Everyone is aware that finding moths in a storage container or wardrobe can be destructive, upsetting, and plain frustrating. Have you ever wondered if you could get rid of these insects and their eggs with a steam cleaner or by freezing? In that case, you’ve found the right place.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to get rid of moths from your clothing by steaming and freezing the items.
Steps to Take Before Steaming or Freezing Moths
Let’s imagine that you just discovered evidence of clothing moths in a closet full of wool sweaters, silk scarves, and feather costume accessories. How annoying! You might be curious as to why this is occurring and where the moths originated.
Moth infestations develop over time. You see, female moths choose quiet, dark areas to lay their eggs as adults. A natural-materials-heavy wardrobe is a prime target.
A well-stocked closet can act as an all-inclusive resort and buffet for moth larvae because it is filled with plenty of food for them! The larvae of a female clothes moth start eating proteins present in natural materials as soon as the eggs hatch. It’s important to be aware of the moth life cycle in order to prevent a clothes moth infestation.
Keratin is the major protein consumed by the clothing moth larvae. They eventually pupate and emerge as adults. Unfortunately, the cycle resumes at this point.
Clothes moth larvae feed on this keratin, which is abundant in high-end textiles including cashmere, leather, silk, and wool. But things don’t stop there. Dust contains keratin as well. We won’t go into it here, but dust typically contains organic components like skin cells, hair follicle remnants, and oils.
Just another food source for clothing moth larvae! Crumbs, sweat, food stains, pet food, and any other open dry goods—even chocolate—are all consumed by the larvae of pantry moths. This means that if they are dusty or unclean, even synthetic fibers and cotton mixes are susceptible to moth larvae.
Breaking Up the Party and Removing Moths
Naturally, you don’t want anything to be harmed. Therefore, it’s better to prevent an infestation before it spreads. The sooner you take action, the simpler it will be to rid your home of moths.
Symbols of Clothing When it comes to moths, a wardrobe (or any other location) may include larval casings, signs of clothing holes, dead adult moths, dead larvae, and—worst of all—live larvae. Start by clearing out your closet totally if you notice these symptoms. then start getting rid of moths from your life.
Effectively Get Rid of Clothes Moths Infestation
Set aside and check for damage any clothing items made of natural fabrics. Anything that cannot be fixed should be carefully discarded. When finished, place disposable items in a plastic bag and knot it closed. You won’t introduce moths into the remainder of your house that way.
Set aside the other, undamaged goods. Place moth traps in areas of our home where you think there are moths present.
Sort Through Infested Items and Bag Them
Take out any wearable apparel that can be dry cleaned or hand washed. To prevent any eggs from dropping off as you carry things outdoors, to the dry cleaners, or even across the house to the bathroom, place them in a different trash bag. Moth eggs are, after all, really tiny. Since it is extremely challenging to perceive them with the unaided eye, it is preferable to be safe than sorry.
Assume that any other clothing or natural textiles in close proximity to an infestation are likewise infested with moth eggs. Sort items according to whether they can be washed, dried, or steamed clean.
Remember that you should freeze any wool or cashmere items rather than utilizing a steam cleaner if you have any. Since heat and wool don’t mix, steam cleaning wool clothing can be problematic. We’ll go through how to freeze clothing to eliminate moths shortly.
According to their care labels, surrounding curtains, rugs, or furniture that might be contaminated may also be steam cleaned. Even though it requires some ability, steam cleaning is an excellent alternative for objects that can’t be frozen, dry cleaned, or washed.
It’s time to clean the infestation area once everything you wish to keep has been packed and arranged.
Clean the Area Meticulously
You must first empty out your wardrobe before proceeding with the steam cleaning or freezing of your clothes. Moth eggs are not always found on garments alone; they can occasionally be found in gaps and crevices.
You can wipe down and spray your wardrobe with a vinegar and water solution to naturally get rid of moth eggs. Sprays that kill moths may be useful as you clean the walls, floors, and other surfaces.
Understanding the Moths Steam Cleaning Process
Clothing can look brand-new and be made out of creases with the help of steam cleaners. They can, however, also be an excellent clothes moth extermination method.
