To completely remove mothball smell from clothes, start by soaking them in a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts water for an hour. For more persistent odors, follow up with a baking soda paste applied directly to the fabric, allowing it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
These two methods work together to neutralize the odor, leaving your clothes fresh and odor-free.
What exactly are mothballs
Mothballs are small, round chemical-based products used primarily to repel moths and other fabric pests. The most common ingredients in mothballs are naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. When exposed to air, these chemicals transition from a solid to a gas, releasing fumes that are toxic to moths, their larvae, and other insects. These vapors protect fabrics by deterring pests that might otherwise destroy them, making mothballs especially useful for storing clothing over long periods.
Mothballs have long been used to preserve clothing, particularly items made from natural fibers like wool, which are especially susceptible to damage from moth larvae. While effective, these chemicals have a powerful, lingering odor and can be hazardous if not used properly, leading many people to seek alternatives.
Over the years, the use of mothballs has decreased due to concerns over their toxicity and the strong, persistent smell they leave behind. However, they are still available and sometimes used for moth control, particularly in homes where large quantities of stored clothing or textiles need protection.
What do mothballs smell like?
The smell of mothballs is unmistakable: it’s a sharp, chemical scent that tends to cling to anything it comes into contact with. This scent is often described as medicinal or musty, evoking a sense of something long-stored or outdated. The pungency of the smell is due to the chemicals slowly releasing into the air over time. These vapors serve as the active ingredient that keeps moths at bay, but they also permeate fabrics, furniture, and even the walls of closets.
Because mothballs release their chemical vapors slowly, the odor can linger long after the mothballs themselves have evaporated. In fact, many people find that the smell remains even after thorough washing or cleaning of affected clothes and spaces.
The persistence of the odor can make it particularly difficult to remove, leading many to seek specific methods for eliminating the smell.
Understanding the strength and nature of this odor is important because not only does it affect the space where mothballs are used, but it can also cause discomfort for people sensitive to strong scents. Even brief exposure to the smell can leave people feeling dizzy or nauseous, which is why it’s important to be aware of how to handle it safely.
Are mothballs toxic to breathe?
Yes, mothballs can be toxic if inhaled, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. The active chemicals in mothballs, naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, are classified as hazardous substances that can cause various health issues with prolonged exposure.
Breathing in the fumes over time can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In more serious cases, especially with long-term exposure, these chemicals can damage the liver, kidneys, and even the nervous system.
Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mothballs. Since they are often closer to the ground and may be more likely to come into contact with mothball fumes, they can experience more acute symptoms. Ingesting mothballs is even more dangerous, as it can cause severe poisoning. Pets, especially dogs and cats, might be attracted to the smell, mistaking mothballs for food.
For this reason, it's recommended to use mothballs only in well-ventilated areas, and ideally inside sealed containers where the fumes cannot escape.
Modern alternatives to mothballs, such as cedar wood or other natural repellents, are increasingly favored due to their non-toxic properties and pleasant scents.
How to get mothball smell out of clothes
Getting mothball smell out of clothes can be challenging, but with the right methods, it’s possible to neutralize the odor effectively. One of the simplest and most effective methods involves using white vinegar, a natural odor neutralizer. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Shake out the clothes: Start by shaking off your clothes outside to remove any surface particles of mothball residue.
- Soak in vinegar solution: Prepare a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts water. Soak the affected garments in this solution for at least one hour. The vinegar helps break down the chemical bonds of the mothball odor.
- Rinse and repeat: After soaking, rinse the clothes thoroughly in cold water. If the smell persists, repeat the soaking process.
- Air dry: Once rinsed, hang the clothes outside in fresh air for 24 to 48 hours. The combination of vinegar and outdoor air helps dissipate any remaining smell.
For more persistent smells, baking soda can be another effective remedy. After soaking the clothes in vinegar, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the fabric, particularly where the smell is strongest. Let it sit for a few hours before washing the clothes again. Baking soda absorbs odors and helps lift any remaining scent.
