Mothballs are a reliable defense against insects such as moths. But they do leave a bad smell behind. You’re not alone if you’ve ever opened one of your drawers, bins or closet to discover mothballs’ distinctive scent. Many people look for the best ways to deal with this problem. To figure out how to get rid of the mothball odor, you need to know what triggers it as well as the way it sticks to various surfaces.
Mothballs are typically made up of chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. They sublimate as time passes that is, they transform from solid to gas emitting vapors that effectively repel pests. However, the vapors can also get into wood, fabrics carpets, wood, and the air, creating that persistent smell we fear.
Let’s dive into how to get mothball smell out of clothes and how to eliminate mothball smell in house environments, ensuring your furnishings and belongings are breathable and fresh again.
How can you remove the odor of mothballs from clothes
Clothes absorb mothball smells quickly and removing the smell can be a lengthy process. The good news is that with a little patience and the right techniques, you can get back your clothing.
The easiest method to air your clothes is hanging them outdoors. Sunlight and fresh air are both potent. The sun’s UV rays can help in the breakdown of chemical components in the vapours. If you can, put the clothes outside for several hours or days.
Baking Soda Solution: If airing your clothes isn’t enough to remove the smell, place them in warm water and baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Make a solution of a cup of baking soda in a basin of water and let the clothes soak for a few hours.
Vinegar Wash. Running your clothes through the washing cycle with a half cup of white vinegar (without detergent) will neutralize the smell. After that, you can apply a mild detergent to wash the clothes a second time. This will eliminate the residue of vinegar and mothball smell.
Activated charcoal: If you notice that the odor is very heavy, you may want to put your clothes in an activated-charcoal container for a few days in order to remove any remaining vapors.
Contact a professional cleaner if you’re looking for ways remove the mothball scent on clothing items that need to be dry-cleaned or have a delicate. It is essential to tell them what you’re experiencing so that they can determine the best technique.
How to Get rid of the odor of mothballs in your House
The odor isn’t limited to clothes it can permeate the entire space, particularly when mothballs are placed in large quantities or confined spaces like attics or basements. How can you clean the home?
Ventilation: open windows and use fans to ensure circulation of fresh air. The idea is for chemical vapors to be pushed away, while fresh air to be able to enter.
Deep Cleaning: Vacuum carpets and wipe wood surfaces using vinegar and water solution. Launder fabric that can be removed, such as cushions and curtains. Steam cleaning carpets, upholstery and other fabrics can speed up the removal of smells.
Make use of activated charcoal filters: Put air purifiers and bags that contain charcoal in various areas of your house in order to eliminate odors.
In the event that the smell remains regardless of your efforts, an ozone generator or professional removal of odor could be needed. These services help break down the molecules that cause odor in the air and on surfaces by using ozone molecules.
Final Thoughts
If you’re able to remove the mothball scent, it can spare you lots of frustration. By using a combination of extinguishing natural deodorizers, such as vinegar and baking soda and deep cleaning, it is possible to effectively tackle the most stubborn smells.
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.