Shrunken or moth-eaten wool?

Different materials require different treatments. With proper care, you can enjoy your Pierre Robert clothing for many years.

Moth-eaten wool?

Common clothes moths can seriously damage wool clothing and are a plague that, unfortunately, is growing in Norway. The larvae eat keratin, which is found in hair, skin and fur and animal materials like fur, leather and wool are tempting morsels for them. Moths lay eggs in clothes, often in hidden areas under collars and in creases, and the larvae that develop eat the cloth around them. In frequently worn clothing, eggs will fall off and larvae aren't able to develop. However, clothes that have been in a wardrobe for long periods or time or that are packed away in basements and attics are vulnerable to moth attacks.

Traditional moth balls contain chemicals that are hazardous to the environment, and are banned in several countries. The following tips are safe and environmentally friendly alternatives:

• If you suspect moth larvae in a wool garment, the garment and other clothes near it should be washed and afterwards put in the freezer. (-25/30C). Leave it/them in the freezer for 4 days before defrosting and then refreezing it/them for 4 more days.
• Closets with moth-eaten wool should be emptied and vacuumed thoroughly. Throw away the vacuum bag afterwards.
• Clothes that have been eaten by moth larvae will have holes in them. Depending on the damage, moth-eaten clothing can be patched or darned.
• Moths love left-over food, grease and sweat, and because of this, stains should be removed at once. Wool being packed away for storage should always be cleaned first.
• Wool clothing that is stored over the summer months can be wrapped in newspaper and preferably stored in a sealed container. Vacuum storage bags are ideal.

Tip! Moths do not like soap or cedarwood. Bars of soap can be stored with wool in the wardrobe and in between woollen garments that have been packed away. You can also buy effective moth balls and cedar oil.

Shrunken wool?

Tip!

​Many find that wool can be easier to stretch when treated with a little hair conditioner. How to do it:

• Fill a sink, bath or a bowl with lukewarm water, and mix in a few tablespoons of conditioner.
• Place the wool in the water, and leave it there for 10-15 minutes. Do not rub the clothing when wet.
• Remove the garment without rinsing it, and carefully squeeze out excess water. Place the wool clothing flat on a towel.
• Roll up the towel with the garment in it, and squeeze out more water.
• Stretch the garment back into shape.
• Dry wool clothing flat. Put something heavy on the ends of the garment to maintain the stretch while it is drying, and to ensure that the fibres don't rebound.