How To Handle Moth Damage

How To Handle Moth Damage

Moths are similar to carpet beetles, and feed on protein. Although a frequent source of moth infestation is old furniture and clothing, they can also be brought in from the outside through open doors or by sticking to our clothes and shoes. The type of moths that cause damage to our clothing and fabrics are not the same as moths attracted to light. These moths live in dark, quiet places and feed off of protein; making storage areas, articles of clothing and upholstered furniture prime living spaces for them to breed.

What Causes Moth Holes in Clothes?

The moths that damage clothes aren’t the same as the ones you see flying toward lights. Clothes moths, specifically the webbing clothes moth and the case-making clothes moth, thrive in dark, quiet spaces like closets, drawers, attics, and basements. They feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, cashmere, alpaca, and even cotton—especially when those fabrics contain traces of perspiration, body oil, or food.

It’s not the adult moths but their larvae that do the real damage, chewing through your garments as they mature. Unfortunately, moth infestations are often silent and invisible, and damage may only appear once it’s extensive—or after multiple washes when weakened fibers begin to pull apart.

Early Signs of Moth Damage

Detecting moth damage early is difficult, but here are a few warning signs:

Small, irregular holes in garments
Shedding fibers or thinning fabric
Silky webbing or casings left by larvae
Fine debris (like sand) near your clothes
A stale or musty smell on stored items

Even if you don’t see holes, moth larvae may still be present and continue causing damage. That’s why proactive treatment is so important.

Why Dry Cleaning Is Key to Preventing Moth Damage

As previously noted in Three Facts About Moth Damage And Your Clothing, moth damage can be difficult to detect. The moths lay camouflage webbing to hide and protect their larvae, which blends with most fabrics, causing the most damage. This means that moth damage may not be visible at first and can continue to live within your space for years before holes in your sweaters become apparent.

Before wearing or storing seasonal clothes, bring them to a professional dry cleaner—even if they appear clean. At Dependable Cleaners, our high-heat and solvent-based cleaning methods destroy moth eggs and larvae, which often survive standard home laundering.

To effectively kill larvae, items need to be cleaned at temperatures above 120℉. Dry cleaning is not only safer for delicate fabrics but also far more effective at preventing the spread of moth infestations.

If moth damage is detected, start by locating the initial source to avoid the spread of infestation. If you’re concerned about moth infestation in more than one area of your home, you may want to consider hiring the help of a professional exterminator. Over-the-counter pesticides may not be as potent as needed and must be handled with care.

Once the initial source is located be sure to vacuum the entire house including closets, storage areas and behind furniture. Vacuum brushes should be disinfected and bags should be disposed of immediately in order to avoid spreading infestation.

Do Dry Cleaners Repair Moth Holes?

One of the most common questions we hear is: Do dry cleaners repair moth holes?

Yes—small moth holes in clothing may be repaired at your local cleaner or tailor, including here at Dependable Cleaners. Our experienced team offers moth hole repair and reweaving services for minor damage, allowing you to extend the life of your favorite garments.

However, items with more than mild damage may not be salvageable. In many cases, moth damage isn’t fully visible until after washing, when weakened fabric fibers start to separate and reveal the full extent of deterioration. When that happens, the best course of action is to professionally clean the item to stop the spread, and then safely dispose of it if it’s beyond repair.

If you suspect or know that your clothing has been affected by moths, we highly recommend notifying your cleaner before dropping off your garments. This allows us to treat the items appropriately and with extra care, preventing cross-contamination and preserving as much of the garment as possible.

If you’re concerned about moth damage on your clothing, notify your cleaners ahead of time so that they can prepare and handle your items appropriately with care.

Why Dependable Cleaners Is Your Trusted Partner in Moth Damage Prevention and Repair

For over 80 years, Dependable Cleaners has provided premium garment care across Boston and the South Shore. Whether you’re looking to protect your wardrobe from future moth damage or repair items that have already been affected, our expert team is here to help.

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