CACHEMIRE CERTIFIÉ HAUTE QUALITÉ | Origine Mongolie Intérieure · Fibre Grade A
You've invested in quality cashmere. You wash it carefully, de-pill it properly, and wear it with appreciation. Then summer arrives, you fold it into a drawer, and six months later you pull it out to find moth holes, musty smell, or stretched-out shape.
How you store cashmere sweaters matters as much as how you wash them. Moths, humidity, residual body oils, and gravity all work against stored knitwear. The good news: preventing damage requires a simple checklist, not expensive equipment.
This is the single most important storage rule. Moths are not attracted to cashmere itself — they're attracted to the organic residues on it: body oils, perspiration, food traces, and skin cells. A sweater that smells clean to you still carries invisible residues that are a feast for moth larvae.
Before storing any cashmere garment for the season:
Cashmere has less elasticity than merino or synthetic knits. When hung on a hanger, the weight of the garment pulls the shoulders and neckline out of shape over time. Shoulder dimples from hangers are nearly impossible to fully reverse.
Always fold cashmere flat. For long-term storage, fold using tissue paper between layers to reduce friction and prevent colour transfer between garments.
Traditional mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene — chemical pesticides that are effective but leave a persistent, unpleasant odour on fabrics and carry health concerns with prolonged exposure.
Cedar is a natural moth deterrent. Cedar wood contains natural oils (primarily cedrol) that repel clothes moths. Use:
Cedar's effectiveness diminishes as the surface oils evaporate. Sand the surface lightly every six months or apply cedar essential oil to refresh the deterrent.
Lavender sachets also repel moths naturally, though they're less potent than cedar. Using both together provides strong protection.
Best option: breathable garment bags or cotton storage bags. These protect against dust and moths while allowing air circulation, which prevents moisture buildup and musty odours.
Acceptable: sealed plastic containers for heavy moth-risk environments. The airtight seal prevents moth access entirely. However, ensure the garment is bone-dry before sealing — any trapped moisture will cause mildew.
Avoid: thin plastic bags (dry cleaner bags). These trap moisture without being airtight enough to block moths. They create the worst of both worlds: a humid micro-environment that promotes both mildew and moth activity.
Store cashmere in a cool, dry place. Ideal conditions:
Attics (temperature swings) and basements (humidity) are poor choices for cashmere storage. A bedroom wardrobe or dedicated closet at consistent room temperature is ideal.
Even with proper precautions, check your stored cashmere at least once during the off-season. Look for:
If you find evidence of moth activity, isolate affected garments immediately. Freeze treatment (placing the garment in a sealed bag in the freezer for 72 hours) kills moth larvae and eggs without chemicals.
Use this checklist every time you store cashmere for the season:
Moths don't destroy cashmere — improper storage does. Clean before storing, fold rather than hang, use cedar protection, and choose breathable containers in a stable environment. These steps take less than an hour at the end of the season and protect garments that should last a decade or more. Premium cashmere like Alxa-origin fibre rewards proper storage with consistent softness, shape, and longevity — season after season.