It's also worth considering how you store your clothes to prevent the mothball smell from becoming a recurring issue. Packing clothes properly for long-term storage can help maintain freshness and avoid moth damage without the need for chemical mothballs.
How to get rid of mothball smell in the house
If mothball odor has permeated your home, particularly in rooms or spaces where mothballs were used, you’ll need a multi-step approach to remove the smell.
Start by increasing ventilation—open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the space. The more airflow you can generate, the faster the smell will dissipate.
Additionally, try these methods to target the lingering odor:
- White vinegar: Place bowls of white vinegar around the affected areas. The vinegar will absorb and neutralize the odor over time.
- Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, and other soft surfaces. Let it sit for several hours before vacuuming to remove both the baking soda and any trapped odors.
- Charcoal: Activated charcoal is another excellent odor absorber. Place bowls of activated charcoal in rooms, closets, or drawers to help neutralize the smell.
For homes where mothballs were used extensively, the odor might have permeated surfaces like walls and floors. In these cases, wiping down hard surfaces with a vinegar and water solution can help reduce the odor.
Repeat these steps over a few days or weeks, depending on how long the mothballs were in use, to fully eliminate the smell.
Removing mothball smell from closets
Closets are prime targets for mothball odor because they are often enclosed, allowing the smell to concentrate and linger.
To effectively remove the smell from closets, follow these steps:
- Clear out the closet: Remove all items from the closet to address the source of the odor directly.
- Air out the space: Keep the closet doors open and, if possible, place a fan in front of the space to increase airflow.
- Absorb the odor: Place bowls of baking soda or vinegar inside the closet. These substances will help absorb the lingering fumes over time.
- Clean surfaces: Wipe down all closet surfaces, including shelves, walls, and the floor, with a water and vinegar mixture to remove any chemical residue.
If the closet has a carpet or fabric liner, it may need a deep cleaning to fully remove the odor. Using a steam cleaner or vacuum with a HEPA filter can help lift the smell out of the fibers. For more severe cases, you might need to repeat the process several times until the smell is completely gone.
Removing mothball smell from furniture
Upholstered furniture can absorb mothball odors deeply into the fabric, making it more challenging to remove the smell. For upholstered pieces, follow this process:
- Apply baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda generously across the fabric and allow it to sit for several hours, or even overnight. The baking soda will absorb odors trapped in the fibers.
- Vacuum thoroughly: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda, making sure to get into any creases or folds where the smell might be concentrated.
- Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and use a clean cloth to gently blot the fabric, focusing on areas where the smell is strongest. Avoid soaking the fabric, as too much moisture can damage some materials.
For wooden furniture, a simple solution of vinegar and water can be used to wipe down surfaces.
In severe cases where the odor persists, placing the furniture outside or in a well-ventilated space can help air it out completely.
How long does the mothball smell last?
The length of time a mothball smell lasts depends on several factors, including the size of the space, the amount of mothballs used, and the ventilation of the area.
In closed or poorly ventilated spaces, the smell can persist for weeks or even months after the mothballs have dissolved.
On clothing, the smell may linger until the items are properly washed and aired out.
The key to reducing the duration of the smell is increased airflow. By ventilating the affected space and using odor-absorbing materials like baking soda, vinegar, or charcoal, you can significantly reduce the time it takes for the smell to dissipate. However, be patient—removing the odor fully may require multiple cleaning attempts.
Alternatives to mothballs
If you’re looking to avoid the smell and toxicity of mothballs, there are several effective alternatives.
Cedar wood blocks, cedar rings and chips are a popular natural moth repellent that leaves behind a pleasant, woodsy aroma instead of harsh chemicals. Cedar contains natural oils that repel moths and other insects, making it a safe and eco-friendly option for protecting your clothes.
Lavender sachets, dried rosemary, and bay leaves are other natural options that can help keep moths away while imparting a fresh scent to your storage spaces. These alternatives are not only safer but also much less likely to leave a lingering odor.
When using these alternatives, it’s important to store your clothes properly for long-term protection. Airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags can prevent moths from infiltrating your stored clothing, while ensuring your garments stay fresh and clean.
.png){kind=small}