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How to Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes Easily

By Grainne Foley

Mothball odor is an unpleasant issue we often encounter when unpacking stored clothes or moving into a new space. This distinct smell can be stubborn and challenging to eliminate.

But, not impossible!

I have compiled a comprehensive guide on how to get mothball smell out of clothes, and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

There is nothing worse than opening your closet and having mothball smells coming from it!

Say goodbye to the smell of mothballs and hello to fresh, moth-free clothes!

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the risks associated with mothball odor.
  • Use natural methods such as airing out, baking soda solution and white vinegar/lemon juice to easily remove mothbal odors from clothes.
  • Utilize professional solutions such as dry cleaning or specialized odor eliminators for more effective results and prevent future mothball scents using proper storage techniques or alternatives to mothballs.
Round mothballs on tray
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Natural Methods for Removing Mothball Smell

That unmistakable, stubborn odors of mothballs – it’s a scent that can linger long after its intended purpose is served. Whether you’ve inherited mothball-scented clothing, furniture, or other belongings, or you’ve simply used them to store items away, you know just how stubborn mothball smells can be.

Don’t panic. In this blog post, I’m, about to we’re about to unveil a treasure trove of natural methods to banish the mothball smell from your life for good.

Say goodbye to the harsh chemical odors and say hello to fresh, clean air. These natural remedies not only remove that mothball smell effectively but also leave behind a more inviting, natural fragrance. These methods include airing them out, using a baking soda solution, and applying a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice.

We will examine each of these methods to understand their role in eradicating that bothersome mothball odor.

#1 Airing Out Clothes

Hanging your clothes outside in the sun and fresh air is a simple yet effective way to dissipate mothball odor. The ultraviolet rays from the sun help break down the odor-causing molecules, while the fresh air aids in carrying them away. Depending on the severity of the smell, this process may take several hours to several days. Patience is key, but you will be rewarded with fresh, mothball-free clothing.

Now, if you live in an area with limited outdoor space or if the weather conditions are not conducive. Placing your affected items in a box and closing it up for approximately two weeks can also help eliminate the smell. Though this alternative method may require more time than airing them out, it remains a viable strategy to combat mothball odor.

#2 Baking Soda Solution

Baking soda is well-known for its odor-neutralizing properties, making it an excellent solution for removing mothball odor from your clothes. To create a baking soda solution, simply combine one cup of baking soda with one gallon of warm water. Soak the affected garments in the solution for at least 30 minutes, allowing the baking soda to work its magic in removing the mothball smell.

Once soaked, proceed to rinse the garments under cold water and leave them out to dry. This method is not only natural and gentle on your clothes but also highly effective in neutralizing the pungent odor.

#3 White Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Another natural method that works really well in removing odors like mothballs from clothes is a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice. The acetic acid in white vinegar helps break down odor-causing molecules, while the fresh scent of lemon juice masks any remaining mothball smell.

To use this method, simply:

  1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and lemon juice in a spray bottle.
  2. Apply the mixture to the affected garments.
  3. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes.
  4. Rinse your clothes with cold water.
  5. Hang them to dry.

This natural and effective method will leave your clothes smelling fresh and free of the smell of mothballs.

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Alternative Techniques for Eliminating Mothball Odor

If natural methods aren’t doing the trick, there are alternative techniques for eliminating mothball odor. These include using activated charcoal, coffee grounds, and cedar chips.

Now, I’ll delve into each of these techniques to show you how to remove mothball smells using natural repellents and show just how eggective they are at doing that.

#1 Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a powerful odor absorber that can effectively neutralize mothball odors. This highly porous material has an incredible surface area, allowing it to trap and eliminate odor-causing molecules. Doing the below will help you to get rid of the mothball smell where you store clothes.

For mothball odor elimination using activated charcoal, you can follow these steps:

  1. Put small bowls or sachets of activated charcoal in impacted areas like drawers, closets, or cabinets.
  2. The charcoal will absorb the mothball odor over time.
  3. This will leave your storage spaces and clothes smelling fresh and clean.

#2 Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are not only great for your morning pick-me-up but also for masking and absorbing mothball smell. The strong aroma of coffee can help cover up the unpleasant scent while its porous nature absorbs the odor-causing molecules.

For mothball odor removal with coffee grounds, just follow these steps:

  1. Transfer used coffee grounds into a small bowl.
  2. Position the bowl strategically in the area affected by the odor.
  3. The coffee grounds will work their magic, absorbing the mothball smell and replacing it with the rich aroma of coffee.

