Protecting Your Wools With Lavender
- 55 minutes ago
- 2 min read
With frosty mornings and ski days here at last, most of us will no doubt have our warmest woolly clothes at the ready. The only issue is those tiny little holes that appear out of nowhere in-between wears. Unfortunately, the common clothes moth is highly likely to be the culprit. They're small, nocturnal, and do their best to ruin your favourite winter sweaters. But don't worry, there are natural solutions that can help keep these pests away.
Lavender, being the wonderful herb that it is, contains a compound that has been shown to deter moths and other invasive insects. Camphor is responsible for the strong scent in lavender that moths hate, making it an excellent repellent while simultaneously refreshing your clothes with a floral scent. Win-win.
Using lavender can be as simple as throwing a lavender bag into your storage space and leaving it at that. Alternatively, you may use pure lavender essential oil to do the job. In this case, apply a few drops of the oil to cotton balls or wooden blocks before inserting them into the corners of your drawers or wardobe. Avoid having the oil touch your clothes — you don't want it to stain.
Tips to keep moths and their larvae away from your wool and cashmere clothing:
Start fresh: have a clear out and clean your drawers and wardrobe. It's important to do this initially as an infestation might already be present and invisible to the eye. Using lavender going forward is not going to kill moths, only discourage them from breeding and living in your clothes.
Ensure your clothes are clean before being put away (always wash with proper "wool wash" detergent). Moths love unwashed clothing that might have food particles, sweat, or body oils on them.
Place your chosen method of repellent in the storage areas: lavender bags or lavender oil*. In a wardrobe, hooking lavender bags on hangers is a good idea.
Replace the lavender bags every 3 to 6 months or re-apply the lavender oil every 3 weeks to keep the aroma fresh and actively working.
Use air-tight storage containers for your most prized woollen possessions.
*When choosing a lavender oil as a moth deterrent it's best to go for Lavandula x Intermedia. This variety, also know as Lavandin, has higher levels of camphor than other types.
Additional note: Pairing lavender with other strong fragrances or herbs that moths dislike is also a great idea: rosemary, cedarwood, mint, eucalyptus, cloves.
That's how you protect your wool (and cashmere) with lavender. A natural solution to a natural problem, no chemicals needed.
Our own lavender bags and pure essential oils are grown, harvested, distilled, and bottled at Wānaka Lavender Farm.
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