Moths can be the bane of your wardrobe, especially when they attack your favourite natural fibre clothes like woollens, cashmere and linen. Fortunately, there are simple, natural solutions for protecting your clothes from moths. Here are a few practical tips to keep moths out of your wardrobe for good.
1. Lavender: the natural moth repellent par excellence
Lavender is one of the most effective solutions against moths. Sachets of dried lavender, placed in drawers or hung in your closet, give off a pleasant scent while repelling moths with their strong, natural odour. You could also use a few drops of lavender essential oil on pieces of cotton wool in your cupboard.
2. Cedar: natural protection
Cedar is another natural moth repellent. In the form of cedar wood blocks, balls or hangers, it protects your clothes by giving off a scent that moths hate. It also helps to absorb moisture in the wardrobe, creating a less favourable environment for pests.
3. Essential oils: to boost defence
Essential oils such as eucalyptus, clove and lemon are very effective at repelling moths. A few drops on strips of fabric or in diffusers in the corners of your dressing room should do the trick, and in addition, they'll give your clothes a pleasantly fresh, invigorating scent.
4. Bay leaves: a grandmother's secret
Bay leaves are a well-known grandmother's remedy for repelling moths. Placed in the pockets of your coats or between piles of clothes, they give off another odour that moths don't like. It's a natural, economical solution that’s easy to put in place.
5. Regular wardrobe cleaning: the key to prevention
A clean closet is essential to preventing moths. It's important to dust regularly, to wash your clothes before putting them away, and to not to leave dirty textiles lying around. Don't forget to vacuum the nooks and crannies of your wardrobe and to clean it with a damp cloth and white vinegar, which is also an excellent natural repellent.
6. Off-season storage: protect your clothes
For clothes you don't wear regularly, like those from the previous season, good storage is essential. Use fabric covers to protect your items and opt for airtight boxes. Adding lavender sachets or cedar blocks to these boxes will give you extra protection against moths.
7. Using a steamer: the ideal solution for eliminating larvae and eggs
As well as smoothing wrinkles out of your clothes, a steamer can be used to eliminate moth larvae and eggs. The heat of the steam kills the larvae without damaging the delicate fibres of your clothes. Steam your favourite items regularly not only to refresh them, but also to protect them from harmful little pests.