How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths and Protect Your Wardrobe

You open your favorite wool sweater and—boom—tiny holes right where the elbows go. Classic moth ambush. Clothes moths are sneaky little fabric terrorists that target your softest, most expensive garments. And no, it’s not just your grandma's problem anymore.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to get rid of clothes moths, protect your wardrobe, and keep your home moth-free without turning it into a chemical warfare zone. Let’s fix your closet before it becomes a buffet.

What Are Clothes Moths and Why Are They a Problem?

Clothes moths aren’t the flashy ones flapping around your lamp. The real culprits are their barely noticeable larvae—the wool, silk, and cashmere munching machines. These tiny invaders feed on natural fibers, especially in dark, undisturbed spaces like the back of your closet or that neglected box of winter clothes.

What makes them worse? They love places you rarely clean. I once stored a vintage coat in a cardboard box in the attic for just one season. Big mistake. By spring, it looked like Swiss cheese with buttons.

Signs You Have Clothes Moths

Before you bring out the flame thrower, check for these signs:

• Tiny holes in wool, silk, fur, or cashmere.

• Web-like tunnels in fabric folds or seams.

• Sand-like droppings (yep, gross).

• Actual moths flying slowly near closets or baseboards (these are usually the adult webbing clothes moths).

• Larvae—tiny white worms with brown heads, the real textile villains.

DIY Ways to Get Rid of Clothes Moths (That Actually Work)

Here’s how to reclaim your wardrobe without calling pest control or moving to a nudist colony:

1. Deep Clean Like a Closet Exorcist

• Wash or dry-clean all affected clothes—especially anything made of animal-based fabrics.

• Vacuum drawers, baseboards, shelves, and corners.

• Dispose of vacuum bags immediately (don’t give the larvae a second chance).

2. Freeze Them Out

Toss infested clothes into a sealed plastic bag and stick it in the freezer for 72 hours. Moths hate sudden ice ages. Make sure the temperature is at least -18°C (0°F).

3. Heat Treatment

Alternatively, high heat (above 120°F or 49°C) kills all life stages. A clothes dryer works wonders—if the item can handle it.

Natural Remedies to Repel Clothes Moths

1. Cedar – Nature’s Moth Mafia

Cedarwood smells great and ruins moths’ party plans. Use:

• Cedar hangers

• Cedar balls in drawers

• Cedar sachets (replace every 6–12 months)

Make sure to sand them lightly now and then to refresh the scent.

2. Lavender – The Classy Repellent

Lavender smells nicer than mothballs and actually deters moths. Use:

• Dried lavender sachets

• Lavender oil on cotton balls

Just don’t go overboard—you want to repel moths, not neighbors.

3. Cloves, Rosemary & Bay Leaves

These pantry heroes work surprisingly well. Make your own fabric pest potpourri for drawers or closets.

Moth Traps: Sticky, Effective, and Oddly Satisfying

Pheromone traps catch the adult male clothes moths, breaking their reproductive cycle. Place them:

• In dark closets

• Near wool or silk storage

• In drawers with vintage clothing

Note: They won’t catch larvae, so pair traps with cleaning and repellents for best results.

Smart Storage to Prevent Future Infestations

You don’t want to go through all this again. Here’s how to outsmart future moth invasions:

• Store off-season clothes in airtight bins, not cardboard boxes.

• Use vacuum-sealed bags for wool, cashmere, and silk.

• Clean clothes before storage—sweat and food stains attract moths.

• Keep closets well-lit and ventilated. Moths love the dark and dusty.

Myth Buster: Moths Eat Your Clothes. Right?

Wrong. Adult moths don’t even have mouths. It’s the larvae doing the damage. So when you see a moth flying around, don’t take it personally—it’s just trying to make babies that will eat your socks.

Quick Clothes Moth Checklist

✅ Check all natural-fiber clothes for damage
✅ Wash, freeze, or heat-treat affected items
✅ Vacuum closets and dispose of bags
✅ Place cedar or lavender in storage spaces
✅ Use pheromone traps for monitoring
✅ Store clean clothes in sealed containers
✅ Repeat cleaning every season change

One Time I Ignored the Signs...

I once noticed a small hole in a wool scarf and thought, “Eh, probably just a snag.” By the time I checked the drawer again, three sweaters were done for. That’s when I learned: if you see one hole, assume there are more—and act fast.

FAQs

Q: Do mothballs work against clothes moths?
A: Technically yes, but they’re toxic and stink worse than the problem. Natural alternatives like cedar or lavender are safer and smell better.

Q: Can clothes moths live in synthetic fabrics?
A: Not really. They prefer natural fibers like wool, silk, and fur. But they can crawl over synthetic blends to reach a snack.

Q: How often should I check for moth activity?
A: At least once per season. Especially before storing or unpacking seasonal clothes.

Clothes moths may be tiny, but they’ve got big destructive energy. With a little vigilance, some natural tools, and smarter storage, you can kick them out of your closet and keep your favorite threads intact for years to come.

Next time, don’t wait for the sweater to start unraveling itself. Moths don’t pay rent, and your wardrobe deserves better.