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By the time we get to the truth of moth damage to clothes, valuable clothes have huge, ragged holes that cannot be repaired.
Here are some easy DIY ways to keep moths out of your closet for good.
1. Clear Up Contamination
If your closet has moths, larvae, cobwebs, cocoons, or a strong odor, you need to clean it thoroughly. This includes taking out all your clothes for a thorough clean, as well as any food or drink spills, outdated papers, carpets and soft furnishings. Clothes moths and their larvae can be removed from intact closets by thorough cleaning.
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2. Deterrent Herbs
Clothes moths do not like strong smells. Make the most of it! Pack dried lavender, bay, cloves, thyme or rosemary into small, clean cloth bags. Place bags in pockets, around the floor, in the corners of closets, and by railings. It is advisable to renew them every three months. Rubbing the bags every time you open the cupboard will get rid of the smell.
3. Essential Oils
Similarly, moths are repelled by the scent of essential oils. Put an essential oil like lemon, citrus, patchouli, myrrh or any of the plants mentioned above on a cotton ball or piece of muslin and stick it in the closet. When it dries, renewt.
4. Wash Clothes Before Storing Them
Natural fibers are detected by moth larvae, so synthetic fabrics are often safer. However, larvae are attracted to human or pet sweat, skin, body oils, and hair. Before putting anything back in the closet, especially if it is not worn often, wash it. Before storing for the season, items such as summer clothes and winter jackets must be thoroughly cleaned. Because the chemicals used in dry cleaning kill eggs and larvae, think twice before buying expensive items. While dry cleaning is expensive, buying a new wardrobe every few months isn’t that expensive.
5. Airtight Storage
Moths cannot enter airtight storage; They can only gnaw through paper and cardboard packaging. To guarantee that clothes and furniture can’t reach the fibers, consider placing them in vacuum-packed bags or sealed crates. Zip up the pockets and hoods of winter coats you hang in the closet to prevent moths from getting into small openings.
6. Let in Fresh Air
Clothes moths reproduce in moist, humid environments, unlike garden moths, which prefer fresh air. The easiest technique to keep moths out of your closet is to increase ventilation by leaving the door open for a few hours each day.
7. Cedar Hangers
Most nuisance insects and moths are repelled by cedar. Buying cedar clothes hangers and pocket sized cedar balls is a worthwhile investment. Moths do not like the original smell of cedar wood, but it gradually fades. Cedar hangers should be replaced every few years to maintain freshness.
8. Hot Wash or Steam
Moth larvae are destroyed by hot washing or steaming. Check clothing and furniture labels before turning up the heat. While frequent hot washes are not environmentally friendly, they can help break the cycle if clothes moths are causing problems.
9. Cold Wash
On the other hand, eggs and larvae can also be killed by a very cold wash. Delicates and garments made for hand washing are more suitable for frequent cold washes. Turn off the machine and give it more time to run.
10. Wash Down With Vinegar
A moth infestation needs to be attacked from several angles. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, moths, larvae and eggs that cannot withstand acid are removed by cleaning your cupboards with white vinegar. Mix white vinegar and water 50/50, then clean cupboards, paying special attention to closets and crevices.
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