Moths in the wardrobe, what to do

Short answer: Moths go for sweat and skin residue in natural fibres. Wash everything before storing it, clean the wardrobe, and keep the most vulnerable clothes in closed bags. These three steps put you in a much better position, both before and after an infestation.

Why moths appear

It is not the adult moths that make the holes, but the larvae. They feed on protein residue in wool and other natural fibres, and they find it mostly in worn clothes. Clean clothes are far less interesting to them. So wash everything, such as bamboo sweatpants for women, before putting it away for a long time.

Signs of moths

Small, irregular holes in clothes are the best known sign. You may also find fine webbing or debris in corners and folds where larvae have been hiding. Adult moths flying out when you open the wardrobe suggest there may be larvae somewhere. The sooner you spot it, the easier it is to stop.

Clean the wardrobe

Empty the wardrobe and vacuum corners, shelves and gaps thoroughly. Then wipe with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Empty the vacuum cleaner afterwards so larvae and eggs do not stay in the house. Only put clothes back once they are clean, including the ones you wear often, such as the most popular men's styles.

Wash everything from the wardrobe

If you have seen moths or holes, wash all the clothes that were in the same wardrobe. Use the temperature on the care label. Larvae and eggs can sit in clothes that look perfectly fine, so it is best to deal with everything at once. Let the clothes dry completely before they go back.

Freeze affected clothes

Clothes that cannot be washed, or that were clearly affected, can go in a bag in the freezer for a day. The cold kills the larvae. Take the bag out, let the clothes reach room temperature and shake them well. This works for wool and knitwear that cannot take a warm wash.

Closed storage for vulnerable items

Wool and knitwear should be kept in closed bags, especially when stored for a long time. Bamboo viscose is less vulnerable, but it still needs to be clean before it is put away. That goes for all men's bamboo clothing. Food and sweat stains can attract larvae regardless of the fibre.

Lavender and other remedies

Lavender and cedar are often used as scents in wardrobes. They can keep adult moths away, but they do not kill larvae that are already there. See them as a supplement to cleaning and washing, not as a solution on their own. Refresh them regularly, as the scent fades.

Prevent a new infestation

The best prevention is good habits. Only put clean clothes in the wardrobe, and keep worn clothes elsewhere until they are washed. Open the wardrobe and move things around regularly, because moths thrive where nothing is touched. Clean the wardrobe a few times a year, even when there are no signs of moths.

Frequently asked questions

Do moths attack bamboo viscose

Less often than wool, but dirty stains can attract larvae regardless of the fibre. That is why bamboo viscose clothes should also be clean before they are stored.

Does lavender work

It can keep adult moths away, but it does not kill larvae. Use it as a supplement to cleaning the wardrobe and washing the clothes, not as the only solution.

What should I do if there are holes

Wash everything in the wardrobe, clean it, and freeze the affected clothes for a day. Keep an eye on the wardrobe for a few weeks afterwards in case larvae remain.