Moths can quietly wreck your wardrobe. One day your favorite sweater is fine. Next day? Full of holes. If you’ve spotted fluttering moths or strange damage to your clothes, you probably have a moth infestation. The good news is, you can get rid of them—and stop them from coming back.
This guide walks you through the process step by step.
What Kind of Moths Are We Talking About?
Not all moths are the enemy. The ones that target your clothes are typically clothes moths, specifically the Tineola bisselliella (webbing clothes moth). These pests love dark, undisturbed places—like closets and drawers. And it’s not the flying adult moths doing the damage—it’s the larvae, the tiny worms that hatch from moth eggs.
Signs you might have a problem:
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Small holes in wool, silk, or cashmere items
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Thin webbing or silk threads on fabric
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Cream-colored larvae or tiny white eggs in corners or on clothing
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Moth dust or droppings on wardrobe shelves
Step 1: Clean Out Your Wardrobe
First things first: evict the moths and remove everything they’ve touched.
Here’s what to do:
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Empty the wardrobe completely. Take out every item, including boxes and hangers.
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Vacuum everything. Corners, seams, drawer cracks—get it all. Throw the vacuum bag away outside.
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Wash or dry-clean clothes. Hot wash anything washable (60°C/140°F kills larvae and eggs). For delicate or dry-clean-only items, go to a professional cleaner.
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Freeze what you can’t wash. Bag delicate fabrics and freeze for 3–4 days to kill pests.
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Wipe down hard surfaces. Use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. This helps destroy eggs and larvae hiding in crevices.
This step is about stripping away their food sources and safe spaces.
Step 2: Eliminate Any Remaining Moths
Now you tackle the survivors.
Your options:
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Pheromone traps: These lure in and trap male moths, breaking the breeding cycle. Place them inside your wardrobe.
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Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Sprinkle food-grade DE in cracks and corners. It’s non-toxic for humans and pets but deadly to insects.
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Insecticides (optional): Use only in extreme cases and never on clothes directly. Choose a product designed for clothes moths and follow directions carefully.
Step 3: Protect Your Clothes Going Forward
Once you’ve cleared the infestation, your next job is to prevent it from coming back.
Long-term prevention tips:
1. Store clothing properly.
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Off-season clothes should go in airtight plastic containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
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For hanging garments, use zippered cotton garment bags—not plastic ones, which trap moisture.
2. Keep clothes clean.
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Moths are attracted to dirt, sweat, and food stains—especially on natural fibers. Always clean clothes before storing.
3. Use natural moth repellents.
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Cedar: Use cedar blocks, chips, or hangers. Refresh with sandpaper when the scent fades.
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Lavender, cloves, bay leaves, rosemary: All deter moths. Put them in breathable sachets and tuck them into drawers or on shelves.
4. Let your wardrobe breathe.
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Moths love dark, quiet spaces. Open your wardrobe doors every couple of weeks. Shake out your clothes. Let light in. Vacuum regularly.
Step 4: Stay Vigilant
Even after your wardrobe is clear, you’ll want to stay on top of things.
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Keep traps active. Swap them out every 8–12 weeks.
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Inspect clothing monthly. Look for new holes or signs of activity.
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Replenish repellents when they lose their scent (typically every 2–3 months).
What to Avoid
Here’s what not to do if you want to avoid making things worse:
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Don’t store unwashed clothes. Even one unclean item can restart the problem.
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Avoid mothballs. They’re toxic and the smell is hard to remove from fabric.
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Don’t rely on synthetics. Moths prefer natural fibers, but will nest in synthetics if food is nearby.
When to Call in a Pro
If moths keep coming back despite all your efforts, it might be time to contact a pest control expert. Some infestations start deep in carpets, walls, or floorboards and need professional treatment.
Wrap-Up
Moths in your wardrobe aren’t just annoying—they’re destructive. But with a focused, step-by-step approach, you can eliminate them completely and stop them from coming back. Clean thoroughly, kill off the pests, protect your clothes, and stay alert.