It’s no secret that mothballs can be a powerful defence against pests such as moths. But they do leave a foul odor behind. You’re not the only person who’s opened a drawer, a closet or a storage container only to discover a persistent mothball odor. Many people look for the best ways to tackle this issue. Understanding how to remove mothball smell is a matter of knowing the reasons behind it and how it adheres to various surfaces.
The majority of mothballs are laced with chemicals like paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene. These substances are sublimated over time. That means they transform from solids to gasses, and release vapors, which effectively repel insects. The vapors also penetrate carpets, wood, fabrics and the air to create that smell we hate.
Learn to eliminate the smell of mothballs from your clothes and the home. Your clothing will be fresh and breathable.
How to Get Mothball scent out of clothing
Mothball smells can be absorbed into clothing quickly. Eliminating the smell is a long and tedious process. The good news is that by putting in the time and using the correct strategies, you can revive your garments.
Air It Out: The simple first step is to hang your clothes outdoors. Fresh air and the sun can be a great help. The UV rays of the sun help break down the chemical compounds in the vapours. If you are able, leave your clothes in the sun for a period of time or even days.
Baking Soda Soak: If airing out doesn’t fully remove the smell, try soaking the garments in a solution of warm baking soda and water. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Mix one cup of baking powder in the bowl of water and then let the clothes sit overnight.
Vinegar Wash A cup of white vinegar into wash cycles (without detergent) will neutralize odors. Then, rinse them with a mild detergent in order to completely eliminate mothball odor and vinegar residue.
Activated charcoal: If the smell is prominent, place your clothes in an activated-charcoal container for a few days in order to remove any remaining vapors.
Get a professional cleaning service in case you want to know how to eliminate the mothball odor on clothing items that need to be dry-cleaned or have a delicate. They should be aware of the exact cause of the smell so that they can determine the most appropriate solution.
How do you get rid of the smell of mothballs from House
The odor doesn’t just cling to clothing. It can contaminate whole rooms, particularly the mothballs were disposed of in large numbers or placed in confined spaces such as basements or attics. How do you freshen up your house?
Make sure that all windows are open, and use fans to move air. It is important to remove all chemical odors and fumes from the area and then bring fresh air into the space.
Deep Cleaning Vacuum all carpets. Wipe down wooden surfaces with water and vinegar. Launder all fabric that is removable such as cushions or curtains. Steam cleaning upholstery and carpets will also help in removing odors.
Make use of activated charcoal filters: Set up air purifiers or bags with charcoal in different areas of your home to help absorb the odors.
If the smell remains, no matter what you do, you may need to engage an ozone machine or a professional service to remove odor. These services help break down odor-causing molecules in the air, or on surfaces, using oxygen molecules.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to remove mothball odor can save you from a lot of stress, whether it’s on your favourite coat or in your house. You can eliminate even the most stubborn odors by using a combination of airing out, deodorizers like vinegar and baking soda as well as deep cleaning.
Whether you’re focused on how to get mothball smell out of clothes or how to get rid of mothball smell in house, a little patience and these techniques will leave your spaces and your wardrobe smelling fresh and clean once more.