Top 7 Natural Moth Repellent Solutions: What Works Best?

When it comes to protecting our cherished wardrobes from clothes moths (and the voracious appetites of their larvae), chemical repellents are often the first solution that comes to mind. However, these products come with their own set of concerns....
 

Chemical moth repellents can contain toxic substances that not only harm the environment but also pose health risks to us and our pets. The lingering chemical residue on our clothing can cause skin irritations and allergies, while the fumes from these products can contribute to indoor air pollution.

Thankfully, nature offers us a safer, more sustainable alternative. By using natural and eco-friendly moth repellents, we can protect our clothes without compromising our health or the planet. These solutions harness the power of herbs, essential oils, and other natural ingredients to keep moths at bay, ensuring that our wardrobes stay fresh and our consciences clear. 

Let’s explore the top seven natural moth repellents, that are as kind to your clothes as they are to the planet: 

1. Cedarwood — Claiming the number one spot on our list, cedarwood is the gold standard for natural moth repellents. Its strong, pleasant aroma not only deters moths but can also kill their larvae, which is why you'll find it used as a key ingredient for multiple products within our specialist range, including our Wool Detergent, Silk Detergent, and Knitwear Mists. 
   
   
   
   
2. Lavender — Lavender is a widely-loved moth repellent for good reason. Its floral scent is delightful to humans but repulsive to moths. Our 'Protect Me' Scent Bags can be placed in closets and drawers to protect your garments. Plus, they impart a lovely fragrance to all surrounding clothes.
   
3. Thyme — Thyme's strong, herbal aroma is highly effective in repelling moths.  Research shows this might be the result of a compound called thymol, which is known for its ability to repel insects. Combining the warm, peppery undertones of thyme with the calming, sweet scent of lavender, our Lavender & Thyme Knitwear Mist creates a soothing aromatic experience while providing practical protection for moth-prone areas of your home. 
   
   
   
   
4. Eucalyptus — Eucalyptus leaves and essential oil are excellent for keeping moths at bay. Their sharp, menthol-like scent is unappealing to moths. In addition, compounds such as cineole (aka eucalyptol) offer antibacterial effect, helping to keep your clothing environment cleaner and less attractive to moths! Try our Scented Bag Collection or Eco Liquid Detergent for Sportswear & Synthetics to experience the natural, everyday benefits for yourself. 
   
   
   
   
5. Clove — Clove's spicy, pungent aroma is another strong deterrent for moths. The aroma is too intense for most insects, keeping them away from treated areas. We recommend hanging one of our 'Treat Me' Natural Scent Bags in your wardrobe for an instant moth-repellent. Or, if you're feeling festive (it's never too early!), harness the power of this warming ingredient by crafting an Orange Pomander for your closet. 
   
6. Peppermint — We adore peppermint for its potent, refreshing aroma that is highly unappealing to moths and other insects. This strong scent can overpower the pheromones that attract moths, effectively keeping them away. You'll see us use this ingredient throughout our moth-repellent collection, in products such as our Deodorising Clothing Spritz and Basil & Mandarin Leaf Duo.
   
    
7. Patchouli — Lucky for us, Patchouli essential oil contains several active compounds, such as patchoulol and alpha-bulnesene, which have insecticidal properties. These natural compounds can interfere with the lifecycle of moths, preventing them from laying eggs in treated areas, while you can enjoy a sweet and fragrant home!
   
   
   

For more expert clothing care tips and eco-friendly solutions, take a look around our website blog and explore our full range of natural moth repellent solutions, perfect for every fabric type.