Mothballs can be a powerful protection against insects like moths. But they do leave a foul odor behind. You’re not the only person who’s opened a drawer the closet, or even a storage container to find lingering mothball odor. There are a lot of people who search for ways to solve this issue. Understanding what triggers mothball smell and how it sticks on surfaces is essential to understanding how to remove it.
Mothballs are typically made from chemicals like paradichlorobenzene, or naphthalene. These substances sublimate, which is to say that they transform from solid to gas with time. They emit vapors which are very effective in repelling pests. However, the vapors can also penetrate into wood, fabrics carpets, carpets, and the air, giving off that persistent smell we dread.
Let’s take a look at ways to eliminate the mothball odor of clothing and get rid of mothball smell in your home, making sure your items and your home are breathable and fresh again.
How to remove the mothball smell from clothing
Mothball-related odors can be absorbed by clothing rapidly. It is not easy to get rid of the smell. It is possible to revive your clothes with patience and by using the right methods.
The simplest way to dry your clothes is hanging them outside. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders. The UV rays of the sun aid in breaking down the chemical components in the vapours. If you can, put the clothes outside for hours or days.
Baking Soda Soak: If blowing out doesn’t completely eliminate the smell, then soak the garments in a solution made of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Dissolve 1 cup baking powder in the bowl of water and then soak your clothes for a night.
Vinegar Wash Vinegar Wash: Running the clothes through a washing cycle using 1 cup of distilled white vinegar (no detergent) can also help neutralize smells. Then, use a mild detergent to wash the clothes a second time. This removes the vinegar residue and mothball smell.
Activated charcoal: If the odor is prominent, place your clothes inside an activated charcoal container for a couple of days to help absorb any 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. They will need to know the exact source of the smell so that the correct method can be determined.
How do you eliminate mothball odors from your home
The odor doesn’t just cling to clothing. It can infiltrate entire rooms, especially when mothballs are placed on a large scale or in restricted spaces such as basements or attics. How can you refresh your home?
Ventilation is crucial: Begin by opening all the windows and making use of fans to circulate fresh air through the area. The objective is to remove the chemical vapors while allowing fresh air to circulate.
Deep Cleaning: Vacuum carpets and clean wooden surfaces with a solution of vinegar and water. Launder removable fabrics such as curtains and cushion covers. Steam cleaning upholstery and carpets can also accelerate odor removal.
Activated Charcoal Filters: Using charcoal air purifiers or bags in different areas of the home can help absorb stubborn odors over several days.
In cases where the smell persists despite all your efforts, an ozone generator or a professional odor removal service could be needed. These services use Ozone molecules to degrade odor-causing particles within the air and on surfaces.
Final Thoughts
If you are able to get rid of the mothball smell, it will save you from a lot more frustration. The process of airing your home by using natural deodorizers, such as vinegar and baking soda, and performing thorough cleaning can help remove the most difficult smells.
Whether you’re focused on how to eliminate mothball odor out of your clothes or remove the smell of mothballs at home, a bit of patience and these methods will leave your spaces and clothing smelling fresh and clean.