Know Your Enemy: Why Moths Love Cashmere and How to Stop Them

There are few things more disappointing than reaching for a favourite cashmere jumper and finding a small, perfectly round hole. It's subtle at first. Easy to miss. But once you notice it, you know exactly what's happened.

Moths.

Or more accurately, moth larvae.

Understanding how and why moths are drawn to cashmere is the first step in protecting it. With a few simple habits, and the right care, it's entirely possible to keep your knitwear looking as good as new for years to come.

Why are moths drawn to cashmere?

Moths don't arrive because a wardrobe isn't clean. They're simply opportunists.

Clothes moths are attracted to natural fibres that contain keratin, a protein found in cashmere, wool and silk. Adult moths themselves don't actually damage clothing. It's their larvae, once eggs have been laid, that do the real work.

These tiny larvae feed on fibres quietly, often in dark, undisturbed spaces like the back of a drawer or the fold of a knit. Over time, this feeding creates the small holes that can appear almost overnight.

Cashmere is particularly vulnerable not just because it's natural, but because it's soft, breathable and often stored carefully away between wears. That stillness, combined with traces of natural oils or perfume, creates an ideal environment for moths to settle and lay eggs.

The moth life cycle, in simple terms

To understand how to prevent damage, it helps to know how moths operate.

The life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The most important thing to remember is that larvae are responsible for all fabric damage.

• Eggs are laid directly onto fibres, often hidden deep in seams or folds. 
• Larvae hatch within days and begin feeding
• After feeding for weeks or even months, they form a cocoon
• Adult moths emerge, mate, and the cycle begins again

Because eggs are tiny and larvae are hard to spot, damage often feels sudden. In reality, it's been happening quietly for some time.

The freezer hack — does it actually work?

Freezing garments is one of the most talked about moth-related tips, and for good reason.

Done properly, it can be very effective.

Extremely low temperatures can kill moths at every stage of their life cycle, including eggs and larvae. But there are a few important details that make the difference between success and disappointment:

• The temperature needs to be genuinely cold — a proper freezer, not a fridge
• Items should be sealed in a bag to protect the fibres
• They need to stay in the freezer for at least 72 hours
• Larger pieces may need longer

Some of our most devoted customers take this seriously. We've heard from many who dedicate an entire drawer of their freezer to their N.Peal cashmere — and a few who keep a separate freezer solely for the purpose. It might sound extreme, but when you've invested in pieces you intend to wear for decades, it makes perfect sense.

Freezing is best thought of as a treatment, not a long-term solution. It's ideal if you suspect a problem, or when introducing vintage or rarely worn pieces back into your wardrobe.

On its own, though, it doesn't prevent moths returning.

 

Prevention is always better than repair

The most effective way to protect cashmere is to make your wardrobe less inviting in the first place.

Moths prefer dark, still environments and are far less likely to settle where garments are clean, aired regularly, and surrounded by natural deterrents.

A few simple habits go a long way:

• Store cashmere clean — even invisible traces of wear can attract moths
• Avoid long periods undisturbed — rotating and wearing knitwear disrupts the moth life cycle
• Keep wardrobes fresh and well-aired — moths thrive in still, enclosed spaces
• Use natural deterrents rather than chemical mothballs — safer for both fibres and your environment

If you're building a more considered care routine, you can explore our full range of cashmere care products, designed to help protect and maintain your knitwear over time.

The dedicated cashmere drawer

One of the most effective storage habits we hear about from our customers is the dedicated cashmere drawer or shelf. Rather than scattering knitwear across a wardrobe, they keep everything in one place — neatly folded and each piece wrapped in one of our cotton cashmere storage bags. The bags protect individual pieces from dust and friction, while keeping the drawer organised and easy to navigate.

What makes this approach particularly thoughtful is the habit that goes alongside it: setting calendar reminders throughout the year to air the drawer. A few times a season, the drawer is opened, pieces are unfolded, aired briefly, and refolded. It takes minutes, but it disrupts the still, enclosed environment that moths seek out — and gives you the chance to check each piece while you're at it!

It's a small ritual, but one that makes a real difference over time.

Between washes — the role of our Knitwear Mist

Cashmere doesn't need to be washed after every wear. In fact, washing too frequently can affect the fibre over time. But that raises a question: how do you keep pieces feeling fresh between washes?

Our Knitwear Mist was developed with exactly this in mind. A light spritz refreshes cashmere between washes, gently reviving the fibre and leaving it feeling clean and cared for. But its benefits go further than freshness alone.

The scent is specifically formulated to be subtly repellent to moths — effective enough to deter them, but never overpowering on the garment itself. It's a quiet layer of protection that fits naturally into a regular care routine, without any additional effort.

Used alongside cedar and proper storage, it becomes part of a considered, layered approach to moth prevention.

Natural protection — the N.Peal approach

When it comes to prevention, subtle, natural methods tend to work best.

Cedar is one of the most effective and time-honoured solutions. Its natural oils create a scent that moths actively avoid, while helping to keep storage spaces fresh.

Our cedar balls are designed to sit easily within drawers and wardrobes, offering a simple, understated way to protect your knitwear. They gently repel moths, absorb excess moisture, and fit seamlessly into your existing care routine.

Alongside this, a thoughtful wardrobe setup makes all the difference. Breathable storage, careful folding, and using dedicated care products all help maintain both the fibre and the environment around it. For a more detailed approach, our guide on how to care for your cashmere covers everything from washing to long-term storage.

A considered approach to care

Looking after cashmere is rarely about one single step. It's the combination of small, consistent habits that keeps pieces in their best condition.

Freeze when needed. Store with care. Mist between washes. Introduce natural deterrents. And make a point of revisiting pieces regularly, rather than leaving them untouched for months at a time.

With that approach, moths become far less of a concern, and your cashmere remains exactly what it should be — something to wear, enjoy and return to, season after season.