5 STEPS TO KEEP YOUR WARDROBE MOTH-FREE ALL YEAR

Already cleared an moth infestation? This is the maintenance routine that keeps it from coming back.

Still dealing with an active problem right now? Start with our full guide to getting rid of moths instead, come back here once it's under control.

STEP 1: STORE CLOTHES CORRECTLY

Moths feed on protein, so keratin which is found in natural fibres, such as cashmere, wool and silk, as well as hair and dust (which is mostly made up of shed skin cells). Protein from food residues on our clothes is also attractive to clothes moths. That is why you should follow strict wardrobe hygiene rules on getting rid of clothes moths in your wardrobe. Do not put dirty or even once worn clothes back in the wardrobe because skin cells or food splats, even small ones that you cannot see could become a food source that will attract moths.

TIP: Clothes moths don’t like the taste of dry-cleaning fluid so if you are storing out of season clothes, dry clean them first.

Storing out of season clothing is a useful way of creating more space for yourself. How you store your clothes is very important. They need to be able to breathe and they need to be kept dust and moth free.

Total Wardrobe Care has a selection of popular garment bags including our washable and breathable Cotton Garment Storage bags and our Non-Woven Garment Bags. Both these bags are perfect for achieving a moth free wardrobe as they have a zip and velcro fastening that completely tucks in, so the moths cannot get in. Avoid storing clothes in plastic as the fabrics need to be able to breathe to prevent mould.

Non-woven garment bag containing textured cashmere jumpers on marble surface

For folded items use a Fabric Storage Box lined in Acid-Free Tissue Paper. Don’t store your clothes in an overheated or damp attic, cellar or storage unit. Put your storage box in a spare room, on top of a cupboard or better still, in a clean cupboard with a firmly shut door. Make sure all your clothes are stored away clean for full moth protection!

TIP: Cashmere, wool and silk are not only delicate fabrics, but are moth favourites. Keep them stored in either our Knitwear & T-Shirt Storage Bag or Cashmere Storage Bag for complete peace of mind.

STEP 2: BUILD A SEASONAL DEEP-CLEAN INTO YOUR ROUTINE

Moths thrive in undisturbed spaces, so the single best prevention habit is disturbing them regularly. Set a seasonal reminder, ideally each time you swap over your wardrobe for the season, to empty and vacuum wardrobes and drawers, check stored boxes, and air out garment bags.

This is also the moment to refresh anything in Step 3.

STEP 3: REFRESH YOUR NATURAL REPELLENTS

Cedar blocks, drawer & hanging sachets and diffusers all work by scent, and that scent fades, most need refreshing or replacing to stay effective. Solid cedar can be lightly sanded to release fresh oil, or sprayed with a cedarwood refresher spray. Sachets should be replaced every 6 months. A repellent that's stopped smelling of anything isn't protecting your wardrobe anymore, even if it's still sitting there. Our hanging sachets, cedar blocks and linen sprays are designed to be swapped in on this kind of rotation.

STEP 4: INSPECT MONTHLY

A two-minute check each month catches a problem long before it becomes an infestation. Look for the same signs as before, small holes in natural fibres, webbing in seams, larvae in dark corners, and keep a discrete pheromone moth trap running year-round as an early warning system rather than only reaching for one once you've already spotted damage.

STEP 5: UNDERSTAND SEASONAL RISKS

Moth activity isn't constant through the year, it typically picks up as temperatures rise and quietens in colder months, though centrally heated homes can stay hospitable to moths even in winter. Treat the run-up to spring and the point you bring winter woollens out of storage as your two highest-risk moments, and make sure Steps 1–4 are freshly done at both.