# Caring for wool, suits & leather > How to keep wool, suits and leather looking good for years: air rather than wash, store properly, keep moths out. And how to tell when care is no longer enough and a repair saves the piece. - Source: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/kleidung-pflegen-mottenschutz - Language: en-GB - Updated: 2026-09-12 - Business: wiederjut — tailoring and alterations since 2003, workshops in Tangermünde, Bernau bei Berlin, Berlin and Strausberg. - Full site text: https://wiederjut.com/llms-full.txt ## In short - Airing instead of washing makes clothes last longer - Proper storage protects against moths and loss of shape - Wool, suits and leather each need different care - Cedar and lavender against moths - When care is no longer enough and a repair saves the piece ## Protect wool and suits from moths Five steps to stop moth holes from forming in the first place. 1. **Store clean** — Moths love sweat and stains. Put wool and suits away clean or aired, never straight after wearing. 2. **Add protection** — Cedar wood, lavender or an airtight garment bag will keep moths away — mothballs aren't needed. 3. **Air and brush regularly** — Hang wool out in fresh air now and then and brush it down. Moths avoid clothing that's moved. 4. **Store dark and dry** — A dry, dark wardrobe is ideal. Damp and darkness over months attract moths. 5. **Act on an infestation** — If moths strike, wash the piece or freeze it for a few days, clean out the wardrobe — and have the holes repaired. ## Caring for wool and suits Wool rarely needs washing — airing is usually enough. Hang a suit or coat out after wearing, brush it with a clothes brush, and let small creases drop out with steam instead of pressing directly with an iron. The less often you dry-clean wool, the longer it stays looking good — cleaning it too often stresses the fibres. ## Moth protection that actually works The most effective measures against moth holes. - Only put clothes away clean — sweat and food traces attract moths. - Place cedar wood or lavender in the wardrobe and refresh it yearly. - Keep delicate wool pieces in an airtight garment bag. - Air, brush and move wool regularly. - Wipe out the wardrobe occasionally and check for webbing. - If moths get in: wash or freeze, then clean the wardrobe thoroughly. ## Caring for leather Leather likes neither radiator heat nor direct sun. Wipe it with a slightly damp cloth, let wet leather dry slowly in the air (never on the radiator), and treat it once or twice a year with a suitable leather grease or conditioner. Waterproofing keeps the damp out. That keeps leather supple so it doesn't crack. ## When care is no longer enough Some things no amount of care will fix: a moth hole in a coat, a seam that's come open, a worn-through collar, a stuck zip. Small holes and damage can often be repaired or closed invisibly — ask us what's possible for your piece. A timely repair stops small damage from becoming a write-off. ## Repair is worth it A good wool coat or leather jacket lasts decades with proper care. Closing a seam, renewing a lining or replacing a zip costs a fraction of a new piece — and it's also the most sustainable thing you can do for your wardrobe. We'll tell you honestly what's worth doing and what isn't. ## Frequently asked questions about care and moth protection ### How do I protect wool from moths? Put it away clean, add cedar wood or lavender, air and brush it regularly, and keep it dark and dry. Mothballs aren't needed. ### How often should I have a suit cleaned? As rarely as possible. Airing and brushing are usually enough. Dry-cleaning it too often stresses the wool fibres. ### Can moth holes be repaired? Small holes can often be repaired or closed invisibly. Bring the piece in — we'll tell you what's possible for your fabric. ### How do I care for a leather jacket? Wipe with a damp cloth, dry slowly in the air (never on the radiator), and condition once or twice a year. Waterproofing keeps the damp out. ### Is a repair worth it instead of buying new? With good pieces almost always — a repair costs a fraction of a new item and is more sustainable. We'll say honestly when the work is worth it. A seam repair is from €15; sewing on a button is from €5. ### Do you also dry-clean? No. We alter and repair clothing. Dry cleaning is a job for a dry cleaner — we help if an alteration or repair is still needed afterwards. ## More guides - Getting shoes repaired — costs & tips: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/schuhe-reparieren-kosten - Leather jackets & trousers repaired: https://wiederjut.com/en/ratgeber/lederjacke-reparieren-kosten ## Contact & workshops - wiederjut Tangermünde: Lange Str. 62, 39590 Tangermünde, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/de/standort/tangermuende-elbemarkt-lange-62 - wiederjut Bernau: Berliner Straße 52, 16321 Bernau bei Berlin, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/de/standort/bernau-berliner-strasse-52 - wiederjut Berlin Baumschulenstraße: Baumschulenstraße 36, 12437 Berlin, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/en/standort/berlin-baumschulenstrasse-36 - wiederjut Strausberg: Große Straße 63, 15344 Strausberg, +49 152 33958491 — https://wiederjut.com/de/standort/strausberg-grosse-strasse-63 - WhatsApp: https://wa.me/4915233958491 - Appointment: Not needed for most alterations. For wedding dresses, please call ahead. - Languages: We advise in German and English. - Payment methods: Cash, debit card - All locations: https://wiederjut.com/en/standort