storing woolies
 

I am originally from northern Minnesota but now winter in the south. I am up in Minnesota late this year. I bought myself a wool blanket shirt that I wear under an anorak when I am out birding. It is very thick, very warm, very pricey (so I want to preserve it) and not moth proof. I will be leaving in a few days. I figured the winter cyclists here might know how I should store this so it doesn't get moth eaten. Suggestions? Moth balls are not appealing.

Cedar chests are supposed to be good ... cedar chips, blocks, etc. are supposed to be good too, I think.

Some 99% isopropyl alcohol in a sealed bag with your clean and dry wool could work. The alcohol will saturate the air inside the bag and destroy most bacteria in your wool. Check the humidity level in the air in the room before tho to prevent trapping moisture. If the humidity level is high putting the sealed bag with your wool inside in a freezer will condense and freeze the humidity in the bag keeping your wool dry. The wool will survive the cold. Don't put the bag directly in contact with the cold surface inside the freezer use some clothes at room temperature.Thick wool don't like quick temperature changes.

Wash your wool in water. Look up how to do this if unsure. You'll probably washing it by hand in lukewarm water with a bit of shampoo. Dry it all the way. Don't dry it in a dryer! Lay it flat near a radiator after gently squeezing out water by rolling it in a burrito shape and stepping on it. Dirty wool attracts bug so never store dirty wool!

You'll need a ceder ball or chip and a seal-able plastic bag. Stick ball in bag, stick shirt in bag. Squeeze out air and seal.

This is how I store merino sweaters ($$$$) and handmade wool stuff. So far, no problems!

Thanks for the tips everyone. I will get one of those vacuum sealed bags and still exploring whether to seal anything it with the sweater or not. I am used to washing wool and certainly will do so before stashing it away.

I like that freezer idea but I shut down the refrigerator when I am gone for a few months.

I also read somewhere that wools that aren't stored, but are out in the light, are less likely to get moth eaten. One possibility is just to hang it on a hanger in a bright room. No one will be here to look at any mess so no reason not to do that.

Anyway, researching possibilities. I did learn that it isn't just moth larva that eats wool fibers, but carpet beetles, which I have never heard of.