How to Protect Your Yarn from Moths (and Save Your Stash if They’re Already There)

There’s nothing more heartbreaking than discovering that moth larvae have eaten holes in your favorite skeins or finished knits. Because moths are especially drawn to wool and animal fibers, your yarn stash is at risk — especially if it’s dusty, dirty, or stored improperly.

In this guide, you’ll learn effective, non-toxic methods to keep moths away and, if infestation has begun, how to salvage your yarn and keep your stash safe going forward.

👉 Looking for yarns less prone to moth damage? Try KnitPal’s wool-blend or synthetic yarns that combine durability and beauty.

Why Moths Target Yarn & When to Worry

• Moth larvae feed on protein fibers, especially wool, alpaca, silk, and blends.

• Moths are drawn to yarns that are dusty, dirty, or carry residues (e.g. sweat).

• Dark, undisturbed storage areas, wooden drawers, or corners are prime spots for eggs and larvae to grow.

If you see small holes in fabric, fine webbing, small dark cocoons, or tiny larvae, it’s time to act — fast.

Part 1 — How to Prevent Moths from Damaging Your Yarn

Use Natural, Pleasant Alternatives to Mothballs

Mothballs are toxic and damaging; don’t use them near yarn or plastics. Instead, try:

• Cedarwood (blocks, chips, or balls) — place within your storage containers

• Lavender sachets — tuck between skeins

• Other scents moths dislike: rosemary, mint, thyme, cloves, ginseng

• Make your own scented sachets using dried herbs and breathable fabric

Store Yarn in Airtight Containers

• Use sealed plastic bins, vacuum bags, or ziplock freezer bags

• Keep each skein or cake individually wrapped if possible

• Always fully close lids or zippers to block moth entry

Clean the Storage Area Regularly

• Vacuum floors, corners, baseboards, and under furniture

• Wipe down wooden shelves, drawers, and walls

• Wash or steam-clean curtains and fabrics where moths might hide

• Maintain a dry, ventilated space (avoid humidity)

Use Temperature to Your Advantage

• If you're unsure about larvae, freeze yarns for 24–48 hours in sealed bags

• Alternatively, in hot climates, sealed yarns may be left in a hot car (in sunlight) for a week to kill eggs — but freezing is safer

Part 2 — What to Do If Moths Are Already in Your Stash

Sort and Cull Damaged Yarn

• Carefully inspect every skein or ball — damage may extend from the outside to the interior

• Discard yarns with visible holes or contamination — don’t risk re-packing them

• Be ruthless — moths spread quickly

Deep Clean Your Storage Space

• Remove all remaining yarn and items

• Clean the area with undiluted white vinegar, paying close attention to cracks, crevices, and corners

• Steam or wash nearby fabrics (curtains, rugs) at high temperatures

• Vacuum thoroughly, including hidden spaces and baseboards

Sanitize the Yarn to Keep

• Seal safe skeins in freezer bags and leave in the freezer 1–2 weeks

• Alternatively, use cold storage in sealed bags to suffocate eggs

• After freezing, allow yarn to return to room temperature inside sealed containers before opening

Repack with Safeguards

• Before returning yarn to storage, place scented sachets or cedar blocks in each container

• Add silica packets to reduce humidity

• Store only in clean, sealed bins, and monitor regularly

Best Practices & Tips for Long-Term Moth Protection

• Rotate your stash — use older yarn rather than letting it sit untouched

• Work frequently in storage area — disturbances discourage moths

• Inspect yarn before starting projects

• Avoid storing food or organic debris near stash areas

• Use light — moths favor dark, undisturbed spots

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will freezing yarn kill moth eggs and larvae?
A: Yes. Freezing sealed yarn for 24–48 hours (or up to a week for heavy infestations) will kill moth eggs and larvae. Always return yarn to room temperature while still sealed before opening.

Q: Are cedar and lavender effective for moth prevention?
A: Yes. Cedarwood and strong herbs like lavender, mint, or rosemary repel moths naturally. They do not harm yarn and are much safer than chemical mothballs.

Q: How often should I inspect my yarn stash?
A: At least once every few months. Look for holes, webbing, or small larvae. Early detection prevents larger damage.

Q: Can I save yarn that’s been partially eaten by moths?
A: Unfortunately, if any skein shows visible holes or damage, it’s best to discard it. Moths may have spread internally or be difficult to fully eradicate from compromised yarn.

Q: Does storing yarn in vacuum bags hurt fiber?
A: If sealed properly and not compressed too tightly, vacuum bags are fine. Just avoid over-compression of delicate fibers and release the vacuum periodically to let yarn “breathe.”

Conclusion

Moth damage to yarn is a distressing—but preventable—problem. With simple practices like airtight storage, natural repellents, freezing protocols, and regular cleaning, you can keep your skeins safe and your projects intact.

Start today: package your yarn, scent with cedar or lavender, and inspect routinely. Your stash — and future projects — will thank you.

👉 Need yarn that resists damage better? Browse KnitPal’s wool-blend and synthetic yarn options built to endure.