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Found a hole in your favourite jumper? You’re not alone. Clothes moths are one of the most common household pests in the UK, and warmer homes with central heating mean they’re now active almost all year round. The good news: you can get rid of them – and keep them away – without filling your wardrobe with chemical mothballs.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step.
First, is it really clothes moths?
The common clothes moth is small (around 6–8mm), golden-buff in colour and tends to run or hide rather than fly towards light. If you’re seeing moths fluttering around lamps, they’re more likely harmless garden or pantry moths.
Tell-tale signs of clothes moths include:
- Small, irregular holes in wool, cashmere, silk or fur – often in hidden spots like under collars and cuffs
- Fine silky webbing or tiny tubes on fabric
- Small cream-coloured larvae or empty cases in drawers and wardrobe corners
- Grainy droppings (frass) the same colour as the fabric they’ve eaten
Why moths eat your clothes
It’s not the adult moths that do the damage – it’s their larvae. They feed on keratin, the protein found in natural animal fibres, which is why wool, cashmere, silk, feathers and fur are their favourites. They love dark, undisturbed places and are especially drawn to clothes that have been worn and put away without washing, as traces of sweat and skin make the fibres even tastier.
How to get rid of clothes moths: 6 steps
1. Empty the wardrobe and drawers
Take everything out and check each item carefully, especially natural fibres. Put anything showing damage or larvae to one side in a sealed bag so you don’t spread the problem.
2. Wash, freeze or dry-clean affected clothes
Heat and cold both kill moth eggs and larvae. Wash anything that can take it on a hot cycle (check the care label). For delicate wool and cashmere that can’t be washed hot, seal each item in a bag and freeze it for at least 72 hours – a week is even better. Dry-cleaning also works for items you can’t wash or freeze.
3. Vacuum thoroughly
Vacuum inside the wardrobe and drawers, paying attention to corners, seams and shelf edges. Don’t forget the carpet underneath and around the wardrobe – moths love wool rugs and carpets too. Empty the vacuum outside straight away.
4. Wipe down every surface
Wipe shelves, rails and drawers with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner or diluted white vinegar. This removes any remaining eggs you can’t see.
5. Only put back clean clothes
Moths are attracted to worn clothes, so make sure everything going back in is clean. Store out-of-season knitwear in breathable cotton storage bags or sealed vacuum bags.
6. Add natural cedar to keep moths away
Once your wardrobe is clean, the goal is to stop moths coming back. Aromatic red cedar is one of the oldest natural moth repellents – adult moths avoid its natural oils, so they’re less likely to lay eggs among your clothes. It also absorbs moisture and keeps everything smelling fresh.
- Cedar Rings slip over each hanger, so every garment gets protection
- Cedar Balls are ideal for drawers, storage boxes and vacuum bags
- Cedar Hangers hang along the wardrobe rail between clothes
Or protect the whole wardrobe at once with a cedar bundle.
Cedar vs mothballs: which is better?
Traditional mothballs work by releasing chemical vapours (historically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene). They leave a strong smell on clothes and aren’t something you want around children or pets. Cedar is completely natural, smells pleasant, can touch any fabric directly and lasts for years – just give it a light sand every three months to release fresh oil.
One honest note: cedar is a repellent, not an insecticide. It’s brilliant at prevention, but if you already have an infestation, do the cleaning steps above first, then use cedar to keep them from coming back.
How to stop clothes moths coming back
- Wash or air clothes before storing them
- Open and air your wardrobe regularly – moths hate light and disturbance
- Vacuum wardrobes, drawers and under furniture every few weeks
- Refresh your cedar with a light sand every 3 months
- Check stored knitwear at the change of each season
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get rid of clothes moths?
A thorough clean-out can deal with most of the problem in a day, but moth eggs can take a week or two to hatch, so keep checking and vacuuming for a few weeks afterwards.
What kills clothes moth eggs?
Hot washing, freezing for at least 72 hours and dry-cleaning all kill moth eggs and larvae. Vacuuming removes eggs from surfaces.
What smell do moths hate?
Moths avoid strong natural scents like cedar, lavender and rosemary. Cedar is the most popular choice because it’s long-lasting and can be refreshed simply by sanding.
Want the full checklist? Sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page and we’ll send you our free Moth-Proof Wardrobe Guide – a printable, season-by-season plan to keep your clothes hole-free.