Preventing moth holes: how to keep your wool knitwear looking its best

It’s a recognisable moment that makes your heart skip a beat: you pull your favourite merino wool sweater out of the closet with excitement, push up your sleeves, and suddenly spot a tiny hole in the front panel. Not a loose thread, not a zipper mishap, but the silent work of a clothes moth. What a shame for a garment that is designed to last for years.

At Atelier Publique, we design our future classics to still be your favourites five years from now. Quality and softness come first for us, and that is precisely why we are so devoted to pure materials like merino wool. Unfortunately, the clothes moth thinks exactly the same - it has excellent taste.

Fortunately, you don’t need harsh chemicals or old-fashioned mothballs to protect your closet. With a few thoughtful habits and natural allies, you can keep unwanted guests out the door, so your knitwear stays just as beautiful as it was on day one.

Three stubborn myths about moths debunked

There are plenty of fables surrounding moth holes. When someone reports a mysterious hole, we often hear the same surprised reactions. Tim to set three major misunderstandings straight once and for all:

• “I never see moths flying around the house” - Clothes moths are masters of hide-and-seek. They shun daylight and rarely flutter cheerfully through the room; they do their work quietly in the dark. You usually only discover them when the damage has already been done.
• "Why does this sweater have holes but the one next to it doesn't?" – Moth larvae are remarkably picky gourmets. They target the item with the most nourishing traces, while a neighbour on the exact same shelf remains untouched.
• "My sweater is brand new, so it can't possibly be a moth" – Unfortunately, larvae don't check receipts. If a new merino wool item lies in a closet where eggs are already present, they will gnaw on it just as happily.

What moths really seek (and why they love wool)

To outsmart moths, it helps to understand what drives them. The flying moth eats nothing itself; it is exclusively the larvae that find your clothing so delicious. They need keratin to grow: a natural animal protein abundantly present in merino wool, cashmere, and silk. Plant fibres such as linen and cotton are generally spared – unless there is something on them they feast on.

And that brings us to the biggest temptations:

• Body odours and oils: invisible traces of sweat, skin flakes, and even a light hint of perfume are an open invitation for a moth to lay eggs.
• Dark and quiet: Clothes moths love quiet, draft-free corners. A stack of sweaters that lies untouched at the back of the closet for months is the ultimate refuge for them.

Clean storage: The golden rule for your knitwear

The most effective defence is as simple as it is effective: only store spotless clothing. It’s best not to just pop a sweater you’ve worn for a day straight back onto the pile with items you won’t be wearing for weeks on end.

Want to freshen up a sweater in between? Simply hang it outside overnight in the fresh morning air or by an open window. Merino wool is naturally antibacterial and dirt-repellent, so airing is usually enough. But if you're storing an item for a longer period – for example during the seasonal changeover – always wash it first according to the care instructions. Even a tiny stain, invisible to the naked eye, is a feast for a larva.

Natural defences

Cedarwood, lavender, and a fresh closet routine

Protecting your wardrobe calls for finesse, not aggressive pesticides. Moths navigate entirely by scent, and there are certain natural aromas they want nothing to do with:

• Cedarwood: Cedarwood: A timeless classic. Cedar blocks or rings placed around your clothes hangers contain natural essential oils that effectively repel moths. Lightly sand the wood once a year with fine sandpaper to reactivate the active scent.
• Dried lavender: Dried lavender: A little fabric pouch of lavender scattered between your stacks of knitwear spreads a lovely, clean fragrance for you – and a clear non, merci for the clothes moth.
• Closet care at the seasonal changeover: Empty your wardrobe completely twice a year. Thoroughly vacuum dark crevices and corners and wipe down the shelves with warm water and a splash of natural vinegar. This immediately discourages any leftover eggs.

Smart storage between seasons

When the mercury rises and thicker knits make way for lighter layers, the way you store them determines how beautiful your favourites remain.

Avoid ordinary plastic bags or airtight plastic bins where condensation can form; natural fibres need to breathe. Breathable garment covers made of pure cotton or sturdy storage boxes with a well-fitting lid keep moths out while the material stays fresh.

Always fold sweaters loosely and place heavier knits at the bottom. This way, each garment keeps its shape, and your closet stays securely closed to unwelcome visitors.