Home Cleaning Transformative Ways to Remove Mothball Smell from Your Clothes

Transformative Ways to Remove Mothball Smell from Your Clothes

By Sophia W. Martin
3.7K views 1 min read

If youโ€™ve ever stored clothes with mothballs, you know how strong and persistent their odor can be. While mothballs are great for keeping pests away from your clothes, they can leave behind a pungent, chemical smell that clings to fabric for weeks or even months.ย 

Whether youโ€™ve just retrieved a sweater from storage or unpacked vintage clothing, getting rid of that lingering mothball scent can be tricky.ย Fortunately, there are several ways to freshen up your garments and remove mothball smell from clothesremove mothball smell from clothes using natural methods.

Why Do Mothballs Smell So Strong?

Mothballs contain chemicals, primarily naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which vaporize to repel moths and other pests. While effective, these chemicals leave behind a strong, distinctive odor that can cling to fabrics long after the mothballs have been removed. 

The smell is often described as musty or medicinal, and because these chemicals linger in the fibers of clothing, the odor can be difficult to eliminate.

Related Post: Eliminate Mothball Smells with These Efficient Home Remedies

Step-by-Step Process to Remove Mothball Smell from Clothes

To remove mothball smell from clothes, air them out in fresh air, use baking soda or vinegar for odor absorption, and try activated charcoal or essential oils for a fresher scent. These natural remedies can effectively eliminate the odor and restore freshness to your clothing.

If your clothes are smelling like mothballs, donโ€™t worry! Follow these steps to remove the odor and keep your garments smelling fresh and clean.

Step 1: Air Out the Clothes

The simplest way to start removing mothball smell is to let your clothes air out in fresh air and sunlight. This helps release the trapped chemical fumes that cause the odor.

  • Hang clothes outside: If possible, hang your clothes outside in a sunny, breezy location. Sunlight helps break down the chemicals that cause the mothball smell, while fresh air helps to dissipate the fumes.
  • Let them air out for several hours: Leave the clothes hanging outside for several hours, or even overnight if the smell is particularly strong. The longer theyโ€™re exposed to fresh air and sunlight, the more the odor will fade.
  • Flip clothes if needed: For thicker fabrics like wool, flip the clothes halfway through the day to ensure both sides are exposed to fresh air and sunlight.

Airing out your clothes is an effective first step in reducing the intensity of the mothball odor.

Step 2: Use Baking Soda to Absorb the Smell

Baking soda is a powerful, natural deodorizer that can help absorb odors from clothing without damaging the fabric. It works well for removing stubborn smells like mothballs.

  • Sprinkle baking soda on the fabric: Lay your clothes flat and sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the surface of the fabric, especially on areas where the smell is strongest.
  • Let it sit overnight: Allow the baking soda to sit on the clothes for several hours, or overnight, to absorb the mothball smell.
  • Shake off or vacuum the baking soda: After letting it sit, shake off the excess baking soda, or use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove it completely from the fabric.

For clothes stored in drawers or garment bags, you can place small bowls of baking soda nearby to absorb the odors without directly applying it to the fabric.

Step 3: Try a Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize the strong mothball smell. Vinegar is safe for most fabrics and can break down the chemicals causing the odor.

  • Create a vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Lightly spray the clothes: Lightly mist your clothes with the vinegar solution, focusing on areas where the smell is most noticeable. Avoid soaking the fabric; a light misting will do.
  • Let the clothes air dry: After spraying, hang the clothes in a well-ventilated area (or outside) and allow them to air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate as the clothes dry, taking the mothball odor with it.

For more stubborn odors, you can add a cup of vinegar to your washing machineโ€™s rinse cycle to help remove any lingering smells.

Step 4: Use Activated Charcoal for Odor Absorption

Activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb strong odors, including chemical smells like mothballs. Itโ€™s a safe and effective way to remove mothball odors from clothes over time.

  • Place activated charcoal near the clothes: Place small bags or bowls of activated charcoal near your clothes, such as in drawers, closets, or garment bags. The charcoal will absorb the fumes that cause the mothball smell.
  • Leave it for a few days: Allow the activated charcoal to sit for several days to fully absorb the odor. You may need to replace the charcoal if the smell is particularly strong.

Activated charcoal works slowly but effectively, making it a great option for long-term odor control.

Step 5: Use Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent

Essential oils can help freshen up your clothes and mask any lingering mothball smells. Theyโ€™re a great option for adding a pleasant, natural scent to your clothing.

  • Create an essential oil spray: In a spray bottle, mix water with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus. These oils have pleasant fragrances that can help combat the mothball smell.
  • Lightly spray the clothes: Lightly mist the essential oil solution onto your clothes, focusing on areas where the smell is strongest.
  • Air out the clothes: After spraying, hang the clothes to air dry. The essential oils will leave behind a fresh scent, helping to mask the mothball odor.

Essential oils not only freshen your clothes but also provide a pleasant, long-lasting fragrance that can help neutralize chemical smells.

Step 6: Use a Coffee Grounds Trick

Coffee grounds are another natural odor absorber and can help eliminate strong smells from clothes. Theyโ€™re particularly useful for clothes stored in drawers or closets.

  • Place coffee grounds in a breathable bag: Put dry coffee grounds in a cloth or mesh bag, or even a sock, and place it near your clothes, such as in a closet or drawer.
  • Let the coffee grounds sit for a few days: Leave the coffee grounds near your clothes for several days to absorb the mothball smell. The coffee grounds will help neutralize the odor without transferring any scent to your clothing.

This method is especially useful for vintage or delicate clothes that you donโ€™t want to wash frequently.

Preventing Mothball Smell in the Future

Now that youโ€™ve removed the mothball smell from your clothes, itโ€™s important to take steps to prevent the odor from coming back.

Store Clothes Properly

Instead of using mothballs, opt for natural moth repellents like cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or rosemary. These options will keep pests away without leaving a chemical smell on your clothes.

Use Airtight Storage Containers

Store clothes in airtight plastic bins or garment bags to keep moisture and odors out. This helps protect your clothes from developing unwanted smells over time.

Air Out Clothes Regularly

Even if you havenโ€™t worn certain clothes in a while, itโ€™s a good idea to air them out every so often. This prevents musty smells from developing and keeps your wardrobe fresh.

Avoid Overloading Closets

Crowded closets can trap moisture and odors, so make sure your clothes have enough space to breathe. A well-ventilated closet will help prevent mothball smells from sticking around.

Final Words

While mothballs are effective at keeping pests away, the strong odor they leave behind on clothes can be challenging to remove. However, with the right techniquesโ€”such as airing out the clothes, using baking soda or vinegar, and applying essential oilsโ€”you can eliminate the mothball smell and restore freshness to your garments. 

Regular maintenance, proper storage, and natural moth repellents will help keep your clothes smelling clean and free of chemical odors in the future.

With these easy and effective methods, youโ€™ll be able to remove mothball odors from your clothes and enjoy a fresher, more pleasant wardrobe!

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