Cedar Magic: The Ultimate Guide to Repelling Moths Naturally
There are many natural ways to repel moths, from lavender to cedar. The natural world offers plenty of options to keep pests at bay without relying on toxic chemicals. Personally, I find cedar oil to be the best natural deterrent for moths.
How to Keep Your Clothes Safe from Moths Naturally
There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching for your favorite woolly jumper only to find it full of holes because a moth had a feast. To prevent this, I’ve developed a checklist that I follow religiously before storing my clothes. At the top of this list is using a cedar-based moth repellent.
Why Cedar Is So Effective at Keeping Moths Away
Cedar’s scent acts as a powerful deterrent for moths, disrupting their ability to locate and feed on natural fibers like wool or silk. Moths are particularly drawn to these materials because they contain keratin, a protein that serves as food for moth larvae.
How to Store Clothes to Prevent Moths
Cedarwood is so effective at repelling moths because it contains a natural compound called ‘Cedrol.’ This compound gives cedar its unique woody scent, and the amount of Cedrol in your cedar balls or moth repellent spray directly affects its pesticidal properties. The higher the Cedrol content, the stronger the repellent effect.
Transform Your Closet into a Moth-Free Haven
There are several ways to use cedar to keep moths away. In the movie “Overboard,” Goldie Hawn’s character demands a cedarwood wardrobe because, as she says, "Everyone knows it repels moths!" If you don’t have a cedar wardrobe, you could consider using a cedar-lined chest or cedar hangers.
I don’t have these, so instead, I follow a checklist that has kept my clothes moth-free for years. It requires a bit of effort, but it’s worth it to protect your clothes.
Checklist to Keep Moths Away from Your Clothes Naturally
- Wash Before Storing: Moths love dirty clothes, so it’s essential to remove any stains or sweat before storing them. I use our natural cashmere shampoo, which is safe for silks and wools. The cedar in the midwinter scent acts as a gentle moth deterrent and smells delightful.
- Store in Sealed Containers: After washing, I store my clean woolens in a sealed container like a suitcase, under-bed storage box, or even a cardboard box. Natural pest deterrents don’t kill moths, so you need to ensure the scent doesn’t fade and allow moths to enter and lay eggs.
- Use Moth Repellent Spray: Spray your clothes with a natural moth repellent before sealing the container. This helps concentrate the scent inside the box, further protecting your clothes.
- Add Cedar Balls: For extra protection, add freshly sanded cedar balls to the box. The aromatic cedar oils will help keep moths away for as long as possible.
Protecting Woollen Clothes in Your Wardrobe
If you want to protect woolen clothes while they’re in your wardrobe:
- Wash Regularly: Always wash your woolens with a cedar-based wool wash like our Cashmere Shampoo. Dirt and sweat attract moths, while cedar oils help repel them.
- Mist Clothes and Drawers: After washing, mist your clothes, drawers, and carpets with a moth repellent spray to keep moths at bay.
- Use Cedar Balls: For an added boost, place a freshly sanded cedar ball in a pocket or hang it in a fabric clothing bag. Just make sure the bag is breathable—plastic ones from the dry cleaners can trap moisture and attract moths.
With these steps, you should have beautifully moth-free clothes. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!
Talk Soon,
B x