4 Essential Steps to Protect Your Wardrobe from Moths This Autumn

As the crisp autumn air sets in and the summer heat fades away, it’s time for one of our favorite seasonal traditions: refreshing our wardrobes. Autumn is the perfect time to declutter, store away lighter summer clothes, and bring out those cozy favorites. It’s also an ideal moment to check for any damage, make necessary repairs, and, most importantly, protect your wardrobe from pesky moths. With central heating and milder winters, moths can remain active and continue breeding, meaning they can wreak havoc on your clothes even during the colder months.

Here are four simple yet effective steps you can take this autumn to eliminate and prevent moth infestations.

1. Autumn Moth Clean-Out

Traditionally, colder weather would slow down the lifecycle of clothes moths, but with warmer winters and central heating, they remain active. This makes it even more essential to properly clean and prepare your wardrobe at this time of year.

Moths are attracted to dark, dusty spaces, so the first thing you should do is empty your wardrobe and drawers. Wash any items that can be cleaned, and take anything else—such as bedding, curtains, and delicate garments—to the dry cleaners. Vacuum your wardrobe, drawers, carpets, and floors thoroughly to remove any eggs or larvae that might be hidden. Follow up by washing the inside of your wardrobe and drawers with soapy water, then spray with a moth-repellent solution like Chrysanthemum Moth Spray. This deep clean disrupts the moth lifecycle and helps prevent future infestations.

2. Clean and Store Garments Properly

Moths thrive on natural fibers like wool and are particularly drawn to food stains, skin particles, and hair left on clothing. This is why it’s crucial not to store dirty or once-worn clothes in your wardrobe. Clothes that are fresh and clean are less likely to attract moths.

Dry cleaning is an excellent way to protect your clothes, especially for out-of-season garments. After cleaning, store them in breathable garment bags, avoiding plastic storage containers. Plastic traps moisture, which can cause mildew and unpleasant odors. Opt for breathable storage solutions, such as Non-Woven Garment Bags with Velcro fastenings, which are designed to keep moths away while allowing your clothes to breathe.

3. Use Moth-Proofing Products

Once you’ve tackled the moth problem, you need to ensure they don’t return. The key to long-term moth prevention is regular use of anti-moth products.

Consider placing Natural Anti-Moth Hanging Sachets on your wardrobe rails, spaced 40-50cm apart. For a more subtle approach, add a few drops of Natural Anti-Moth Essential Oil to a Wooden Diffuser Cup or Ceramic Infuser and hang it near your clothes. You can also use Pot Pourri Bags filled with natural moth-repelling ingredients and place them among your folded clothes. Additionally, line your drawers and shelves with scented Drawer Liners to keep your garments safe.

If you suspect moths are present but haven’t seen any visible signs, use a Moth Trap Box. This clever device uses a pheromone to attract male moths, which get caught on a sticky board, allowing you to monitor the extent of the infestation. The pheromone lasts for 12 weeks, and you can purchase refill packs for continuous protection throughout the year.

4. Repeat the Process Every Season

To keep your wardrobe fresh and moth-free, perform a quick check each season. Look for any holes or signs of moth damage and replace your moth-repellent products. A regular seasonal refresh of your wardrobe helps prevent infestations and ensures that your clothes stay protected year-round.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to safeguard your wardrobe against moths and enjoy your autumn clothes without worry. Taking the time to clean, store, and protect your garments properly is the key to keeping your favorite pieces in great condition for years to come.