The smell of mothballs may be a lingering problem. If you’ve opened a storage bin, closet, or drawer and were greeted with the distinctive scent of mothballs it’s not a problem for everyone. There are a lot of people who are looking for solutions to this problem. Knowing how to eliminate mothball odor requires understanding the reasons behind it and how it clings to different surfaces.
Mothballs typically contain chemicals like paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene. They are sublimated over time. That means they transition from solids to gases, and release vapors which effectively repel insects. Unfortunately, the vapors leak through fabrics, carpets as well as wood and then out into the air.
We’ll teach you how to eliminate the odor of mothballs on clothes as well as in your home. This will make your items fresh and your house is breathable once more.
How do you get rid of the smell of mothballs on clothes?
Mothball smells can be absorbed into clothing quickly. The removal of the smell can be a long and tedious process. But the good news is that by putting in the time and using the correct strategies, you can revive your clothes.
Air It Out: The most basic first step is hanging your clothes outdoors. The sun’s rays and fresh air can be very effective. The UV rays of the sun help break down the chemical components in the vapours. If possible, you should leave your clothes outside for several hours or even days.
Baking soda soak: If drying the clothes out does not remove the smell completely, try soaking them in a solution composed of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Dissolve 1 cup baking powder in a bowl of water and soak the clothes overnight.
Vinegar Wash. Running your clothing through the wash cycle with a half cup of white vinegar (without detergent) aids in neutralizing odors. Afterward, wash them using a gentle soap to remove mothball and vinegar smell.
Activated charcoal: If the odor is particularly prominent, place your clothes in an activated charcoal container for a couple of days in order to remove any remaining 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. Make sure you let them know what you’re experiencing so that they will be able to use the appropriate approach.
How do you remove the mothball smell that is present in your house
The smell isn’t limited to clothing, but can infiltrate entire areas. This is especially the case when you’ve placed mothballs on a large scale or in small spaces such as basements or attics. What are the best ways to freshen your home?
Ventilation: Make windows open and use fans to ensure circulation of air that is fresh. The aim is to expel the chemical vapors, and then let fresh air to circulate.
Deep Cleaning: Clean carpets, scrub wood surfaces with a solution of vinegar and water as well as wash any drapes, curtains or cushion covers. Steam cleaning carpets and upholstery can also accelerate odor removal.
Filters made of activated charcoal: By placing bags of activated carbon or air purifiers in different places around your home, you can absorb persistent odors for several days.
If the smell is still there regardless of all efforts, you may need to engage an ozone machine or a professional service to remove odor. These companies use Ozone molecules to degrade odor-causing particles within the air and on surfaces.
Final Thoughts
If you know how to get rid of the mothball smell, it could save you from lots of frustration. The process of airing your home by using natural deodorizers, like baking soda, along with a thorough clean can assist in eliminating the most difficult smells.
You can employ these strategies to ensure that your home and clothes look fresh and clean.
