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Best moth repellents for protecting clothes and carpets
Are moths munching their way through your favourite woollen clothing or carpets? Here are the best moth repellents to help protect your home, as recommended by Mumsnet users.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Apr 2, 2024
With spring rapidly on its way, lighter days and milder temperatures will mostly be met with open arms. However, the improved weather can also bring with it an increase of bugs - especially moths. Attracted to body oils left within the fibres of your clothing, moths enter our homes to seek out dark and secluded places to lay their eggs, with your drawers, wardrobes and carpets quickly becoming their destination of choice - and you're going to want to arm yourself with the best moth repellent you can.
If you’ve found visible damage, such as small holes where moths have nibbled through your favourite jumpers and cardigans, or even cocoons inside your storage areas such as drawers and wardrobes, you’re certainly not alone - the Mumsnet forums are packed with users seeking advice on how to banish these unwelcome blighters. The good news is that there are a variety of products you can use that will not only kill moths and their larvae but can also actively deter them from returning.
When it comes to protecting your home from damage, only the best will do. That's why we research, vet and rank only the most highly recommended products our users swear by. From the best dehumidifiers to ward off damp, to the best mould removers that actually work, we've got you covered.
To bring you our pick of the best moth repellents, we first took to the Mumsnet forums to gain their tried-and-tested feedback, researching the products that Mumsnet users rate, having used in their own homes. We then researched wider consumer feedback on retailer sites such as Lakeland, Amazon and John Lewis, ensuring Mumsnetter recommendations were able to consistently keep moths at bay. With options to suit every budget and even some natural choices that are free from chemicals, here’s our pick of the best moth repellents you can buy today.
Kills moths on contact
Provides up to 12 months protection against moth larvae
Floral fragrance
Easy to use in wardrobes and storage areas
Not suitable for applying directly to clothes and fabrics
Some may prefer a natural moth-repellent
Price on writing: £7 | Brand: Zero In | Type: Spray | Suitable for: Wardrobes and storage areas
If you’re already unlucky enough to have a moth outbreak inside your home, it’s important to eradicate the existing ones first, killing the moths as well as their larvae and eggs before taking action to prevent their return.
Zero In Clothes Moth Killer couldn't be easier to use, simply spraying inside your wardrobes and areas where clothes are stored such as drawers, airing cupboards and ottomans.
This long-lasting floral scented spray not only kills moths upon contact but can also prevent their return for up to 12 months, protecting your clothes whilst in storage and preventing those unsightly holes.
Natural, chemical free moth repellent
Subtle fragrance
Easy to use
Good value for money
Won’t kill moths if you already have them
Reviewers found them less effective than chemical moth repellents
Price on writing: £6.50 (for 15) | Brand: Provence | Type: Natural moth repellent | Suitable for: Drawers, wardrobes and airing cupboards
If you’re not keen on using chemicals inside your home, these scented bags filled with lavender make an effective natural moth repellent. Whilst they won’t kill moths if you already have them, the lavender scent is really unpleasant for moths, deterring them from inhabiting your drawers and wardrobes.
With no prep or complex instructions to master, simply place a lavender-filled bag on top of your clothing for a simple and subtle way to keep moths at bay. We recommend you replace them regularly, approximately every three months, as the scent and its effects gradually reduce over time.
Read next: The best budget dehumidifiers under £100
A pack of twenty offers excellent value for money
Protects for up to six months
Odour and fragrance-free
Date label so can visually see when it's time to replace
Dry treatment that won’t drip or stain
Whilst they can be used in wardrobes by attaching to hangers, you may find a spray more effective for larger areas.
Price on writing: £5 | Brand: Zero In | Type: Strips
These easy-to-use strips act as a long-lasting moth repellent, with six months of protection against moths at all stages of their life including larvae and eggs.
Each strip protects up to one cubic metre, so simply tear off as many strips as you need before adding to cupboards, wardrobes and drawers as required.
Odour and fragrance-free, the Zero In Moth Killer Strips do not drip and will not stain, meaning you can place them directly on top of your clothes in drawers and airing cupboards without leaving any unpleasant residue behind. While you can use them in wardrobes by piercing them onto your hangers, some Mumsnet users found moth-repellent sprays easier when protecting larger spaces.
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Suitable for carpets, cushions and upholstery
Can spray directly onto fabrics without staining
Kills moths in just fifteen minutes
Clean, fresh fragrance
Need to re-treat every three months to maintain effects
Price on writing: £7 | Brand: Acana | Type: Spray
It’s not just your clothes that can fall prey to moths - these unwelcome visitors can also target your carpets, cushions and upholstery; particularly those that are made from wool.
Acana Moth Killer and Freshener spray sets to work in just fifteen minutes, killing moths, eggs and larvae and leaving nothing but a fresh, clean fragrance behind.
Unlike some moth-repellent sprays, it can be applied directly onto your fabrics without staining, but the brand does recommend re-treating every three months to ensure the best results.
Related: The best laundry detergents, according to Mumsnetters
Natural and sustainable moth repellent
Can last years
Refreshing scent
Can be placed directly on fabrics without staining
Suitable for wardrobes, drawers, airing cupboards, shelves and shoes
Need sanding (with paper supplied) every three months to maintain effectiveness
Won’t kill any moths already in your home
Price on writing: £18 | Brand: ecoKiwi | Type: Cedar Ring
If you’re worried about protecting clothing such as cashmere cardigans and woollen coats while they’re stashed in your wardrobe for the spring and summer seasons, cedar rings make a surprisingly effective natural moth repellent, lasting up to 12 months with some basic maintenance.
