Say goodbye to musty winter clothes: Expert reveals moth-busting tricks to transform your closet

When the leaves turn golden and the chill of winter fades into the warmth of spring, it's time to pack away those cosy sweaters and thick woollens that have kept us snug during the colder months.

But before you shove those winter garments to the back of your closet, consider this: how can you ensure they'll be fresh and moth-free when the cold winds blow again?

Fear not, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, because a hygiene expert has come to our rescue with some simple, cost-effective tricks to keep your winter wardrobe in tip-top shape.



Mary Futher, known to her online followers as Madame Sweat, has become a beacon of wisdom in the world of clothing care. With a following of over 816,000 on social media, she's no stranger to sharing her savvy tips and tricks.

Recently, she's turned her attention to the seasonal task of storing winter clothes, and her advice is pure gold.


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Madame Sweat shared affordable tips on how to store winter wardrobe. Image source: Unsplash



Firstly, let's talk about the enemy of all stored clothing: moths. These pesky critters are not just a nuisance; they're a destructive force that can turn your treasured cashmere into a hole-riddled mess.

But Madame Sweat has a thrifty solution that's as fragrant as it is effective.



Her secret weapon? Essential oils. By applying a few drops of lavender, mint, or thyme essential oil to wool dryer balls, you create a natural moth repellent that smells delightful.

Tuck these scented saviours into storage bags, and you can bid farewell to both moths and musty odours.

Speaking of storage bags, Futher's favourite find is a budget-friendly marvel that can be bought on Amazon.


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Madame Sweat recommended using storage bags from Essentials. Image source: @madamesweat/Instagram



These clear plastic bags, branded as heavy-duty storage bags by Essentials, are not only inexpensive but also perfectly sized to fit in drawers or on shelves. They're a fantastic way to keep your garments dust-free and organised.



But before you start packing, there's one crucial step you mustn't overlook: cleaning.

Moths are attracted to dirty fabrics like bees to honey, feasting on the stains and body oils left behind on your clothes.

To avoid giving these insects a banquet, Madame Sweat advised laundering your wool, cashmere, silk, angora, and fur items before storing them. It's a simple yet often overlooked detail that can make all the difference.

Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty of cedar.

For generations, cedar chests have been the go-to for protecting precious textiles. The natural oils in cedar wood are excellent for deterring moths, and its scent is much more pleasant than the pungent mothballs of yesteryear.

If you're feeling crafty, why not follow in the footsteps of one of Madame Sweat's followers, who assembled a cedar chest for their winter wear? It's a classic and stylish solution for safeguarding your wardrobe.



You can watch her video here:


Source: @madamesweat/Instagram​


These tricks are not just about preservation; they're about preserving the garments that keep us warm and making the most of our investments. After all, quality winter clothing doesn't come cheap, and with a little care, it can last for many seasons to come.

So, as you prepare to embrace the lighter layers of spring and summer, take a leaf out of Madame Sweat's book.

Clean, protect, and store your winter clothes with these simple methods, and when the cold returns, you'll be greeted by fresh, ready-to-wear garments without a moth hole in sight.
Key Takeaways
  • Hygiene Expert Mary Futher, known as Madame Sweat online, shared affordable and simple tips for keeping winter clothes fresh in storage.
  • Essential items for the storage hacks include heavy-duty storage bags from Essentials and wool dryer balls.
  • To prevent moths and keep clothes smelling fresh, Futher recommended using lavender, mint, or thyme essential oils on the wool balls before placing them in storage.
  • She stressed the importance of cleaning materials like wool, cashmere, silk, angora, or fur before storage, as moths are attracted to dirty fabrics.
Have you tried any of these storage solutions, or do you have any tips of your own? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—we'd love to hear how you keep your winter wardrobe at its best!
 

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I would like to know how to get a smell out of clothes in wardrobes, the clothes have been washed and dried but when getting them out weeks later they have a certain smell.
 
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