It’s no secret that mothballs can be a powerful protection against insects like moths. But they do leave a bad smell behind. It’s not just you who has opened a drawer, in a closet, or container only to discover an lingering mothball smell. This is a very common one, and plenty of people are searching for solutions. Understanding how to remove mothball scent requires understanding a little about what causes it and how it clings to various surfaces.
The majority of mothballs are laced with chemicals like paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene. They sublimate as time passes that is, they transform from gas to solid, releasing vapors that are extremely effective in repelling pests. 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 get rid of mothballs from clothes
Clothes can absorb mothball odors fast. It’s not simple to get rid of the smell. You can get your clothes back through patience and the right techniques.
The easiest way to air your clothing is to hang them outside. The sun and fresh air can do wonders. UV rays from the sun help to break down the chemical substances in the vapours. Let your clothes air dry for a couple of days or a few hours if you can.
Baking soda soak If airing the clothing out doesn’t remove the smell completely, try taking them to a soak consisting of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Dissolve a cup of baking powder in a bowl of water, and then let the clothes sit overnight.
Vinegar Wash Vinegar Wash: Running the clothes through a wash cycle with a cup of distillated white vinegar (no detergent) will also aid in neutralizing smells. Following that, wash them using a mild detergent to completely eliminate mothball odor and vinegar remnants.
Activated charcoal: For stubborn odors, placing the clothing in a container that contains activated charcoal for a few days may help absorb the remaining vapors.
Consult a professional cleaner if you’re looking for ways to remove the mothball smell on clothes that have to be dry cleaned or are delicate. It is important to let them know what you’re experiencing so that they can determine the best approach.
How to get rid of the Mothball smell in your House
The smell doesn’t only stick to clothing. It can contaminate the entire space, particularly if mothballs were placed in large numbers or placed in confined spaces like attics or basements. How do you freshen up your house?
Ventilation: Open the windows and use fans to ensure circulation of air that is fresh. The goal is for the chemical vapors to be pushed out and clean air to get in.
Deep Cleaning: Vacuum carpets, and then wipe the wood surfaces down with vinegar-water solution. Launder fabric that can be removed, such as curtains and cushion covers. Steam cleaning upholstery and carpets will also help in removing odors.
Activated Charcoal Filters: Utilizing charcoal bags or air purifiers in various areas of your home will help to eliminate odors that are persistent for a long period of time.
If the smell continues to persist, regardless of your efforts it could be necessary to hire an ozone machine or professional odor removal service. The services employ oxygen molecules to breakdown odor-causing particles in the air as well as on surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to remove mothball smell will save you a lot of trouble regardless of whether it’s on your favorite coat or throughout your home. Airing out your home, making use of natural deodorizers such as vinegar and baking soda, and performing thorough cleaning can aid in removing the most difficult odors.
You can employ these strategies to ensure that your home and clothes smell clean and fresh again.