PROTECT YOUR WARDROBE THIS AUTUMN AGAINST MOTHS IN 4 STEPS

PROTECT YOUR WARDROBE THIS AUTUMN AGAINST MOTHS IN 4 STEPS

DO I HAVE MOTHS? Reading PROTECT YOUR WARDROBE THIS AUTUMN AGAINST MOTHS IN 4 STEPS 5 minutes Next TIPS FOR CHARITY SHOP SUCCESS

We love this time of year, dew on the grass in the mornings and crisp cool air. Yes, it’s sad to say goodbye to the summer and all that the holidays bring, but we love getting get back to a routine. One of our favourite routines at this time of year is to sort out our wardrobes. We use this opportunity to clear everything out, sort and store away my most summery items and re-unite myself with the lovely things we have forgotten about. One of the reasons this is such a good exercise is because It gives us a chance to check whether any items that we're putting away need mending. It’s also a great time to check for and get rid of moths if we have them. It’s like a wardrobe MOT.

On the face of it, it sounds like a mundane exercise but it doesn’t need to be. Set aside some time in your diary and stick to it. Put a radio playlist on, have a cuppa on standby or invite a friend and open a bottle of wine and have your own Trinny and Susanna session! Once you’ve had your fun and emptied your wardrobe, here’s what you need to know to get rid of moths and keep them away.

1. THE CLOTHES MOTH CLEAN OUT

Traditionally, the clothes moth lifecycle would have slowed down with the cooler temperatures, but nowadays, with warmer winters and central heating, they carry on breeding happily throughout the Autumn and Winter. So, it is as important as ever to get your wardrobe cleaned and prepared at this time of year.
Clothes moths want to eat, mate and lay eggs! They like dark dusty undisturbed corners so, if you have them, the first step in eliminating a moth infestation is to remove everything from your wardrobe and drawers. Wash what can be washed and dry clean everything else (this includes bedding, drapes and curtains). Vacuum your wardrobe, drawers, carpets, floors and all surrounding areas thoroughly. Then wash with soap and water inside the wardrobe and drawers and then spray with our Chrysanthemum Moth Spray.

2. GARMENT CLEANING & STORAGE

Moths feed on the proteins in natural fibres like wool and especially love the food splats, skin and hair particles we leave behind so do not put dirty or even once worn clothes back in the wardrobe, We can’t reiterate this enough!
Fortunately, clothes moths don’t like the taste of dry-cleaning fluid so if you are storing out-of-season clothes, dry-clean them first. Then store in Garment Bags ensuring the material is breathable. Avoid storing clothes in plastic boxes as the changes in temperature encourages moisture and the clothes can smell mouldy; fabrics need to be able to breathe. Our Non-Woven Garment Storage Bags are breathable and have a velcro fastening at the top designed specifically to keep moths away.

3. MOTH PROOFING PRODUCTS

Once you get rid of moths you must ensure that they don’t return, by using moth prevention products. The key to using anti-moth products is to replace them regularly.

Place Total Wardrobe Care Natural Anti-Moth Hanging Sachets on the rails of the wardrobe, spaced about 40-50cm apart. Put our Natural Anti-Moth Essential Oil in our Wooden Diffuser Cup or on one of our Ceramic Infusers around the necks of your hangers. The smell is wonderful, but the female moths do not like it! Place cone filled Pot Pourri Bags amongst your folded items or use our natural anti-moth drawer sachets. Line your shelves and drawers with Drawer Liners which are naturally scented.

If you suspect you have moths but aren’t sure, place our Moth Trap Box in your room (not in the wardrobe). The box uses the pheromone that female moths use to attract the males. Instead it attracts them to a sticky board where you can count them to check the seriousness of your infestation. The pheromone lasts for 12 weeks so we sell handy Refills for year-round use.


4. REPEAT EVERY SEASON

Keep a check on your clothes and look out for holes caused by clothes moths. Every season have a mini clean out and replace your moth repellent products. This will help keep your wardrobe fresh clean and moth-free. If you fear you have a full on moth infestation in your house and are not sure where to start, our Blog on what materials moths eat, provides lots of advice on tackling moths over the whole house, or you can call our office for advice on 01420 588 588.