Wool that has shrunk or been eaten by moths

Clothes moth larvae can do great damage to wool clothes, and are unfortunately a growing problem in Norway. The larvae eat keratin, which is found in hair, skin and fur, so animal textiles such as fur, leather and wool make tempting meals. The moth lays eggs in the fabric, often in hidden areas such as collars and folds, and the larvae that develop eat the fabric around them. In clothes that are worn regularly, the eggs fall off and the larvae never develop. It is clothes that sit in the closet for long periods, or that have been packed away in a cellar or attic, that are at risk.

Traditional mothballs contained environmental toxins and are banned today. But there are things you can do:

• If you suspect moths in a wool garment, that garment and any others lying near it should be washed and if possible deep frozen (−25 to −30°C). Leave it in the freezer for four days, then thaw it and freeze it again for another four.

• The closet holding the moth-eaten garment should be emptied and vacuumed thoroughly. Throw away the vacuum bag afterwards.

• If clothes moths have been in the garment it will have holes. If the damage is not too bad, these can be patched or darned once the moths have been dealt with.

• Moths like food residue, grease and sweat, so stains should be removed straight away. Wool that is going to be packed away should be clean.

• Wool garments being stored over the summer are best wrapped in newspaper, and ideally in a sealed container. Vacuum packing is a good alternative.

Tip: moths like neither soap nor cedar. Put bars of soap in the closet alongside your wool, and in between wool clothes that are being packed away. You can also buy effective cedar balls and oil.

What can you do about wool that has shrunk?

Wool fibers are very stretchy and can be stretched across several sizes. Wool garments that have shrunk can in most cases be stretched back into place while the garment is wet. The fabric can be pulled both lengthways and widthways, depending on the effect you want. It is easier if two people pull the garment between them.

Tip: many people find the fabric easier to pull if it has been treated with a little hair conditioner. Here is how:

• Fill a sink, bath or tub with lukewarm water and mix in a few tablespoons of conditioner.

• Place the wool garment in the mixture and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not rub the garment while it is in the water.

• Take the garment out without rinsing it, and gently press out the excess water. Lay the garment flat on a towel.

• Roll the towel up with the garment inside to press out more water.

• Stretch the garment as you want it.

• Let the garment dry flat. It can be a good idea to place something heavy on the ends to hold the stretch while it dries, and to stop the fibers springing back.