As winter fades, it's time to pack away the coats and sweaters. But simply tossing them in a box is a guarantee for moth holes next season. Insects are attracted to bodily fluids (sweat, skin cells) and food particles left on clothes, not the fabric itself.
The Golden Rule: Clean Before Storage
Even if it looks clean, wash or dry clean every single woolen item before storing. This kills any insect eggs and removes the scents that attract pests.
Storage Tips
- Cotton Bags: Store woolens in breathable cotton bags, not plastic. Wool needs to breathe. Plastic traps moisture and leads to yellowing.
- Cedar & Lavender: Skip the smelly mothballs (naphthalene). Use cedar blocks or dried lavender sachets. They repel insects naturally and smell great.
- Don't Hang Sweaters: Heavy wool sweaters will stretch out of shape if hung for months. Fold them neatly and stack the heaviest ones at the bottom.
With a little care now, you'll be greeted by fresh, ready-to-wear cozy knits when the chill returns.