Moths are the single biggest threat to a cashmere wardrobe. A small infestation, left unchecked, can cause irreversible damage — tiny holes appearing seemingly from nowhere in your most-loved pieces. The good news is that with the right habits, cashmere moth protection is straightforward, natural, and doesn't require harsh chemicals.
Here's everything you need to know.
When to do your big Spring Clean - APRIL
March is the beginning of moth breeding season. The female adult moths lay eggs on natural fibres such as Cashmere, Wool & other Natural Fibres and can lay up to 300 eggs between March and September.
They like dark, warm places to lay their eggs. The moths themselves don't eat your lovely Cashmere, its the eggs/larvae which eat the fibre before they evolve.
Why Moths Target Cashmere
It's not the moths themselves doing the damage — it's their larvae. The clothes moth (tineola bisselliella) is attracted to natural protein fibres: cashmere, wool, silk, and fur. The female lays her eggs directly onto the fibre — particularly where body oils and residue remain after wearing — and it's the hatching larvae that feed on the fabric before they evolve.
One female moth can lay up to 300 eggs between March and September, which is why spring is the critical time to act. Moths prefer dark, undisturbed spaces — the back of a wardrobe, a folded drawer, a vacuum-sealed bag left untouched for months.
The Golden Rule: Always Store Clean
Moths are drawn to worn cashmere. Body oils, perspiration, and even traces of food or fragrance act as a beacon. Before putting any cashmere away at the end of the season — or even for a few weeks — wash it first.
Wearwith cashmere is machine washable on a delicate or wool cycle. A gentle cool wash removes the residue that moths seek out, and clean fibres are far less attractive to them. If hand washing, use a mild detergent designed for delicates, press out excess water gently, and lay flat to dry away from direct heat.
8 Ways to Protect Your Cashmere from Moths
1. Keep drawers and wardrobes clean
Moths thrive in dust and debris. Vacuum the corners of your drawers and shelves at the start of each season — this removes eggs and larvae before they have a chance to develop.
2. Use cedarwood moth repellent
Cedar contains natural oils that moths dislike. Cedar balls or blocks placed in drawers and wardrobes act as a deterrent. Replace or re-oil them every six months as the scent fades. Wearwith Cashmere Care Kits include cedarwood moth balls alongside a cashmere comb.
3. Lavender and natural oil sachets
Lavender, rosemary, and other strong-smelling natural oils also repel moths. Dried lavender sachets are a gentle, pleasant option for drawers — just replace regularly to maintain potency.
4. Freeze suspected items
If you suspect moth eggs may be present in a garment, seal it in a bag and place it in the freezer for 48–72 hours. This kills any larvae present without damaging the fibre. Allow to return to room temperature before unpacking, then wash as normal.
5. Store in breathable containers
Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage — they trap moisture, which can lead to mildew and actually attract pests. Opt for breathable cotton or linen storage bags that protect while allowing the fibre to breathe. Wearwith's linen bags are ideal for this.
6. Let in the light
Moths seek out dark, undisturbed places. When you go away or leave wardrobes unused for longer periods, leave drawers slightly open — light deters them. Wearing and airing your cashmere regularly is one of the most effective deterrents of all.
7. Try chestnuts
An old Irish remedy: collect horse chestnuts in September and place them in your drawers. Not scientifically proven, but entirely free and worth doing as an additional layer of protection.
8. Use a moth trap
If you're concerned about an existing infestation, a pheromone moth trap placed in a wardrobe attracts male moths, interrupting the breeding cycle and helping you gauge the scale of the problem.
→ Shop the Cashmere Care Kit at wearwith.co
→ Read our full Cashmere Care Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do moths eat cashmere?
Yes — or more precisely, moth larvae do. The larvae hatch from eggs laid on natural fibres and feed on keratin, the protein that makes up cashmere, wool, and other animal fibres.
When is moth season?
Clothes moth breeding season runs from March to September in Ireland and the UK. March is the key time to act — cleaning and storing your cashmere before the season begins dramatically reduces risk.
What kills moth larvae on cashmere?
Freezing (48–72 hours at −18°C or below), professional dry cleaning, or a gentle machine wash will kill moth larvae. Do not use high heat, which can damage cashmere fibres.
Can you repair moth-damaged cashmere?
Small holes can sometimes be repaired by a skilled tailor using a technique called reweaving. For larger damage, a professional cashmere restorer may be able to help — but prevention is always the better option.
Does cedar actually repel moths?
Yes, cedar oil naturally deters moths — but cedar blocks and balls need to be refreshed regularly (every 6 months or so) as the scent diminishes. Lightly sanding a cedar block or re-oiling it restores effectiveness.
The Wearwith Approach to Cashmere Care
At Wearwith, we believe the best cashmere is the kind that lasts — worn season after season, softening with every wash. Our Cashmere Care Kit includes cedarwood moth balls and a cashmere comb, everything you need to keep your pieces looking their best and moth-free.
Good storage isn't complicated. It's simply a habit worth building.
