How to Protect Clothes from Moths

Moths may seem harmless, but their larvae can cause severe damage to your wardrobe. These tiny pests feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, and cashmere, leaving behind unsightly holes and ruining expensive clothing. Fortunately, there are proven methods to prevent moth infestations and protect your garments.

In this guide, we’ll cover why moths attack clothes, how to prevent infestations, and the best storage solutions to keep your wardrobe safe.

Why Do Moths Attack Clothes?
Clothes moths are attracted to keratin, a protein found in natural fibers such as wool, fur, silk, and cashmere. Unlike other household pests, moths don’t eat the fabric itself—their larvae do. Female moths lay eggs on clothing, and when the eggs hatch, the larvae start feeding.

Moths prefer:
✅ Dark, undisturbed areas (closets, drawers, storage boxes)
✅ Clothes with stains or sweat residue (provides extra nutrients)
✅ Warm, humid environments

The most common culprits are:

The Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella)
The Case-Bearing Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella)
Both species can cause severe fabric damage if not controlled.

How to Prevent Moths in Your Wardrobe
1. Keep Your Closet Clean and Organized
🧹 Regularly vacuum your wardrobe, drawers, and carpets—moths love to hide in dust and fabric debris.
🧼 Wash and dry clothes thoroughly before storage—sweat, perfume, and food stains attract larvae.
🌞 Expose your clothes to sunlight—moths dislike bright light and fresh air.

2. Use Natural Moth Repellents
Instead of harsh chemicals, try these natural solutions:

🍋 Cedarwood – Contains oils that repel moths; use cedar blocks, hangers, or essential oil sprays.
🌿 Lavender – Dried lavender sachets or lavender oil deter moths naturally.
🍊 Cloves, bay leaves, and rosemary – Their strong scent keeps moths away.

3. Store Clothes Properly
📦 Use airtight storage bags or vacuum-sealed containers for seasonal clothes.
🛡️ Choose breathable cotton garment bags instead of plastic to prevent moisture buildup.
🔥 Freeze infested clothes for 48 hours—kills moth larvae and eggs.

4. Dry Clean Delicate Fabrics
Moths are drawn to silk, wool, and cashmere. Dry cleaning removes larvae, eggs, and stains, making clothes less attractive to moths.

5. Set Moth Traps
Sticky pheromone traps attract and catch male moths, preventing reproduction. Place them inside your closet for long-term control.

How to Detect and Remove Moths
🕵️ Signs of infestation:

Small holes in fabric
Shed larval skins or silky webbing
Musty odor in closets
🛑 If you find moths:

Remove all infested clothing and inspect items for damage.
Wash clothes at high temperatures (if fabric allows) or freeze them.
Vacuum and clean wardrobe thoroughly to eliminate any hidden eggs.
Use moth repellents or dry cleaning to prevent reinfestation.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your clothes from moths requires a combination of prevention, proper storage, and cleaning techniques. By keeping your wardrobe clean, using natural repellents, and storing clothes correctly, you can prevent costly damage and keep your garments in pristine condition.

For professional dry cleaning and moth-proof storage solutions, trust Linton Cleaners & Laundry Experts to protect your wardrobe from pests and fabric damage.

Book a cleaning service today and keep your clothes moth-free!