Contact Free Storage Rentals Available Learn More

How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

Do you want to get rid of clothes moths? This is a frequently encountered concern when individuals go through their belongings for spring cleaning. Clothes moths are not welcome visitors when you’re sifting through your things for spring cleaning. There are measures you can take to address the problem and prevent additional damage. Look for tears in clothing and fabrics that have been stored in a dark location. Follow All American Self Storage’s guidelines below on how to get rid of clothes moths from your storage unit and avoid them coming back again.

Chelmsford · Mansfield · Natick

Rental Button
How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths

How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths (in Home Storage & Storage Units)

Identify the Moths as the Problem

Do you actually have clothes moths? If you notice a moth in your home, do not worry right away. Many moths that might find their way into your home are after plants, not your clothing. Only two moth species are a threat to your clothes: the casemaking clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth—both a yellow or gray color, about 1 cm long.

Next, look for holes. You will be able to identify a clothes moth by the web left behind on the material. The moths’ babies are actually the root of the problem, not the adult moths. They prefer dark, humid spaces and prefer to eat materials like wool, cashmere, and fur that come from animals.

Be Sure to Clean Everything Thoroughly

After you’ve discovered what caused the damage, go through what’s salvageable. Some components will have to be disposed of, but others may be restored with a warm wash or trip to the dry cleaner. Check the tags on your clothes before washing them! Clean any storage areas in your house, including carpets, with a shampoo or steam cleaning. If you have carpeted flooring in your room, vacuum it thoroughly—ending by immediately discarding the vacuum bag. A shampoo or steam cleaning can also help eliminate any remaining insects.

Prevent Future Clothes Moths with These Tips

Clothes moths are attracted to temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so bear this in mind when putting away your clothes. Make sure you provide clothing moths with the ideal conditions by brightening up your environment and providing ventilation where feasible. This may be accomplished by visiting your storage unit more frequently to let it get some fresh air while keeping the door open for a few minutes. It’s also a good idea to reorder your goods in order to prevent them from sitting for extended periods of time. Choose bags or containers that are sealed when packing up your belongings for storage. A garment bag is also a safe choice—just tape any gaps that might allow entry, such as seams. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Read more storage tips!

Keep Contents Secure with All American Self Storage in Massachusetts

Looking for a storage unit this year? Find the All American Self Storage facility nearest to you for climate-controlled storage in all sizes! We have outdoor parking at several facilities, as well as indoor storage for all of your things. In addition, we provide convenient month-to-month storage rental services. This is ideal for college students looking for storage options for their winter or summer break. Call or email us today, or stop by in person to chat with our team of storage experts at All American Self Storage in Massachusetts!

Chelmsford · Mansfield · Natick

Check out the available storage units at the location closest to you to find a storage solution for your next project. Our climate-controlled storage units can keep pests out, so you can remain worry-free—always returning to your items in excellent condition. Use our online calculator to figure out the best amount of storage space to rent for your situation. Then secure your storage space through our online storage rentals. Get started with All American Self Storage!

Rental Button


Tim Avatar

Tim Glasow

About the Author: Tim is an SEO Strategist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. He is a self-storage industry specialist who has written about everything from storage advice and helpful resources to industry trends. In his free time, Tim enjoys sampling craft beer and exploring the local music scene.