Have you ever gone into your closet to put on your favorite wool sweater, only to discover it has a big, gaping hole?  

Holy smokes, your sweater has been attacked by a wool eating moth.

And it's not your sweaters fault. Merino wool is a wonderfully resilient fabric. It’s temperature regulating, breathable, naturally resists stains, odor and wrinkles, and is perfect as a warm wool sweater, or light summer tee.

But merino wool and other natural fabrics attract moths, so today, we are going to find out how to prevent those notorious moths from eating away at your wardrobe. And don’t worry, it doesn’t involve using any toxic, chemical-ridden moth balls.

WHAT CAUSES HOLES IN WOOL

First, let’s be clear - moths aren’t actually the problem.

It’s actually their larvae that are the hungry ones. Moths lay eggs on your coziest natural fiber clothing and they thrive in warm weather. They start getting hungry in the spring time and feed until fall. 

A moth’s meal of choice is keratin — a protein found in natural fibers, like wool. Unwashed items that contain lingering body oils or food residue? That’s a recipe for a hole disaster!

Also of concern are silverfish, that eat the surface of the wool.  They can weaken the fabric which can also cause holes. Both silverfish and moths love dark, damp areas like your closet and drawers.

Now you see how holes can happen in your closet, but there is also another way they can occur.

LET’S TALK ABOUT LAUNDRY

When most people think about holes in their wool garments, they don’t think that the cause could be their detergent or machine.

But it turns out, both can exacerbate the problem. 

Don’t get us wrong - we love natural laundry detergents - but they can cause holes. 

Most store bought natural laundry detergents contain a variety of active enzymes. These enzymes are designed to find the types of stains they target, and break it up. Enzymes are great because they are biodegradable, non-toxic to plants and animals, and reduce the need for surfactants which are harmful to the environment.

But there is one problem enzyme in particular - protese - that loves eating protein based stains such as egg, blood, fecal matter, and sweat. This is a problem for clothing made from animal-derived products such as silk and wool, which are also made of proteins. Unfortunately, enzymes can’t differentiate between a stain and fabric, so they eat away at it, breaking down the fibers and creating small holes. 

They don’t usually appear after the first wash, but over time, you may begin to notice small holes develop.

Then there is your washing machine. Throwing your wools into a regular wash can be rough on delicate wool knits. In addition to also potentially shrinking your wool garment if your cold wash is over the recommended 40°C, your wool garments can snag on other clothing and you run the chance of damaging them.

The key to avoiding holes is to be mindful of how you wash them. Use a natural detergent that doesn’t have the protease enzyme (we love this one from Julia Watkins), and always read the care label and wash only when needed. 

HOW TO STORE YOUR WOOL GARMENTS

Now that you have your clothes clean, the next step to preventing future holes naturally, is proper storage.

A COTTON BAG

While moths love wool, they don’t like cotton or synthetic fabrics. This makes cotton storage bags a good deterrent to moths finding your garment in the first place.

LAVENDER AND CEDAR

Just say no to moth balls. They not only leave your garment smelling horrible, are made of toxic chemicals, and they don’t work. We recommend lavender or cedar satchels. You’ll want to place one inside each cotton bag.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Need an excuse to clean out your closet regularly? Moths hate light and movement, so keep your closet open and air it out every so often. You can use this as an opportunity to recycle old things, and even sell them with our Nui Rewear program, and make some extra cash while you’re at it! 

FREEZE YOUR CLOTHES?

If you see a moth in your closet, don’t be alarmed. Remember, it’s the larvae, not the adult moths that cause the holes. 

Place your potentially targeted knits inside a sealed bag (important to prevent condensation) and put them into the freezer for up to 72 hours to kill the larvae. *This is also a great way to freshen any garment between washings!

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

Now you know how to prevent holes in your favorite wool garments, and you’re on your way to a whole lot of enjoyment of your organic and naturally beautiful merino wool garments.

Remember, having a curated minimalist and capsule wardrobe means that it’s made of your favorite seasonal favorites and should last you many years to come. And that means taking care of your garments can lead to a longer life for your clothing and less hassle for you.

Because at Nui, we believe sustainability can be simple, and once you know how, with a little practice and intentional action, you’ll be on your way to sustainable success in your closet and your life!