Wardrobe Tips

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The first step in protecting your clothes against pests is to clean them. Moths and carpet beetles, the primary pests that can cause damage, are attracted to natural fibers like wool and cotton. They also feed on organic stains within synthetic fibers.

Even if you don't believe you currently have a moth problem, if the pests have laid eggs, you won't be able to see them because they are so small. Always clean your garments first before following the next steps.

Use all-natural cedar to repel pests. When used correctly, cedar is very effective in preventing damage to your wardrobe.

The essential oils in aromatic cedar give off a scent that people and pets love, yet repel adult moths and carpet beetles. A general rule of thumb when considering how much cedar to use: when you can't smell it, the pests can't either. Cedar is also renewable. When the scent fades, a quick rub with sandpaper or a mist of cedar spray restores its potency.

There are other herbal products that are environmentally safe and effective. Moth Away is made with a blend of natural herbs and comes in easy-to-use sachets. The sachets last 3-4 months and are an effective deterrent against pests.

When it comes to versatile cleaners, you can't get more versatile than vinegar. The slight acid in vinegar is a stain treating master on even the toughest of stains. This method is very effect on most non-grease stains, working about 75-90% of the time. It will work best on stains that haven't dyed the material like ink or mustard. For this method, you'll:

1. Fill an empty water bottle with straight vinegar.
2. Completely saturate the stained area.
3. Sprinkle baking soda over the area.
4. Gently rub the mixture in to the fabric, respraying vinegar as necessary.
5. Allow to sit for up to 30 minutes.
6. Rinse the back of the stain with cool water for a few minutes.
7. Respray the area with vinegar.
8. Fill a bucket or sink with about a gallon or so of water.
9. Add a ½ cup of vinegar to the water and a couple tablespoons of laundry detergent.
10. Allow the fabric to soak overnight.

Stains like pasta sauce and mustard can be notoriously hard to remove once they have set in. For these, you might need something with a bit more stain fighting action. Since tomato and coffee can actually dye the fabric itself, this method might be a little less effective for getting those stains out. You are still shooting over 70% though. To get started, grab the Dawn and peroxide.

1. In a spray bottle, you'll want to combine 1 parts dish soap to 2 parts peroxide. While Dawn is many people's go-to degreaser, you can try any dish soap.
2. Saturate the entire area of the stain.
3. With gloved fingers or a rag, rub the stained area.
4. Let it sit overnight.
5. Rinse and repeat if necessary.