Yarn vs. Clothes Moths: Destash Disaster 😱🧶

[@lisascenic]

Moths are such a scourge! How did this work?

[@CharlotteKanStudio]

Ugh they are! The technique worked. I haven't had problems knitting with the wool I steamed and I haven't noticed moth damage. Hanging the moth trap is somthing I won't repeat because I think it mostly attracted outside moths. Keep in mind I'm not sure if I was just in time too prevent a big infestation or that I was just one dead moth, but the peace of mind I had after steaming was worth it.

[@CharlotteKanStudio]

Well that was fun 😬 I've received quite a few tips along the way and I couldn't apply all of them but here are a few that stood out: - freeze the wool for two weeks and keep everything in ziplock bags after that. They should die at temperatures of -20c, but most household freezers only go as cold as -18 so the wool needs more time in the freezer. - vacuum all the nooks and crannies of your closet / baseboards / etc. - keep your wool or woolens in linen bags, because moths don't like linen (I've read otherwise, but they might prefer other things over linen) - ceder and lavender deter moths honestly I don't think there is one magic (non-toxic) solution, it will take time, and you'll need to take multiple measures. Feel free to add your tips below!

[@stacir.atwater9498]

Just curious how this all turned out? Were your treatments successful?

[@CharlotteKanStudio]

It turned out allright actually! I haven't encountered any moth damage so far in the wool that I have knitted up and I'm slowly chipping away knitting up my stash. The moth trap wasn't a good idea since I have my windows open a lot, which attracted lots of outside moths to the trap.

[@stacir.atwater9498]

@@CharlotteKanStudio so what would you, in the long run, estimate is the easiest and effective way to clean/sanitize? The stream method?

[@CharlotteKanStudio]

Yes steaming everything was the right call. It takes time but you can easily do it in batches. After the steaming transferring everything to plastic tubs was another good call. I did the same for all my knits and wool clothing. It feels a lot beter now everything secure in the plastic tubs for the summer. They are a bit of an investment so I wait for deals to buy them to save some money and spread out the cost.

[@dye2knit]

Put them in your car on a really hot day or if you have a really hot garage.

[@CharlotteKanStudio]

I don't have a garage or car, but it sounds like it could work really well!

[@ninapelirroja]

I'm the problem, it's me 😆

[@CharlotteKanStudio]

Haha ja joh! Die cones stonden op de plek waar ik het motje vond 🥲