Home Cleaning Quick Fixes for Resolving Mothball Smell Issues Fast

Quick Fixes for Resolving Mothball Smell Issues Fast

By Albert G. Croley
3.5K views 1 min read

If you’ve ever used mothballs to protect your clothes or belongings from pests, you know they come with a distinct, pungent odor that can be hard to shake off. 

That lingering “mothball smell” is caused by chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which evaporate slowly and cling to fabrics, furniture, and even the air in your home. Fortunately, there are several simple methods to remove the smell of mothballs and freshen up your space.

Understanding the Cause of Mothball Smell

Mothballs are designed to slowly release chemicals—typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene—into the air to keep moths and other pests away. 

While effective for pest control, these chemicals are also responsible for the strong, lingering smell that can permeate anything nearby, including clothes, furniture, and entire rooms.

Because these chemicals evaporate gradually, the smell can persist for days, weeks, or even longer if the items aren’t aired out or cleaned properly. 

Prolonged exposure to mothball fumes can also lead to health issues, such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation. For this reason, it’s important to remove the odor as soon as possible to maintain a fresh and healthy environment.

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Steps to Remove the Smell of Mothballs from Clothes and Fabrics

Clothing and fabrics can hold onto mothball smell for a long time if not treated properly. Here’s how to get rid of the odor:

Airing Out

The simplest way to start removing the mothball smell from clothes is to air them out. Hang your clothes, blankets, or other fabrics outside in fresh air and direct sunlight. Fresh air helps to dissipate the chemical vapors, while sunlight speeds up the process by breaking down the chemical compounds.

The longer you air them out, the more effective it will be. Depending on how strong the smell is, you may need to leave the items outside for several hours or even a couple of days.

Washing with Vinegar or Baking Soda

Washing your clothes with vinegar or baking soda can help neutralize the mothball odor. Both of these natural ingredients work as powerful deodorizers that can eliminate chemical smells.

  • How to wash with vinegar: Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle along with your regular laundry detergent. For particularly smelly items, you can also soak them in a solution of warm water and vinegar (1 cup of vinegar per gallon of water) for 30 minutes before washing.
  • How to wash with baking soda: Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine and run a normal wash cycle. This will help absorb the odor.

If you’re dealing with delicate fabrics, be sure to check the care label and adjust the washing process accordingly.

Activated Charcoal or Odor Absorbing Bags

Another effective way to remove the mothball smell is by using activated charcoal or other odor-absorbing products. These are great for delicate fabrics that may not tolerate multiple washes.

How to use: Place activated charcoal bags or odor-absorbing bags near the smelly clothing. You can also seal the clothes in a large plastic bag or container with the charcoal inside for a few days to allow the odor to dissipate.

Using Odor-Eliminating Sprays

If you’re in a hurry, odor-eliminating sprays can provide a quick solution for freshening up your clothes. These sprays are designed to neutralize odors rather than mask them. Also, lightly mist the affected clothing with the spray and allow it to air dry completely before wearing or storing.

Removing Mothball Smell from Furniture and Rooms

Getting rid of the mothball smell from larger areas, like rooms or furniture, requires a bit more effort but can be done effectively with the right approach.

Ventilation and Fresh Air

The first step to removing mothball smells from a room or furniture is to ensure proper ventilation. Open all windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate through the space. This helps carry away the chemical vapors.

Use fans to improve air circulation, and consider running an air purifier to speed up the process.

Cleaning Hard Surfaces

Hard surfaces like furniture, floors, and walls can absorb mothball smells. To remove the odor, wipe down these surfaces with a solution of white vinegar and water.

How to clean: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or bucket. Use a cloth to wipe down furniture, shelves, or floors. For a more natural fragrance, you can also use a mixture of lemon juice and water, which works well on wood and hard surfaces.

Activated Charcoal or Baking Soda for Room Odors

For rooms that still have a lingering mothball smell, activated charcoal and baking soda are both great options for absorbing odors from the air.

How to use: Place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal around the room—especially in areas where the mothballs were used, like closets or near furniture. Let these sit for a few days to absorb the odors.

Deep Cleaning Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs can trap mothball odors, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly. Vacuuming alone may not be enough, especially if the smell is strong.

How to deep clean: Use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner with a vinegar solution or an odor-neutralizing cleaning product. Make sure to vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly before and after cleaning.

Preventing Mothball Smells in the Future

Once you’ve successfully removed the mothball smell, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from coming back. Here’s how to keep your home and belongings fresh:

Alternative Pest Control Methods

Instead of using mothballs, opt for natural alternatives like cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or clove pouches. These are effective at repelling moths without leaving behind harsh chemical smells.

Proper Storage

If you do choose to use mothballs, be sure to store them in airtight containers to prevent the smell from spreading to your clothes or living spaces. Keeping your storage areas sealed can significantly reduce lingering odors.

Regular Cleaning and Airing

Keep your items fresh by regularly airing out clothes, linens, and other stored fabrics. Even if they’re not in use, giving them a chance to breathe will prevent odors from settling in.

When to Seek Professional Help?

In some cases, the mothball smell may be so persistent or strong that it requires professional cleaning. Here are a few signs that you may need extra help:

  • The smell lingers despite multiple cleaning efforts.
  • The odor has seeped deep into carpets, upholstery, or furniture.
  • You have large or delicate items that are difficult to clean on your own.

Professional cleaning services can deep-clean your carpets, upholstery, and rooms, ensuring that the smell is fully eliminated. They also have access to specialized equipment and products designed to remove stubborn odors.

Concluding Words

The smell of mothballs can be overwhelming, but with the right techniques, you can get rid of it and refresh your home, clothes, and furniture. 

Whether you’re airing out your clothes, cleaning surfaces with vinegar, or using natural odor absorbers like activated charcoal, these methods are effective for tackling that lingering odor. And by using alternative pest control methods and proper storage practices, you can prevent mothball smells from coming back in the future.

Read More: How to Easily Remove Detergent Stains from Clothes

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