We’ve all been there. You pull out a favorite sweater or that special dress from storage, only to be hit with a strong, musty scent—mothballs!
While mothballs are great for keeping pests away from your clothes, the smell they leave behind? Not so great.
But don’t worry! If you’re wondering how to remove mothball smell from clothes, you’re in the right place. As with just a few easy techniques, you can get your clothes smelling fresh again in no time. Read on to find out!
Why Do Mothballs Leave Such a Strong Smell?
First things first—what’s up with that overpowering odor?
Mothballs contain chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are designed to repel insects.
While they’re effective at keeping moths and pests away, these chemicals tend to cling to fabric fibers, leaving behind a lingering and unpleasant smell.
Unfortunately, it can take a while for this scent to fade on its own, but the good news is there are several methods to speed up the process!
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6 Effective Methods to Remove Mothball Smell from Clothes
Getting rid of that strong mothball smell from your clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are six tried-and-true methods to help you remove mothball smell from clothes effectively:
Method#1 Airing Out the Clothes
If your clothes smell like mothballs, one of the simplest ways to start the deodorizing process is to air them out. Fresh air works wonders in dispersing unpleasant odors.
How to Do It?
- Find a well-ventilated area—outside in the sun works best, but an indoor spot with lots of airflow will do.
- Hang your clothes on a line or a drying rack, ensuring the fabric has room to breathe.
- Leave them for several hours or even a few days, depending on the intensity of the smell.
Sunlight is a natural deodorizer, so if you can hang your clothes outside, it will work even faster. You can also use a fan for added air circulation.
Method#2 The Power of Vinegar
Vinegar isn’t just for salads—it’s a miracle worker when it comes to removing odors. It neutralizes smells and can be particularly effective for mothball odors in clothing.
How to Do It?
- Fill your washing machine with cold water and add one cup of white vinegar.
- Let your clothes soak in the vinegar solution for 30-60 minutes before running a wash cycle.
- Launder as you normally would afterward.
For an extra odor-fighting boost, add ½ cup of baking soda to the mix. This will help absorb any lingering odors and leave your clothes smelling fresher.
Method#3 Baking Soda to the Rescue
Speaking of baking soda, this kitchen staple is also a powerful tool to remove mothball smell from clothes. It works by absorbing the odors rather than just masking them.
How to Do It?
- Place your clothes in a sealed plastic bag or container with an open box or bowl of baking soda.
- Leave the clothes and baking soda together for at least 24-48 hours to let the powder absorb the smell.
- Once the time is up, shake off any excess baking soda and wash the clothes as usual.
For stubborn areas, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the clothes before sealing them up in the bag.
Method#4 Charcoal or Coffee Grounds for Deep Odor Absorption
If you have activated charcoal or coffee grounds handy, you’re in luck—both are excellent at absorbing strong odors like mothballs.
How to Do It?
- Grab a large, sealable container or box and place a few bowls of activated charcoal or coffee grounds inside.
- Hang or lay your clothes inside the container, ensuring they don’t touch the charcoal or coffee grounds.
- Seal the container and leave it for 48-72 hours.
The longer you leave the clothes with the odor absorbers, the more effective it will be. Afterward, air out the clothes to eliminate any remaining odors.
Method#5 Odor-Eliminating Laundry Products
If home remedies aren’t quite cutting it, you might want to invest in some specialized laundry products designed to eliminate tough odors.
There are detergents available specifically for removing musty smells from fabrics, and they can work wonders on mothball odors.
How to Do It?
- Choose an odor-eliminating detergent from your local store.
- Follow the instructions on the package for best results—typically, you’ll just add it to your regular wash cycle.
- Consider adding a fabric softener for an extra burst of freshness.
Odor-eliminating products are great for fabrics that have been in long-term storage, as they tackle deep-set smells.
Method#6 Try Steam Cleaning
Another great way to remove mothball smell from clothes, especially delicate or non-washable items, is through steam cleaning.
Steam breaks down the odor-causing chemicals, making it an effective method for freshening up fabrics.
How to Do It?
- Use a handheld steamer or the steam setting on your iron.
- Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric and slowly move it over the entire garment.
- Focus on areas where the smell seems particularly strong.
If you don’t have a steamer, hang the clothes in your bathroom while you run a hot shower. The steam from the shower will help loosen the smell!
Preventing Future Mothball Smells
Now that your clothes are fresh and odor-free, it’s important to prevent the mothball smell from returning. Here are a few tips for storing your clothes without mothballs:
Use Natural Repellents: Lavender sachets, cedar blocks, and dried herbs like mint can keep pests away without the harsh smell.
Store in Airtight Containers: Make sure clothes are fully dry before storing them to avoid mildew or musty odors.
Regularly Air Out Storage Spaces: Let fresh air circulate through closets and storage bins to keep odors at bay.
Concluding Words
And there you have it—several easy, effective ways to remove mothball smell from clothes!
Whether you opt for a simple vinegar wash or go all-in with baking soda and charcoal, these methods will help you restore your wardrobe to its former freshness. So, the next time you open a storage bin to that all-too-familiar mothball scent, you’ll know exactly what to do to tackle it.
Happy freshening!
Read More: How to Easily Remove Detergent Stains from Clothes
