting it from dust.”
Best natural moth repellents
There are highly effective solutions to keep moths away from closets without having to use chemical repellents.
Great classics: cedar balls. Their woody scent repels moths and their larvae.
The only constraint is remembering to rub them regularly with sandpaper to reactivate their repellent power.
Dry lavender sachets, or even thyme or rosemary, also work very well. Each of these plants has a strong scent that disorients the insects.
👌 Charlotte's tip
“I like to use cloves that I put in cotton pouches before placing them in my drawers and wardrobes.”
What to do in case of moth holes in cashmere?
First, check that it is indeed a moth hole and not a wear-and-tear hole.
A moth hole is quite recognizable: small, irregular, as if a stitch had been pulled out but without any loose ends of yarn appearing.
In this case, washing in cold water is enough to kill the larvae. After that, move on to stitch-by-stitch darning. For this step, it's often best to leave it to the pros because it requires real expertise.
Of course, it is advisable to "treat" other garments that were in contact with the holed item because they might be infested too.
👌 Charlotte's tip
“The freezer! The cold destroys the larvae and protects the fiber. At home, there are always one or two sweaters in the freezer, which makes my friends laugh a lot. But it's my precautionary principle, and it really works!”
The ultimate habit to save cashmere from moths: wearing your clothes regularly
Moths settle in warm, dark, and seldom-visited places. Therefore, it is often during the summer, when temperatures rise and winter sweaters are stored away, that they cause the most damage.
So don't hesitate to air out your closets, unfold and refold your clothes, and above all, wear your knitwear regularly!
And fortunately, cashmere can be worn all year round because it's a thermoregulating natural fiber that will keep you warm in winter and let your skin breathe in summer, while offering the comfortable feel of a second skin.
👍 Good to know: If you see tiny moths (less than a centimeter) with golden-brown wings fluttering around your home, know that it is a moth that has reached the final stage of its transformation. It is no longer dangerous for your clothes, but potentially, when it was still a larva, it might have paid a visit to your wardrobe and turned your clothes into its pantry. It may have even laid eggs...
But before panicking, carefully inspect the corners of your wardrobes and drawers. If you spot white cocoons, those are moth nests to be vacuumed up!
Next, examine your clothes and risk areas: cuffs, collar, underarms, and the bottom of the garment, to check if there are any holes.
Frequently asked questions about moths and cashmere
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How do I know if I have moths in my wardrobe?
If there are small irregular holes in the clothes, sticky silk threads, fine sand-like residues (which are droppings), or cocoons in the corners. -
Do cedar balls really work?
Yes, cedar balls are very effective as long as you remember to rub them three to four times a year (for example, at every change of season) with sandpaper to reactivate their scent that repels moths. -
Can moth larvae and eggs be destroyed in the washing machine?
Larvae and eggs cannot withstand cold water, so it is important to wash the cashmere garment properly according to the rules of the art.