Mothballs have long been an effective deterrent to moths as well as other pests, but they leave an unwelcome souvenir: an odor that is strong and persistent. There are many who has opened a drawer, an open closet, or even a storage container to find lingering mothball odor. This problem is a common one and a lot of people are seeking solutions. Understanding the causes of mothball smell and how it adheres to surfaces is important to understanding how to get rid of it.
Mothballs usually contain chemicals such as paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene. They sublimate, which means they change directly from a solid substance to a gas over time. They emit vapors, which are very effective in repelling insects. However, the vapors can seep through fabrics, carpets wood and eventually into the air.
Let’s look at how to get the mothball smell out of clothes and remove the mothball odor in your home, making sure your belongings and your home are fresh and breathable once again.
How can you eliminate the smell of mothballs from clothes?
Clothes can absorb mothball odors fast. It’s not easy to remove the smell. You can get your clothes back by putting in the time and using the right methods.
The easiest method to air your clothing is hanging them outdoors. Fresh air and sunlight can be a great help. The UV rays of the sun can help to disintegrate the chemical compounds present in the vapours. Let the clothes air dry for several days or hours if possible.
Baking Soda Solution: In case airing your clothes isn’t enough to rid them of the smell, you can soak them in warm, filtered water mixed with baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Dissolve a cup of baking powder in an empty bowl, and let the clothes soak overnight.
Vinegar Wash Vinegar Wash: Running the clothes through a wash cycle with one cup of white vinegar (no detergent) can help neutralize odors. Following that, wash them with a gentle detergent to completely remove both mothball odor and vinegar residue.
Activated charcoal: For difficult odors, placing your clothes in a closed container with activated charcoal over a couple of days will help to absorb any remaining gasses.
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 explain to them what the issue is so they can apply the correct technique.
How do you eliminate the smell of mothballs in your house
The smell doesn’t just stick to clothes, but it can also permeate whole areas. This is particularly true when you’ve placed mothballs on a large scale or in small spaces such as attics or basements. What can you do to refresh your home?
Ventilation: Open the windows and use fans for circulation of air that is fresh. The objective is to remove the chemical vapors and let clean air.
Deep Cleaning: Vacuum carpets and scrub wood surfaces with a vinegar and water solution and wash any fabric that is removable, such as curtains and cushion covers. Steam cleaning carpets, upholstery and other fabric can speed up the removal of odors.
Activated Charcoal Filters: Utilizing charcoal air purifiers or bags placed in different areas of the home can assist in absorbing odors over a period of time.
If the smell is still there no matter what you do then you might need to hire an ozone machine or professional odor removal service. These services make use of Ozone molecules to degrade the odor-causing particles that are in the air and surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to eliminate mothball smell can save you a lot of trouble in the future, whether it’s on a favourite coat or in your house. The process of airing your home making use of natural deodorizers like baking soda, along with a thorough clean can assist in eliminating even the toughest smells.
If you’re interested in knowing how to remove mothball odor from clothes or in the house, these strategies along with a little patience can make your home as well as your clothes smell fresh and clean.