Cleaning, Pampering and Moths Prevention: Winter Care for Your Alpaca Wardrobe

Washing Your Alpaca Garments

A cool handwash (30ºC) with a mild detergent such as Stergene, Woolite or baby shampoo is recommended. Follow these steps for the best results:

• Wash for no more than 5 minutes in lukewarm water.  Keep the garment flat, do not stretch or twist.
• Rinse gently, always pressing rather than wringing the fabric.
• Wrap the item in a clean dry towel to absorb excess moisture.
• Reshape as necessary and lay flat to dry.
• Do not hang wet alpaca garments, as this can cause stretching.
• A cool iron can be used to help remove any creases

Can You Machine Wash Alpaca?

Some of our less delicate alpaca garments may be machine washed on a cool handwash cycle (30ºC) that runs for no more than 50 minutes.  For example, our alpaca running socks and our our rib knit socks can be washed on a 40 ºC cycle.  However, as washing machine settings vary, we cannot guarantee the results. If you do choose to machine wash:

• Turn the product inside out.
• Fold it neatly and place it in a small gauze laundry bag.
• Use a mild detergent.
• Avoid spin or tumble dry—as this might shrink the garment.
• Storing Alpaca Clothing in Winter

Keeping Alpaca Wool Looking Its Best

• Our 100% alpaca products do not pill and bobble, and if washed following the guidelines above, will look pristine again once dried.

• As alpaca is naturally anti-microbial, I recommend you wash your garment as little as possible
  If desired, you can use a fabric comb to remove any surface fluff resulting from friction.

• Steam lightly if needed, but avoid excessive heat.

By following the simple steps above, you can prolong the life of your alpaca garments and keep them luxuriously soft and warm throughout the winter and beyond.

How Best to avoid Moths!? 

There's a lot to write about here!  It's so upsetting when pulling your favorite alpaca sweater out of storage, only to find the clothes moths got to it first. These tiny insects can cause serious damage to natural fibres like alpaca, cashmere, and wool.  But with the right methods, you can protect your precious knitwear.  

Clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella and Tinea pellionella) don’t actually eat your garments themselves, it’s their larvae that do that. Moths are drawn to natural fibres, especially ones that contain keratin, a protein found in alpaca, wool and cashmere. The risk increases if your clothes have traces of sweat, body oils, or food - excellent nutrition for larvae to thrive on!

Unlike pantry moths, which infest dry goods like flour and rice, clothes moths prefer dark, undisturbed places. Closets, drawers, and storage boxes are their ideal breeding grounds, especially during the warmer months.

• Best option? Stow your knitwear in clear (ie not opaque) Vacuum-Sealed Bags – particularly effective for long-term storage and saving space.  However, even a small amount of moisture can result in mildew, so ensure it's completely dry.  It's a good idea to enclose some Silica Gel Packets.  These absorb moisture during storage and keep the environment dry.  That's why you see them in new handbags and the like!

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place – Avoid damp basements or humid attics. 

• Cotton storage bags work OK but should be sealed with a Moth Repellent inside.  It helps to use lavender sachets or cedarwood balls.  See the more extensive list of options at the bottom of this article! *

• Avoid Cardboard Boxes – Moths can chew through cardboard, and the material can absorb moisture, creating a perfect home for larvae.

• Resist the temptation of putting an alpaca scarf away if it’s been worn.  You may think it’s clean enough, but for moths, any human skin traces will be very attractive!

• I personally try to remember to shake out my alpaca cardigans and sweaters in bright natural daylight every month and keep them on a clothes horse for a day or too.  Larvae hate sunlight,and will not survive long if exposed to it.

Since moths lay their eggs in dust, lint, and undisturbed fabrics, regular cleaning is key:

• Vacuum wardrobes, drawers, and storage areas every few weeks.

• Pay attention to corners, baseboards, and under furniture where larvae might hide.

• Dispose of the vacuumed contents immediately.

If your're reading this just after it's happened to you, there's one last thing worth mentioning you can Freeze your Knitwear!  If you're blessed with a Fridge Freezer with some space in it, even better!

• Place your items in a ziplock or vacuum-sealed bag.

• Freeze for 72 Hours – This kills all moth eggs and larvae.

• Thaw Slowly – Remove the bag from the freezer and let it return to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation on the fabric.

• Shake Out and Wash – After freezing, gently shake out any debris and follow the washing guidelines above.

and deep clean your wardrobe and drawers!

With a combination of cleanliness, proper storage, and natural repellents, you can win the war against moths and future-proof your alpaca knitwear.

* Best Natural Moth Repellents for Cotton Storage Bags

There are quite a few options.  If you're keen, you could put a selection in a muslin bag.  Will make your knitwear smell wonderful too.  Gone are the days of horrible smelly Napthalene!

🪵 Cedarwood – Cedar blocks, chips, or sachets repel moths due to their strong aroma. Refresh with cedar oil when the scent fades.

💜 Lavender – Dried lavender sachets or lavender essential oil-soaked cotton balls deter moths while adding a pleasant scent.

🌿 Cloves – Whole cloves in a breathable sachet act as a natural moth repellent.

🍊 Dried Orange or Lemon Peel – Citrus peels naturally repel moths but should be replaced once they dry out completely.

🌱 Rosemary & Thyme – These herbs, used alone or mixed with others, are great for warding off moths.

🌰 Bay Leaves – A few dried bay leaves in a sachet help keep moths away.

🦷 Peppermint – Moths dislike the strong scent of peppermint. Use dried leaves or a few drops of essential oil.

For best results, refresh your sachets every few months by replacing dried ingredients or adding a drop of essential oil.