In short
- Store knitwear folded, not on hangers.
- Before storing, make sure it is clean and dry: moths are drawn to traces of sweat and food.
- Use cotton bags, cedar or lavender; avoid plastic.
- Air and check your pieces every few months.
Good storage is half of a knit’s lifespan. A few simple habits keep a cardigan beautiful for years.
Fold, don’t hang
Under its own weight, knitwear on a hanger stretches and grows bumps at the shoulders. Fold the cardigan: sleeves to the centre, then in half. Acid-free tissue between layers prevents creases.
Clean pieces are the best moth defence
Moths are drawn less to wool itself than to traces of sweat, skin oils and food. Before putting knits away for the season, wash them using our guide and let them dry completely.
What protects
- Cedar blocks or balls: a natural repellent (sand them occasionally to refresh the scent).
- Lavender sachets.
- Cotton or linen bags: the piece breathes and moths cannot get in.
- Avoid plastic: moisture can build up inside.
Shop the edit
Fluffy Baby Mohair & Merino Cardigan, Graphite · $212.50
Kid Mohair & Silk Flared-Sleeve Cardigan, Coral · $175
Kid Mohair & Silk Ruffle Lounge Socks, Nude · $50Where to store
Somewhere cool, dry and dark. Keep knits away from radiators and sunlight, which fade colour and dry out fibre.
During the season
After wearing, let a cardigan rest flat for a day. Keep fluffy pieces away from zips and Velcro to avoid snags.
If pills appear
That is normal for wool in high-friction areas. How to remove them safely: Pilling on knitwear.
FAQ
Can I store a mohair cardigan in a vacuum bag?
Briefly, yes, but long compression flattens the halo. A cotton bag is better.
How do I remove creases from knitwear?
Steam from a distance, or lightly dampen and dry flat.
Does the freezer kill moths?
Freezing a sealed bag for a few days is used to kill larvae. Let the piece thaw slowly afterwards.
