How to protect your yarn in case of moth exposure

 

There are two main ways to treat your yarn and kill any potential eggs or larvae:

First, you can bake it for two hours at 160°F. The main goal is for the heat to reach all the way into the center of the skein, not just the surface. Wool is surprisingly heat tolerant when kept dry, so this relatively low temperature is enough to do the job without harming the yarn. An oven thermometer can be helpful, as many home ovens run hotter or cooler than the temperature on the dial. It's best not to increase the temperature to speed things up, as excessive heat can damage some fibers.

Second, you can freeze your yarn. Place it in a plastic bag and put it in a freezer that's below 0°F for at least three days. Then remove it and let it come back to room temperature for three days before repeating the freezing cycle one more time. The thawing period in between is important, as it gives any surviving eggs a chance to hatch before the second freezing cycle.

In general, it's a good practice to store your yarn in plastic bags while it's in your stash. It's a simple way to help protect it from any unwanted pests!