Mothballs are an effective defense against moths as well as other pests, but they often leave behind an unwelcome souvenir: the strong, persistent smell. There are many who’s opened a drawer, in a closet, or container only to discover an lingering mothball odor. There are a lot of people who search for ways to solve this problem. Understanding how to remove mothball odor requires understanding a little about what causes it and how it adheres to various surfaces.
Mothballs typically contain chemicals like paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene. These chemicals change form over time and shift from gas to solid and release vapors that effectively repel pests. Unfortunately, the vapors leak through fabrics, carpets wood, and even out into the air.
We’ll help you get rid of the smell of mothballs from your clothes and even in the home. This will keep the items you use fresh and your environment breathable again.
How do I remove the mothball scent from clothes
Clothing absorbs mothball smells very quickly. Eliminating the smell is a long and tedious process. You can restore your clothes by putting in the time and using the right methods.
Hang your clothes outdoors for them to air out. Sunlight and fresh air can be very effective. The sun’s UV rays help to break down the chemical compounds contained in the vapours. You can leave your clothes outside for a few hours, or days, if you can.
Baking Soda Soak: In case airing out doesn’t fully remove the smell, then soak the clothing in a solution of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Dissolve a cup of baking powder in an empty bowl, and soak the clothes overnight.
Vinegar Wash: Running the clothing through a wash cycle with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar (no detergent) will also aid in neutralizing smells. Next, use a mild detergent to clean the clothes once more. This will get rid of the vinegar residue and mothball smell.
Charcoal activated: If you notice that the odor is especially prominent, place your clothes inside an activated charcoal container for a couple of days to soak up any remaining vapours.
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. It is important to know the cause of the odor to determine the most appropriate solution.
How to get rid of Mothball Smell in House
The smell doesn’t only stick to clothing. It can infiltrate whole rooms, particularly if mothballs were placed on a large scale or in restricted spaces such as basements or attics. What can you do to refresh your house?
All windows should be opened, and use fans to move air. The objective is for chemical vapors to be pushed out and clean air to come in.
Deep Cleaning Clean all carpets. Clean wood surfaces using vinegar and water. Launder all fabrics that are removable such as cushions and curtains. Steam cleaning carpets or upholstery helps to eliminate the odors.
Filters made of activated charcoal by placing bags of activated carbon or air purifiers in different places around your home it is possible to absorb persistent unpleasant odors over a period of time.
In cases where the smell is persistent regardless of your efforts to eliminate it, an ozone generator or professional removal of odor might be necessary. These companies use ozone in order to degrade the particles that create odors in the air and surfaces.
Final Thoughts
You can cut down on frustration by learning the best way to rid yourself of mothball odor, whether you’re trying to remove the smell from your favorite clothing or your entire home. Through a combination of the airing out process natural deodorizers, such as baking soda and vinegar, and deep cleaning, it is possible to be able to successfully eliminate even the most obnoxious odors.
If you want to know how to remove mothball odor from clothes or in the home, these tips along with a little patience can make your home and clothes smell fresh and neat.