It’s no secret that mothballs provide a solid defence against pests such as moths. But they do leave a foul odor behind. There’s no one else to blame have you ever walked into one of your drawers, bins or closet only to be confronted by the distinct smell of mothballs. Many people are searching for the best way to address this issue. Finding out how to get rid of mothball smell requires knowing the basics of what triggers it, and the way it adheres to different surfaces.
Mothballs typically contain substances like paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene. These chemicals change form over time, meaning they shift directly from gas to solid emitting vapors that effectively repel pests. These vapors can also get into fabrics, wood, carpets and the air to create the lingering smell we are unable to resist.
Let’s dive into how to get mothball smell out of clothes and how to get rid of mothball smell in house environments, ensuring your items and your home are fresh and breathable once again.
How to Get Mothball scent out of clothing
The smell of mothballs is absorbed by clothing very quickly. Removing the smell is a long and tedious process. But the good news is that by putting in the time and using the correct strategies, you can revive your garments.
Air It Out: The most basic first step is to hang your clothes outdoors. Sunlight and fresh air are powerful. The UV rays from the sun may help break down chemical compounds that are in the vapors. Let the clothes air dry for a few days or even hours, if you are able to.
Baking Soda soak: If drying out doesn’t fully remove the smell, try soaking the clothing in a solution consisting of warm baking soda and water. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Make a solution of a cup of baking soda into a basin of water. Then let the clothes soak over night.
Vinegar Wash: Running the clothing through a wash cycle with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar (no detergent) can also help neutralize odors. Then, rinse them with a gentle detergent to totally eliminate both mothball scent and vinegar residue.
Activated charcoal: If the smell is intense, you could place your clothes in an activated charcoal container for a few days to absorb any remaining vapours.
If you’re trying to figure out how to eliminate mothball odor from your clothes that are delicate or dry-clean solely, it’s recommended to get a professional to assist you. They should be aware of the cause of the odor so they can choose the right method.
How to Get rid of the odor of mothballs in your House
The smell does not just stick to clothes, but it can also permeate whole rooms. This is particularly the case when mothballs are placed in large quantities or small spaces such as attics or basements. What can you do to refresh your home?
Ventilation: Make windows open and use fans to ensure circulation of air that is fresh. The aim is to eliminate the chemical vapors, and then let clean air.
Deep Cleaning Carpets: Vacuum them. Wipe wooden surfaces with vinegar and water. Launder the fabric you want to wash such as cushions or curtains. Steam cleaning upholstery, carpets and other fabrics can accelerate the elimination of the odors.
Activated charcoal filters Place bags of activated carbon or air purifiers in various areas of your home, you can absorb persistent unpleasant odors over a period of time.
If the smell is persistent in spite of your best efforts, it may be necessary to employ an ozone generator or professionals for the elimination of odor. These services help break down the molecules that cause odor in the air and on surfaces by using ozone molecules.
Final Thoughts
If you are able to eliminate the mothball odor it could save you from lots of frustration. You can remove all odors, even those that are the most difficult to eliminate by combining airing out, deodorizers such as vinegar and baking soda, as well as deep cleaning.
You can employ these strategies to make your clothes and home smell clean and fresh again.