Cedar and lavender against moths in the drawer

Short answer: Cedar and lavender are old household remedies against moths in the drawer. The scent may deter them, but it does not replace clean clothes, tight storage and a regular check. Use them as a small extra alongside good habits, and look for signs of holes along the edges.

Why moths get into the drawer at all

Moth larvae do not eat clothes out of spite but because they look for food in fibres and dirt, especially in wool and other animal materials. Dark, quiet drawers with clothes that are rarely worn are an obvious place for them. That is why storage and cleanliness matter more than scent alone.

What cedar can and cannot do

Cedar has a strong scent that many people use in wardrobes because it may deter moths. It is a household remedy, not a guarantee, and the scent fades over time. Sand the wood lightly now and then so the scent returns, and treat it as a supplement. It does not replace cleanliness in the drawer.

Lavender as a gentle scent

Dried lavender in a small bag is an old habit and gives clothes a calm scent. Here too the effect is hard to promise, so do not let the bag stand alone. Replace it from time to time, and do not place it directly against light clothes if the bag could release colour or oil.

Clean clothes are put away, not worn ones

Moths are drawn to traces of sweat, grease and food, even on clothes that look clean. Wash clothes before you put them away for a longer period, and make sure they are fully dry. That applies to bamboo slips, which you may wear less often and therefore leave in the drawer.

Air and light are your best help

Moths do best where it is quiet and dark, so open the drawer regularly, take the clothes out and air them. A look in the drawer each season takes a few minutes. Check seams and folds in particular, where larvae can hide, and shake the clothes out well before putting them back.

Store tightly and neatly

Tight cloth bags or boxes without openings make it harder for moths to get in. Do not leave sealed plastic bags with damp clothes lying around, since damp causes other problems. Look in the drawer for small holes or dust, and place bamboo knickers and other underwear in a separate part of the drawer so it is easy to check.

What to do if you find moths

Take all the clothes out of the drawer and examine them piece by piece. Wash what can take it according to the care label, and vacuum the drawer thoroughly, including corners and edges. Discard clothes with clear holes if you cannot save them. If the problem is large, a pest controller can advise.

Socks and small items too

Small items such as socks often fall out of sight because they lie at the bottom of the drawer or in a box. Do not let them be forgotten. Go through them at the same time as everything else, and keep socks for women in pairs so you can quickly see what you have and what needs washing or replacing.

Frequently asked questions

Does lavender work against moths?

It is an old household remedy, but the effect is hard to promise. Use the scent as a small extra, and do not let it replace clean clothes, tight storage and a regular check of the drawer.

Should clothes be washed before I put them away?

Yes. Traces of sweat and grease attract moths, even on clothes that look clean. Wash according to the care label, and make sure the clothes are fully dry before they go in the drawer.

What do I do if I find holes along the edges?

Take all the clothes out, examine them and wash what can take it. Vacuum the drawer thoroughly and discard badly damaged pieces. If the problem is large, a pest controller can help.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.