Have you ever gone to pick up a clothing item, maybe a favorite sweater that you haven’t worn all summer, only to find pesky little holes in your treasured garment? If so, you’ve experienced the bane of closets everywhere: moths. Moths are particularly attracted to clothing made from animal hair such as wool or fur, so if you’re hoping to keep your cashmere free from damage, Closet and Storage Concepts of Las Vegas and Henderson Nevada is here with these awesome tips on how to mothproof your closet! But don’t worry, you won’t end up smelling like you’re grandma’s mothballs. There are plenty of ways to combat the moth plague without resorting to them.
Cleanliness
The first and most basic step is simply to keep your closet, and clothing, clean. This will be your best and most natural defense against moths. Moths are attracted to dirty clothes, so regularly washing clothing, even what you don’t wear frequently, will be a sure way to prevent moths from nestling in and doing damage. Furthermore, the hot water cycle on your washing machine will be certain to exterminate any moth eggs or larvae that might get left behind by any moths that do get in. If you want to be extra thorough, have your clothes cleaned professionally at the dry cleaners. It’s not just your clothes though; try to keep your whole closet clean by dusting and vacuuming often. Do a deep clean at least once or twice a year, where you get into the nitty-gritty of scrubbing and rubbing, in order to be absolutely sure that your closet is pest free.
Proper Storage
If you have a piece of clothing that you do not wear every day or frequently, the best way to prevent moth damage is to properly store it. Again, this is especially true for expensive, vintage pieces made from natural materials, which are like a buffet for moths. Get clothing bags or storage containers that are dry and airtight. This means that moths will be unable to get in and lay eggs, which is important because moth larvae are, in fact, the main culprits behind the holes in your clothes. Adult moths do not eat fabric, only their babies do. For the super vigilant storage whiz, you can vacuum seal your clothing storage containers with packing tape, or buy specialty vacuum-sealed garment bags.
Natural Repellants
If you want to try a natural replacement for mothballs, we can’t blame you. Traditional mothballs are technically pesticides, such as naphthalene. As a carcinogen, it can cause headaches and other negative health effects. Furthermore, they will only work if they are put with clothes into an airtight container. For a much more natural and pleasant option, try cedar. Cedar can be toxic to moths, so having a cedar lined chest for clothing storage, or using cedar wood in your closet, are great natural ways to keep the pests at bay without resorting to chemicals that will emit toxic fumes.
For more information on custom closets and storage, visit Closet and Storage Concepts of Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada today!