Mothballs have for a long time been an effective defense against moths and pests but they usually leave an unwelcome souvenir: an intense, persistent odor. It’s not just you when you’ve opened an open drawer, bin or closet only to be confronted by the distinct smell of mothballs. Many people are searching for the best way to solve this issue. To figure out how to get rid of the mothball scent, you need to know what triggers it as well as how it clings to various surfaces.
Mothballs are generally made of chemicals like paradichlorobenzene, or naphthalene. These substances sublimate, which is to say that they transform from solid to gas with time. They release vapors, which are very effective at repelling insects. Unfortunately, these vapors also penetrate into wood, fabrics carpets, wood, and the air, causing that persistent odor we all are afraid of.
Let’s look at how to get mothball smell out of your clothes and eliminate the smell of mothballs in house environments, ensuring your items and your home are clean and breathable again.
How to Get Mothball to smell out of clothes
Clothing absorbs mothball smells very quickly. The removal of the smell can be a lengthy process. It is possible to restore your clothes with perseverance and the right techniques.
The easiest method to air your clothing is hanging them outside. Fresh air and sunshine are a boon. The sun’s UV rays assist in breaking down the chemical components in the inhalation. Dry the clothes for a couple of days or a few hours if possible.
Baking Soda Soak: If airing out doesn’t fully remove the smell, you can soak the clothing in a solution consisting of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Mix 1 cup baking soda in a basin filled with water. Allow the clothes to soak in the solution overnight.
Vinegar Wash. It is recommended to run your clothing through the wash cycle with a half cup of white vinegar (without detergent) can neutralize odors. Then, employ a mild detergent wash the clothes again. This will eliminate the mothball residue and vinegar smell.
Activated Charcoal: For particularly stubborn odors, placing the clothing in a container with activated charcoal for a few days can absorb remaining airborne vapors.
If you’re wondering how to remove mothball smell from clothes that are delicate or dry clean only, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner. They’ll need to understand the exact source of the smell so that the best method can be picked.
How do you get rid of mothballs’ smell in your house
The odor doesn’t just cling to clothes it can permeate entire rooms, especially when mothballs are placed in large quantities or confined spaces like attics or basements. How can you clean the home?
Ventilation: Open the windows and use fans to ensure circulation of air that is fresh. The objective is for chemical vapors to be pushed away, while fresh air to be able to enter.
Deep Cleaning: Clean carpets and wipe down wood surfaces with an acid and water solution and then wash all fabric that is removable, such as curtains and cushion covers. Steam cleaning upholstery and carpets can also aid in the elimination of odors.
Use activated charcoal filters: Put air purifiers and bags filled with charcoal in the various corners of your house in order to eliminate the smells.
If the smell remains, no matter what you do it could be necessary to engage an ozone machine or professional odor removal services. These companies use ozone molecules to break down the odor-causing particles that are in the air as well as on surfaces.
Final Thoughts
If you can eliminate the mothball odor it can spare you the stress of. Airing out your home, by using natural deodorizers, such as baking soda, as well as doing a deep clean can aid in removing the most difficult odors.
These techniques can be used to create a home and your clothes to smell fresh and clean.