Mothballs have been a trusted defense against moths as well as other pests, but they leave an unwelcome souvenir: an odor that is strong and persistent. If you’ve ever opened a storage bin, closet, or drawer and been greeted by the distinct scent of mothballs and you’re not the only one. There are a lot of people who seek solutions to this problem. To figure out how to get rid of the mothball odor, you need to know the causes of it as well as the way it sticks to different surfaces.
Mothballs typically contain substances like paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene. They sublimate as time passes, meaning they shift directly from solid to gas, releasing vapors that are extremely effective in repelling insects. However, the vapors can seep through fabrics, carpets as well as wood and then into the air.
Let’s dive into how to get mothball smell out of clothes and how to get rid of mothball smell in house environments, ensuring your items and your home are fresh and breathable once again.
How to Remove Mothball scent out of clothing
Clothes absorb mothball odors very quickly, and getting rid of the smell could be a lengthy process. With patience and the correct procedures, you can repair these garments.
The simplest way to dry your clothing is hanging them outside. Sunlight and fresh air are both potent. The UV rays of the sun help to break down the chemical compounds in the vapors. If you can, put the clothes in the sun for a period of time or for a few days.
Baking soda soak: If blowing the clothing out doesn’t eliminate the smell, try taking them to a soak consisting of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Mix one cup of baking powder in the bowl of water and soak the clothes overnight.
Vinegar Wash. The process of running your clothes through the washing cycle with a half cup of white distilled vinegar (without detergent) helps neutralize odors. Afterwards, wash them with an easy soap to take out both the vinegar and mothball smell.
Activated Charcoal: For particularly persistent odors, putting the clothing in a container that contains activated charcoal for a few days may help absorb the remaining gasses.
Consult a professional cleaner if you are looking for a way to remove the mothball smell on clothing that must be dry cleaned or are delicate. Be sure to explain to them what you’re experiencing so that they can apply the correct technique.
How to Remove Mothball Smell from House
Mothballs can be used in large quantities, or in smaller spaces such as basements or attics. What can you do to refresh your home?
Shut all the windows and then use fans to circulate air. The objective is for chemical vapors to be forced out and clean air to be able to enter.
Deep Cleaning: Vacuum carpets, wipe down wood surfaces with a solution of vinegar and water as well as wash any fabric that is removable, such as curtains and cushion covers. Steam cleaning upholstery and carpets can also accelerate odor removal.
Make use of activated charcoal filters: Set up air purifiers or bags with charcoal in different areas of your home to absorb odors.
If the smell continues to persist even despite all your efforts, it might be necessary to use an ozone-generating device, or employ a professional service for odor elimination. The services employ ozone molecules to break down the particles that cause odor within the air and on surfaces.
Final Thoughts
You can cut down on frustration by learning the best way to rid yourself of mothball smell, whether you’re trying to eliminate it from your favorite coat or the entire house. The process of airing your home with natural deodorizers like baking soda, and performing an extensive clean will help you remove the most difficult odors.
You can use these techniques to ensure that your home and clothes look fresh and clean.
