Small holes in the laundry, but no visible moths. Remember to check that the drum of your washing machine is in good condition. The specialist method.
Invisible moths, but very real holes
You notice that your clothes are regularly perforated with small holes, but there are no moths in your home!?
There may be moth larvae
Moths lay eggs and die quickly. They are the larvae of textile moths that feed by nibbling on your most beautiful cashmere. These larvae are very small, gray, and completely silent. To see them and dislodge them, you must do a thorough inspection of your wardrobes and dressing rooms. If in doubt, take out all the clothes, check them, and treat them.
To become an expert in anti-moth treatment, and to protect your clothes, follow my chemist's advice in this article: How to get rid of moths without poisoning yourself .
They may be carpet beetles.
Carpet beetles are small, very discreet insects with round shells, and whose hairy larvae feed on dry organic matter, including wool. They are controlled in the same way as moths, with pyrethrins and pyrethroids.
The origin of these small holes can be very different.
Some washing machine or dryer drums have defects and roughness which can damage the linen by causing small tears that look like moth holes.
A simple trick To check if the drum of your washing machine has any rough spots or snags: run a stocking or pantyhose over the inside walls and in all the corners of the drum of your washing machine. If the bottom is snagging, you have located the problem and unfortunately you will have to change your washing machine.
