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Care and repair

Dealing with Moth Damage in Stored Woollens

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Photo: Sari, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, view 2, 20th century, silk, gold thread - Textile Museum of Canada - DSC00956 by Daderot (CC0), via Openverse

Woollen shawls and winter festive pieces are particularly vulnerable to moth damage during long periods of storage, since moth larvae feed specifically on natural animal fibres like wool, and damage can occur entirely unnoticed until the garment is finally taken out for the next cold season.

Cleaning woollens thoroughly before storing them is the single most important preventative step, since moths are especially drawn to any residual body oils, food stains or perfume left on fabric from previous wear. A garment stored genuinely clean is considerably less likely to attract moths in the first place than one put away hastily.

Cedar blocks, lavender sachets and airtight storage containers all help deter moths naturally without resorting to harsh chemical treatments that can damage delicate fibres over time. Checking stored woollens periodically throughout the year, rather than only when a new season finally begins, catches any early damage before it has a real chance to spread further.

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