How to Make Homemade Moth Balls
Naphthalene, the main ingredient in conventional mothballs, is a known carcinogen, not to mention one of the most malodorous ways of protecting animal and plant fibers – including wool, silk, cashmere, angora, and bamboo – from being devoured by moth larvae, which cocoon in the fabric while they mature.
Preparing your clothing for storage is essential. Place clean items in sealed bags and routinely air them in sunlight during the warmer months. Boost your defense against these little assailants with homemade mothballs that use fragrant herbs to deter mature moths from laying eggs in your wardrobe.
Makes 6
What you’ll need.
- 8 inches muslin
- 3 ft. string or ribbon
- 1 cup whole cloves
- 1/4 cup each dried rosemary
- Dried mint (optional)
- Dried thyme and dried ginseng
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut muslin into six 1 inch squares.
- Mix herbs and ginseng in a bowl. Divide evenly among each muslin square. Gather corners together and tie with string. Tie muslin bags to the neck of coat hangers or the hanging rod in your wardrobe.
When to Replace
Replace your homemade mothballs each season (spring, summer, autumn) to ensure they are potent enough to protect your clothes from pesky moths.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, Homes to Love.
