Mothballs have been a popular way to keep hungry moths away from clothes and other stored items for a long time. But while they do a great job of protecting your belongings, they leave behind a strong, unpleasant smell that can be hard to get rid of.
If you’ve ever dealt with the persistent odor of mothballs, you know how frustrating it can be. The smell seems to cling to everything, from your clothes and furniture to the very air in your home. But don’t worry! This guide will show you how to get rid of mothball smell effectively using simple, step-by-step methods and readily available materials.
We’ll look at different techniques for removing the smell from clothes, furniture, cars, and even your entire house. Whether you’ve just taken your winter clothes out of storage or bought a vintage item with a lingering mothball scent, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Banishing Mothball Smell from Clothes
Mothballs are often used to protect clothes stored in closets or attics. Here’s how to freshen up your garments:
Air It Out
The simplest way to reduce mothball odor is to air out your clothes.
- Outside: Hang your clothes outside on a clothesline. Sunlight and fresh air are natural deodorizers. A breezy day will help speed up the process.
- Inside: If the weather isn’t cooperating, hang your clothes in a well-ventilated room. You can use a fan to circulate the air.
Tip: The longer you air your clothes, the more the smell will fade. For strong odors, leave them out for several days, bringing them in at night.
Wash Your Clothes
Washing your clothes is another effective method for removing mothball smell.
- Regular Wash: Use your usual laundry detergent and add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. Vinegar helps to neutralize odors.
- Delicate Fabrics: For delicate items that can’t be machine washed, hand wash them in a sink with a mild detergent and vinegar.
Tip: If the smell is very strong, you might need to wash the items more than once.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is excellent at absorbing odors.
- Sealed Container: Place your clothes in a sealed container (like a plastic storage bin) with a few bowls of activated charcoal.
- Time: Leave the container closed for a few days, allowing the charcoal to absorb the mothball smell.
Tip: You can find activated charcoal at most grocery stores, drugstores, and pet stores.
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell in Furniture
Furniture can absorb mothball odors, especially if stored with mothballed items. Here’s how to tackle the smell:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber.
- Sprinkle: Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the furniture’s surface, including any cushions or fabric.
- Wait: Let the baking soda sit for at least 24 hours, or even longer for strong odors.
- Vacuum: Vacuum up the baking soda using an upholstery attachment.
Tip: For drawers and crevices, you can place an open container of baking soda inside and leave it for several days.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer.
- Mix: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray: Lightly mist the furniture with the vinegar solution.
- Dry: Wipe down the furniture with a clean, damp cloth and allow it to air dry completely.
Tip: Test the vinegar solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the furniture’s finish.
Removing Mothball Smell from Your Car
If you’ve transported mothballed items in your car, the smell can linger. Here are some solutions:
Air Fresheners
While air fresheners mask the smell, they don’t eliminate it. Choose natural options like:
- Coffee grounds: Place a bowl of coffee grounds in your car to absorb odors.
- Essential oils: Use a car diffuser with essential oils like lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil.
Deep Clean
A thorough cleaning can help remove the source of the odor.
- Vacuum: Vacuum the car’s interior, including the seats, floor mats, and trunk.
- Wipe down: Use a cleaning solution to wipe down all surfaces.
- Shampoo: If the smell is strong, consider shampooing the car’s upholstery and carpets.
Tip: Leave your car windows open for a while after cleaning to allow fresh air to circulate.
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell in Your House
If the mothball smell has permeated your entire house, you’ll need a multi-pronged approach:
Ventilation
Open all windows and doors to let fresh air circulate throughout your house. Use fans to improve airflow.
Cleaning
Clean all surfaces, including walls, floors, and furniture, with a solution of warm water and vinegar. Pay attention to areas where mothballs were stored.
Odor Absorbers
Place bowls of activated charcoal, baking soda, or coffee grounds in various rooms to absorb odors.
Air Purifier
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove mothball particles from the air.
Tip: If the smell is very persistent, consider contacting a professional cleaning service.
Dealing with Mothball Smell: Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you combat that persistent mothball odor:
- Source Removal: The first step is to remove the source of the smell – the mothballs themselves. Dispose of them properly.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum thoroughly and frequently, especially in areas where mothballs were present. This helps remove mothball particles that may be lingering.
- Washing: Wash any fabrics or linens that were stored with mothballs, even if they don’t seem to have absorbed the smell.
- Patience: Getting rid of mothball smell takes time. Don’t expect instant results. Be patient and persistent with your chosen methods.
Summary
Mothballs can be effective for protecting your belongings, but their strong odor can be a nuisance. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can successfully remove the mothball smell from your clothes, furniture, car, and home.
Remember to start by removing the source of the smell and then use a combination of airing out, washing, and odor absorbers to tackle the lingering odor. With patience and persistence, you can enjoy a fresh and odor-free environment.
FAQs
How long does it take for mothball smell to go away?
The time it takes for mothball smell to dissipate depends on the strength of the odor, the type of material affected, and the methods used to remove it. In some cases, airing out items for a few days may be enough. For stronger odors, it may take several weeks or even months of combined methods like washing, cleaning, and using odor absorbers.
Are mothballs harmful?
Mothballs contain chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. It’s important to handle them with care and store them properly out of reach of children and pets. If you experience any health issues related to mothball exposure, consult a healthcare professional.
Can I use dryer sheets to get rid of mothball smell?
Dryer sheets can help mask the mothball smell temporarily, but they won’t eliminate it completely. For a more effective solution, use methods like washing, airing out, and odor absorbers.
What are some natural alternatives to mothballs?
There are several natural alternatives to mothballs that can help protect your clothes from moths without the harsh chemical smell. These include cedarwood blocks, lavender sachets, and dried bay leaves.
Why do mothballs leave such a strong smell?
Mothballs are made of volatile chemicals that sublimate, meaning they transition directly from a solid to a gas at room temperature. This gas is what gives mothballs their strong, distinctive odor. The smell is designed to be unpleasant to moths, deterring them from infesting clothes and other stored items.