How to stop moths from eating your quilts | Non-toxic

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A quilt is a mix of fabrics. It is the wool batting, or any wool and silk in the top, that clothing moths are after, not the cotton. Heirloom quilts are especially worth protecting, since damage to an old one cannot be undone. The good news: a clean quilt in breathable storage, with a little cedar and a trap nearby, stays safe without mothballs. Why moths get into quilts Clothing moth larvae feed on keratin, the protein in wool and silk, so a quilt with wool batting or wool patchwork is on the menu. They are most drawn to bedding stored unwashed, since body oils and warmth make it appealing. A quilt folded away for a season in a dark chest or closet is a prime spot, and damage often starts along the folds, out of sight. (More on the how and why: How to get rid of clothing moths and Are clothing moth issues on the rise .) How to protect your quilts the non-toxic way Wash or air a quilt before you store it, so no oils or food traces are left behind. Store it in a breathable cotton bag or a clean cotton sheet rather than sealed plastic, which traps moisture and can mildew natural fibers; for an heirloom, layer it with acid-free tissue. Keep a Clothing Moth Trap in the storage spot to catch the males and flag activity. Tuck a Cedar Chips canister in with the quilt, where the sealed canister repels moths without the cedar touching the fabric. Keep Cedar Planks in the chest or on the shelf nearby, refreshing both with Cedar Ward as the scent fades. Refold it a different way now and then so it airs out. If you suspect eggs or larvae, seal it in a bag and freeze it at 0°F for about two weeks. Protect your quilts Store it clean: wash or air the quilt before putting it away. Let it breathe: a cotton bag or sheet, not sealed plastic; acid-free tissue for heirlooms. Cedar in with it: tuck a Cedar Chips canister in with the quilt (the canister keeps cedar off the fabric), with Cedar Planks nearby, refreshed by Cedar Ward. Monitor and treat: keep a Clothing Moth Trap nearby; refo