Harrison cashmere @ Bluefly

I bought the BF a crewneck 100% cashmere 2ply sweater from there last season for Christmas. Last week it got cold enough for him to pull it back out and put it on. And we found a cluster of several small holes in the front middle and one in the back! He's worn it maybe a dozen and a half times, I'd say. Had it dry cleaned at the end of last season and never hand washed it. Is this just the quality of the sweater? We are hoping it was something like an unseen cigarette ash flying his way walking through the casino out one night. I ask because I'd like to get him a replacement one this year, but not if the quality is sub par and this is going to happen again. If you have any experience with this brand and how long it holds up, I'd be interested to hear. Thanks!

15 years ago

Shopping

7 replies

Latest reply was from bella

bella

(website)

Veteran

Are other clothing items in your closet affected? It sounds like you have a moth infestation. It is very common, especially in warm climates like yours. Do you keep you winter clothing in air-tight containers or use mothballs when storing them over the summer?
This happened to us with one of hubby's best suits.

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Ooh I hadn't thought of that! We normally live in the cold dry of Tahoe so don't ever think of that possibility. No, we did not store with any mothballs - where do I get them and how do I use them? I don't want to ruin any of my cashmere sweaters that are still in one piece! And he certainly doesn't want any suits eaten!!

this may be a silly question but, will you actually see moths flying around to know you have them?

15 years ago

Anonymous

I'd also suspect it's moth or silverfish or some other insect that dines on fabric. Storing in air-tight bags with an unwrapped cake of soap or in the freezer helps. They will snack on dry cleaned items, so that's not a deterent.
Bed, Bath and Beyond I think carries moth balls. Cedar may help. I've read that any strong smell helps, even new unwrapped Irish Spring soaps.

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Joy, we DO have silverfish bugs! Drats!! I had no idea they ate fabric. Time to get a plastic storage container . . . at least I think I can confidently re order a new sweater for him now. how the heck do we keep our whole closet safe? Or do they just like knits?

15 years ago

wilson

Active Member

I don't know about silverfish bugs but moths are attracted to food, skin and other residue on clothes, not the fiber itself so if you clean items right before storing it will help a lot. Also, from what I've understood over the years it is best to handwash cashmere instead of dry clean it. That may have had something to do with it.

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

You can line your closet with cedar planking, or just get some cedar blocks (I have seen some with hangers to hang in the closet). The bugs supposedly don't like the smell of cedar, and it will keep them away.

15 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

Space bags like this are a great solution:
http://www.amazon.com/Space-Ba.....038;sr=1-3
You both save space and they are airtight once properly sealed so the bugs cannot get to them.
My family has successfully used mothballs for years and years to protect our garments over the summer. The best way to use them is to wrap 2-3 pieces in fine gauze or toilet paper and put them together with your sweaters. This way, they won't directly touch the fabric. This option will not work well if you are storing your sweaters in a walk-in closet. You need a contained space so the fumes won't escape - so to speak. When you pull them out in the winter, you will need to aerate well, dryel or wash all your garments before wearing them.
As chewy suggested, cedar blocks are a third option.

15 years ago

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