Mothballs can contain ingredients [2] that are strongly linked to cancer and may also damage the liver, destroy red blood cells, and cause brain damage in children. And these toxic stink bombs certainly don’t make your closet or storage chest smell very clean or natural.
But this doesn’t mean you have to stand by and watch while these pests unknit your favorite sweater. Try these techniques and send the moths packing:
1. Reduce you wardrobe. If you’ve found moths in your stored woolens, chances are they’re also in your closet, so start there. Moths like it dark and moist and getting rid of clothes you don’t wear will increase ventilation and make your closet less hospitable to moths. Pairing down your wardrobe will also make it much easier to vacuum and clean around your clothes so you can minimize the fibers and debris that keep the moths fat and happy.
2. Hand wash [3] or iron before storing woolens. Both washing and ironing kill all stages of the moth life cycle. Remember that dry cleaning has its own toxic emissions problem and most wool sweaters can be hand washed just fine.
3. Invest in cedar. Using cedar drawer liners, closet hangers, shoe racks [4], and cedar storage chests can help fight moth infestation. Look for aromatic eastern red cedar because its oil can kill small moth larvae. But keep in mind that this oil wears off so it’s necessary to touch up with essential oil of cedar [5]or replace the cedar every few years.
Like any guests who overstay their welcome with pesky antics and voracious eating habits, moths need to be shown the door. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have cleaner and greener storage for your woolens, plus you won't smell like an old lady.
Posted on Lime.com by Kimberly Delaney on April 9, 2008
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