Simply slot over the hook of your best clothes hangers or place inside drawers, cupboards and airing cupboards to protect your clothes, towels and blankets while in storage. To keep them working their best, it’s recommended you gently sand them down using the sandpaper provided around every three months, releasing more of the repellent cedar scent that helps keep these visitors at bay.
Good value for money
Three months protection
Visual indicator when it needs replacing
Proven to kill moths, eggs and larvae
Can be placed safely amongst clothes without staining
Recommend two for each drawer
Shorter lifespan than some other moth-repellent
Price on writing: £9 (for 20) | Brand: Moth Stop | Type: Sachets
These small moth-repellent sachets filled with lavender natural oils are recommended for use all year round, helping kill moths, eggs and larvae and protecting your bedding and clothing - even moths' favourite fabrics such as cashmere, wool and silk.
Specially designed to be discreetly placed between clothes without staining, each sachet lasts around three months, with a visual end-of-life indicator that alerts you when it's time to replace.
Acana Hanging Moth Killer & Freshener
Kills moths, eggs and larvae
Claim to provide six months of protection
Lavender scented
Slimline hanging sachets can be hung on clothing rails in between clothes
May prefer a non-plastic solution
Some reviewers found the life span lower than the six months advertised
Price on writing: £6.99 | Brand: Acana | Type: Hanging moth killer
Made specifically for use within wardrobes, these small plastic hangers not only freshen up your storage space with a subtle lavender fragrance, but they also safely kill moths, eggs and larvae when hung between your clothes. With a recommended dose of two hangers per wardrobe, these slim and discreet moth repellents won't stain your fabrics or leave any residue behind.
While reviewers praised the visual end-of-life indicator which advises when they need replacing, some users found that they appeared to expire much sooner than the six months suggested.
Read next: The best moisture absorbers for small spaces
Extra thick plastic
Waterproof
80% size reduction for easy storage
Available in a range of pack sizes
Offers additional protection from moths during storage
Included pump doesn't work effectively well
Price on writing: £26 | Brand: Spacesaver | Type: Vacuum storage bag
When storing clothes over longer periods (such as switching out your summer and winter wardrobes), picking the best vacuum storage bags can help provide additional protection against moths, moisture and dust.
A popular choice on the Mumsnet forums, and with literally thousands of positive online reviews, the Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags are both airtight and waterproof, compressing your clothing by up to 80% in size, whilst keeping them in pristine condition. Even better, they come in various bag sizes including large, medium, small and variety packs.
Do moths eat clothes?
Yes, whilst it may be hard to believe, some species of moths feed on the proteins that are found in natural fibres such as wool cashmere, fur and at times even cotton clothing. Given the opportunity, they will happily munch their way through the fabrics, leaving unsightly holes behind.
How to repair moth holes in clothes
If the moth holes in your fabrics are only small (less than 5mm) you may be able to darn and repair moth holes to restore your fabrics to their former glory. To do this, we recommend you use a darning mushroom (available at most haberdashery stores or Amazon) along with yarn that matches the colour of your garment (or contrasting colour if you want a more unique effect).
If your moth holes are larger, patching or embroidering over the hole may be a better solution. It’s always worth seeking the advice of a tailor before you discard any moth-damaged clothing for good.
Read next: The best budget washing machines under £500
How to get rid of clothes moths
If you spot moths in your home, here are some steps you should take (as soon as possible to eradicate them and protect your clothes, carpets and upholstery.
Clean affected items - whether that's washing clothes, linens of fabrics or thoroughly vacuuming carpets in areas that may be infected with moth larvae or eggs. In the case of carpets, pay close attention to dark corners, areas under your furniture and skirting boards, as these make excellent places for moths to hide.
Dispose of heavily infested items - If you discover clothes with a severe infestation of moths (and they simply cannot be salvaged or cleaned) dispose of them as soon as possible to prevent any spread inside the home.
Store your clothing properly - Moths can be attracted to sweat and oils on clothing, so wherever possible, ensure clothing is clean and dry before putting into storage. To protect your clothes when storing clothes long term, you may want to consider investing in some high-quality vacuum storage bags to provide additional protection.
Add preventative moth repellents - Adding moth repellents such as cedar rings, lavender bags, sprays or strips can help protect your storage areas from moth infestations for long periods. Keep track of the date you placed them in storage, and replace them regularly as per the brands’ recommendations.
Tackle outbreaks quickly - If you spot signs that moths have returned, consider using a moth killer spray for fast results, before reusing preventative moth repellents for longer-term protection against their return.
Related: Read our full guide to how to get rid of clothes moths
What’s the best moth repellent for clothes?
Killing moths on contact and offering a long-term solution to prevent the return, the Zero In Clothes Moth Killer was an easy choice for our top-pick moth repellent. Affordable and easy to use, this versatile spray can be applied across all your storage solutions - from wardrobes to drawers, ottomans and airing cupboards.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
Lots of Mumsnet users have suffered the effects of moths in their homes, with many users sharing their hints and tips on how to kill, repel and prevent these unwelcome visitors from returning.
First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, to get their feedback on the moth repellents that they rate, recommend and have used in their own homes.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, overpriced or simply struggled to keep those pests at bay.
Authentic consumer reviews
To bring you our definitive list of the best moth repellents on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Lakeland, and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.