It’s no secret that mothballs are a reliable protection against insects like moths. But they do create a bad odor. You’re not the only person who has opened a drawer the closet, or even a storage container only to discover an lingering mothball odor. Many people seek solutions to this problem. Knowing what causes mothball scent and how it sticks on surfaces is vital in understanding how to eliminate it.
Many mothballs have chemicals like paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene. These chemicals are sublimated over time. That means they go from being solids into gases and release vapors which effectively repel insects. Unfortunately, these vapors also get into wood, fabrics carpets, flooring, and even the air, producing that persistent smell we are afraid of.
We’ll teach you how to eliminate the odor of mothballs on clothes and in the home. This will keep your items fresh and your home breathable again.
How do you remove the mothball scent from clothes
Clothes absorb mothball odors quickly. The removal of the smell can be a long and tedious process. The good news is that with patience and the right techniques, you can get back your garments.
Hang your clothes outdoors to let them air dry. The fresh air and the sun’s rays can be a boon. The UV rays from the sun are able to dissolve chemical compounds in the vapours. Leave the clothes outdoors for a couple of hours or days, if that is possible.
Baking soda soak: If blowing the clothes out does not completely remove the smell try making a solution made of warm water with baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Mix one cup of baking powder in an empty bowl, and then let the clothes sit overnight.
Vinegar Wash Vinegar Wash – Adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle (without detergent) can neutralize smells. After that, rinse them using a mild detergent to completely eliminate the mothball smell and the vinegar remnants.
Activated Charcoal: To combat stubborn odors, placing the clothes in a sealed container with activated charcoal for a couple of days will help to absorb any remaining airborne vapors.
If you’re wondering how to remove mothball smell from clothes that are delicate or dry clean only, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner. It is important to know the cause of the odor so that they can select the appropriate method.
How to get rid of Mothball odor in House
The smell doesn’t only stick to clothes, it could also be pervasive throughout areas. This is particularly the case when mothballs are placed on a large scale or in small spaces such as basements or attics. What can you do to refresh your home?
Ventilation: Open the windows and use fans to ensure circulation of air that is fresh. It is vital to remove any chemical fumes that are present in the room, and also to let fresh air in.
Deep Cleaning: Vacuum carpets and wipe wooden surfaces with vinegar and water solution. Launder fabrics that are removable like cushions and curtains. Steam cleaning carpets or upholstery will help eliminate the odors.
Active Charcoal Filters: Making use of charcoal air purifiers or bags in different corners of the house will help to eliminate odors that are persistent over several days.
In cases where the smell continues to persist despite all your efforts using an ozone generator, a professional odor removal service could be needed. These services help break down the odor-causing molecules within the air, or on surfaces, using the ozone molecules.
Final Thoughts
Finding out how to get rid of mothball smell can save you from a lot of stress, whether it’s on your favourite coat or in your house. Airing out your home, by using natural deodorizers, like baking soda, along with a deep clean can aid in removing even the toughest odors.
If you’re interested in knowing how to remove mothball odor from your clothes or around the home, these tips and a little bit of patience will let your house and clothes smell fresh and clean.