Therefore, how precisely does steam kill moths? Primarily through the destruction of anything in hidden moth eggs and prevention of their hatching. This is caused by the steamer’s high heat.
In light of this, a steam cleaner may be the ideal extermination equipment if you have goods that are difficult to wash but simple to steam clean.
Clothes moths can be eliminated by steam cleaners at any stage of their life cycles. This is a result of the high temperatures they operate at. The moth’s proteins denature at temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, or 122 degrees Fahrenheit. For doing the task, a steamer that produces steam with a temperature higher than 212 F (the boiling point of water) is preferable.
How to Steam Moths Out of Your Clothes
You should move your steamer up and down each object that you believe may contain moth eggs after it has been filled with water and heated to the proper temperature. Focus especially on the creases and crevices.
Female moths trying to deposit eggs may find these regions to be particularly alluring. Additionally, fully steam any soiled portions of the clothing. For instance, it will be necessary to thoroughly steam places like cuffs, underarms, and pockets.
The steam will immediately cool after being released. To ensure that intense heat penetrates the material and kills any eggs, position the steamer head as closely as possible to the material. Work at a constant speed.
Instead of placing the steamer’s head straight onto the fabric, slant it against the fabric in this position. If you don’t, you might get watermarks.
Its important to note that it takes some practice and talent to steam clothes. As a result, you might want to “test steam” a low-quality item first before steaming a high-quality one. It’s a good idea to practice on a sheet or a pillowcase.
Keep in mind that the objective is to prevent harm by making sure that any contaminated regions achieve high temperatures for just long enough to kill any eggs.
How to Freeze Moths Out of Your Clothes
The moisture from a steam cleaner might not work well with feathers, fur, leather, and other like materials. Additionally, woolen garments should not be heated up. Your freezer is the ideal answer in these cases!
All you have to do is put anything that might contain moth eggs into an airtight plastic bag. Put the bag in your freezer for 72 hours after tying it closed. Freezing is a great way to kill clothing moth larvae. Any eggs or larvae should be taken care of by your freezer’s chilly temperatures. When necessary, you can clean them.
Visit our guides on getting rid of moths for more techniques & tips:
- How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths
- How to Get Rid of Clothes Moths
- How to Get Rid of Carpet Moths
- How to Get Rid of Moths in Your Garage?
- How to Get Rid of Moths in Your Camper
Preventative Measures to Keep Moths from Returning
It’s time to put a good defense in place to prevent moths from reentering after you’ve cleaned everything out and steamed your belongings. You don’t want Clothes Moths to return to your house if they like it, after all. The good news is that there are numerous ways to stop moths from coming back.
You can use natural deterrents like cedarwood or moth traps, which will draw in the active male moths and aid in ending the breeding cycle. Another excellent method to prevent moths from returning is to use herbal moth-repellent sachets. To refresh a place and keep moths away, hang natural sachets containing cedar, lavender, mint, or other moth-repellent herbs.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can you kill clothes moths by freezing?
Yes! Items with moth infestations might occasionally be difficult to wash, dry clean, or steam clean. In these situations, your freezer is an excellent instrument for destroying moth eggs. For example, the freezer method works well for furs, feathers, and clothing made of wool or cashmere.
Does steaming get rid of moths?
Any fabrics or materials that are safe for steam cleaning can be used to steam clean moth eggs. Your steamer’s high temperatures will boil the eggs and stop them from hatching. Using a steamer on carpets is a great way to get rid of a Carpet Moth infestation. In light of this, you should use moth-killing sprays as well as techniques like freezing or fumigation to get rid of live larvae or adult moths on your clothing or in your closet.
Does freezing kill moth larvae?
Yes, exposed moth larvae will perish in cold temperatures. Therefore, freezing them is a fantastic way to solve your moth problem.
How cold does it have to be to kill clothes moths?
Your freezer must be set to 18 degrees Fahrenheit or -8 degrees Celsius to effectively kill Clothes Moth Larvae. The goods have to be stored in the freezer for at least 72 hours. It’s also crucial to remember that moth larvae die as a result of the sudden temperature change. As a result, be sure to warm the items you plan to freeze to room temperature (roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit) before freezing them.
