Why the Warmer Months Are the Riskiest Time for Wool

It feels counterintuitive. You put your jumpers away in April precisely because you won't be wearing them, so surely they're safe. In fact, the warmer months are when wool is most vulnerable. Clothes moths breed in spring and summer, and it's the larvae — not the adults fluttering about — that do the damage. They feed on the protein in wool, cashmere and silk, and they thrive in warm, dark, undisturbed places: exactly the conditions inside a closed wardrobe or a drawer that nobody opens until October.

What makes it worse is that moths are attracted to the traces you can't see. Perspiration, skin cells, hair and the odd invisible spill all make a garment far more appealing. Add a little damp and you also risk mildew and that musty smell that's so hard to shift. Safe storage, then, comes down to protecting your woollens from three things: moths, moisture and poor handling.

Clean Every Piece Properly Before It Goes Away

The golden rule is simple: nothing goes into storage until it's genuinely clean and completely dry. Wearing a jumper once over a shirt doesn't make it clean enough.

• Read the care label first and follow it. Most fine knits can be hand washed in cool water with a wool-safe detergent.
• Never wring or twist wet wool. Press the water out gently, roll the garment in a clean towel, then dry it flat in the shade, away from radiators and direct sun.
• Dry clean tailored wool — suits, coats, structured jackets — rather than attempting them at home.
• Check the details: collars, cuffs, underarms and pockets are where stains and crumbs hide.
• Air everything for a day after cleaning before packing it away.

Damp wool sealed inside a bag is an invitation to mildew. If a garment feels even slightly cool or clammy, leave it longer.

Choose Breathable Storage Over Plastic

Cotton is your friend here. Loose cotton dust bags, pillowcases and old cotton sheets let wool breathe while keeping off dust and light, and they're the traditional answer for a reason. Look for tightly woven cotton with a drawstring so moths can't easily get in.

What you want to avoid is plastic. Ordinary carrier bags, vacuum-sealed bags and airtight plastic boxes trap any residual moisture inside, which encourages mustiness, yellowing and mildew. Vacuum bags also crush the loft of a knit, and knitwear that has been flattened rarely springs back properly. If you do use a plastic crate, line it with cotton and leave the lid slightly loose, but a cotton bag in a clean drawer is usually the better choice for wool.

Deter Moths Naturally, Without Harsh Chemicals

Cedar and lavender are the classic pairing, and they work well when used properly. Cedar blocks, balls or small heart-shaped pieces hung among your knitwear release a scent that moths dislike. Cedar oil evaporates over time, so refresh the wood every few months with a light sanding, or add a few drops of cedar oil to the block.

• Lavender sachets tucked into drawers and pockets smell lovely and deter moths, but they lose potency after a season. Give them a squeeze to release the oils or replace them.
• Dried rosemary and cloves in a small muslin bag are a gentle alternative, especially for drawers holding lighter knits.
• Skip mothballs and strong chemical repellents placed directly against fabric. They leave a lingering smell that's hard to remove and aren't ideal in homes with children or pets.
• Never let oils touch the wool — a cotton pad or wooden block between the garment and the repellent is all you need.

Store in the Right Place, the Right Way

Choose a cool, dark, dry spot. A spare-room wardrobe or a clean cupboard in a hallway is ideal. Steer clear of lofts, where temperatures swing wildly, and of damp cellars, garages and bathrooms.

Clean the space before anything goes in. Vacuum shelves, drawers and corners, because moth larvae can survive in dust and fluff. Then:

• Fold knitwear rather than hanging it, which stretches shoulders and distorts the shape.
• Roll heavier jumpers to reduce creases, and use acid-free tissue paper along fold lines.
• Don't overstuff bags or drawers — wool needs a little breathing room.
• Label each bag so you know what's inside when autumn arrives.

Check, Air and Rotate Through the Season

Don't simply shut the drawer and forget it. Look through your stored woollens every four to six weeks. On a dry, still day, take garments outside into the shade for an hour or two; fresh air and light discourage moths, but direct sun will fade colours. Refold along different lines each time so creases don't set permanently, and top up your cedar and lavender as needed.

If you spot the warning signs — small holes, silken webbing or a gritty dust — isolate the item straight away, clean it thoroughly and check everything stored nearby. Being ruthless now saves your favourite cardigan later. Come September, air everything once more, give each piece a gentle brush, and your winter wardrobe will be ready to wear the moment the first cold snap arrives.