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Packing away Sweaters safely
By:porceleindoll
Date: Saturday, 14 May 2005, 7:35 am

I can't verify that these tips work, but here's the article anyway!
courtesy of Care2.com

Packing Those Sweaters Away Safely


Inspired by "Better Basics for the Home," by Annie B. Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

Simple Solution

Now that spring has arrived and warm weather is taking hold, we can pack away our woolens until next year. There is no longer any good reason to use napthalene moth balls to protect wollens from wool moths, now that they have been categorized as carcinogens.

Instead, learn how to compose a sweet smelling sweater chest using the herbs that weavers use to repel wool moths! Weavers can't take the chance of moths eating their skeins of wool, so their choices of repellent herbs really work.

Find out the simple steps to repelling clothing moths naturally, keeping your woolens safe all spring and summer long.

Before packing woolens away, there are a number of important steps to take to prevent moths, including washing the wool. Here you can learn about how to wet clean wool without shrinkage, how to make your own natural moth balls (repellent sachets), and what to do if you already have clothing moths.

How to Repel Clothing Moths


  1. Clean woolen items before storing.
    To wet clean wool: The key to not shrinking wool is to never twist it, agitate it, or wring it out. Gently swirl the wool in the water, then rinse and press the water out. Wool is an acidic material, so use a mild soap or detergent with as close to a neutral or acidic pH as possible. Any soap or detergent with a pH above 8 will harm wool. To lower the pH of a soap or detergent, add 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar or lemon juice before washing. Water temperature when washing wool should be around 100 F. Block wool -- lay it flat and shape it -- before drying.

  2. Air woolen clothing in the sun for a few hours before packing them away.

  3. Make your own moth ball alternatives.
    Natural Moth Balls (Repellent Sachets): These sachets are lovely to tuck into sweater drawers and hang in closets. Most health food stores sell bulk dried herbs.

    2 ounces each of dried rosemary and mint
    1 ounce each of dried thyme and ginseng
    8 ounces of whole cloves

    Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Blend. Make sachets by choosing a 4 x 4 inch piece of natural fiber with a tight weave, such as silk. Sew three sides together, then fill with the herbs and sew the fourth side shut. You can adapt this pattern to any size you want (2 x 2 is the traditional size for the undergarments drawer, for example). A good idea for small sachets is to fill cotton teabags sold for making your own tea (these are often sold in health food stores). If you are really in a rush, just tie the herbs up in a cotton bandana or handkerchief; place the herbs in the middle, gather the edges together, and tie with a ribbon.

    Variation: Other herbs that are good for repelling moths include lavender, lemon, sweet woodruff, and tansy.

  4. Completely seal clean woolen items in bags, boxes, and chests. Cedar chests help repel moths, but they must be sealed.

  5. If you see moths, freeze the item of clothing for two days in the freezer.

Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.
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