Mothballs can be a powerful defense against insects such as moths. However, they leave a bad smell behind. If you’ve opened a storage bin or closet and were greeted with the distinct scent of mothballs, you’re not alone. This is a very common one, and many people are searching for solutions. Understanding what triggers mothball smell and how it adheres to surfaces is important in understanding how to remove it.
Mothballs usually contain chemicals such as paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene. These substances sublimate over time and shift from gas to solid, releasing vapors that effectively repel pests. These vapors can also penetrate carpets, wood, and even the air, causing the persistent smell that we are unable to resist.
Let’s look at how to get mothball smell out of clothes and how to eliminate mothball smell in the home environment, ensuring that your furniture and clothes are breathable and fresh again.
How do I remove the mothball odor from clothing
Clothes absorb mothball odors quickly. The removal of the smell can be a long and tedious process. You can restore your clothes by putting in the time and using the right methods.
The easiest method to air your clothes is hanging them outside. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders. The UV rays from the sun help disintegrate the chemical compounds present in the vapours. If you can, put the clothing outside for a few hours or even days.
Baking Soda Soak: If airing out doesn’t completely eliminate the smell, soak the clothing in a mixture of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Dissolve 1 cup of baking soda in a bowl that is filled with water. The clothes should be soaked in the solution for a night.
Vinegar Wash. Run your clothes through the washing cycle using half a cup of white vinegar (without detergent) can neutralize odors. Then, employ a mild detergent wash the clothes a second time. This will get rid of the residue of vinegar and mothball smell.
Activated charcoal: For persistent odors, putting the clothing in a container with activated charcoal over a couple of days will help to absorb any remaining airborne vapors.
If you’re trying to eliminate mothball odor from clothes that are fragile or dry cleaning only, you must consult a professional cleaner. They’ll need to know the exact odor so that the right method is picked.
How to Remove the smell of mothballs from House
Mothballs can be used in large quantities, or in confined areas like attics or basements. How do you refresh the home?
Ventilation: Open the windows and use fans for circulation of fresh air. It is crucial to get rid of the chemical odors from the room, and also to let fresh air into the space.
Deep Cleaning Carpets: Vacuum them. Clean wood surfaces with vinegar and water. Launder the fabric you want to wash like cushions and curtains. Steam cleaning upholstery and carpets can also speed up the removal of odors.
Filters made of activated charcoal by placing bags of activated carbon or air purifiers in various places around your home and you will be able to eliminate persistent smells for a few days.
In the event that the smell remains despite all your efforts to eliminate it, an ozone generator or professional removal of odor may be necessary. These services help break down the molecules responsible for odors in the air, or on surfaces, using Ozone molecules.
Final Thoughts
You can cut down on frustration by knowing the best way to rid yourself of mothball smells, regardless of whether you’re trying to get rid of it from your favorite clothes or the entire house. Utilizing a combination of drying out the odor, using natural deodorizers like vinegar and baking soda, as well as deep cleaning, you’ll be able to successfully tackle even the most difficult odors.
Whether you’re focused on how to get mothball smell out of clothes or how to get rid of mothball smell in house, a little patience and these techniques will leave your spaces and your wardrobe smelling fresh and clean once more.