This works well if you love the smell of coffee.

#3 Cedar Chips

Cedar chips are an excellent alternative technique for repelling moths and eliminating mothball odor. The natural oils in cedar wood act as a deterrent for moths, and the pleasant cedar scent helps mask any lingering mothball smell.

For mothball odor elimination using cedar chips, scatter a few handfuls of cedar chips in the odor-affected areas like drawers, closets, or cabinets. The cedar chips will absorb the mothball odor, leaving your storage spaces and clothes with a fresh, pleasant scent. Cedar wood has a beautiful wood like smell, so your closet will have a strong and wonderfull aroma. This is one of my favorite ways to get rid of stubborn odors.

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Professional Solutions for Mothball Smell Removal

When natural and alternative approaches fall short in eliminating mothball smell, you may need to resort to professional solutions. Dry cleaning and specialized odor eliminators are two options to consider for removing stubborn mothball odors from your clothes and other surfaces.

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning can potentially reduce a mothball smell from clothing, but results may vary. This technique involves cleaning garments using specialized solvents instead of water, which can help extract dirt and stains from fabrics without damaging delicate materials.

For mothball odor removal using dry cleaning, take your garments to a professional dry cleaner for treatment with suitable solvents. Although this method may not guarantee complete odor removal, it’s worth considering if other methods have proven unsuccessful, and you want to get the mothball scent out of your favorite shirt

Specialized Odor Eliminators

Specialized odor eliminators, such as Nok-Out and Room Shocker, are specifically designed to effectively remove mothball odor from clothes and other surfaces. Nok-Out is a reliable odor eliminator that oxidizes hazardous chemicals and their odors, leaving your items scent-free.

Room Shocker, on the other hand, is a ClO2 odor eliminator that uses ClO2 vapors to break down odor molecules and eradicate a mothball smell.

When utilizing these specialized odor eliminators, adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for each product. For instance, spray the interior of a dryer tub with Nok-Out or use Room Shocker for a comprehensive 24-hour treatment in an enclosed space. These products can be highly effective in removing stubborn mothball odors when other methods have failed.

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Preventing Mothball Odor in the Future

Not only is it vital to eliminate mothball odor from your clothes and storage spaces, but it’s equally crucial to prevent it from coming back. Proper storage techniques and alternatives to mothballs can help keep your garments fresh and moth-free while avoiding the unpleasant mothball smell.

Using airtight containers, cedar chips, and other natural methods to repel moths can help.

Let’s take a look at various storage options.

Proper Storage Techniques

Storing your clothes in airtight containers or garment bags is an effective strategy to guard against mothball odor. Airtight containers, such as shoeboxes, laundry baskets, or old suitcases, will keep your clothes sealed from air and moisture, preventing moth infestations. Garment bags work well too, because they protect your clothing from dust and other impurities that can attract moths.

Adopting suitable storage methods is critical to ward off mothball odor from your garments and to prolong their lifespan. Taking the time to store your clothes properly can save you the headache of dealing with mothball odor in the future. When you are storing winter clothing, make sure to store them in an airtight container, or if you have room for a cedar chest – that works really well.

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Alternatives to Mothballs

In addition to proper storage techniques, using alternatives to mothballs can help keep your clothes fresh and moth-free without the unpleasant smell. Some of these alternatives include lavender flowers, cedar chips, and essential oils like lavender, cedar, cloves, rosemary, and thyme.

These natural alternatives not only deter moths but also leave a pleasant scent in your storage spaces and clothes, making them a more appealing option than traditional mothballs. Some alternatives to mothballs include:

  • Cedar chips or blocks
  • Lavender sachets or essential oil
  • Cloves or cinnamon sticks
  • Mint leaves or peppermint oil
  • Lemon or orange peels

Employing these alternatives can help deter moth infestations and circumvent the risks and disagreeable odor of mothballs. You can purchase cedar chips at your local hardware store, again they smell really nice and work well to get rid of mothball odors.

Understanding Mothball Odor

Mothballs are small chunks or balls made of chemicals, specifically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, designed to deter moths and other insects that can damage fabrics. They help preserve the freshness of garments, prevent mildew growth, and thwart wrinkle formation. However, their distinct mothball scent can be quite unpleasant and linger on clothes, often referred to as mothball smells. To smell mothballs on your clothes is a common experience after using them for storage, and this is the smell of mothballs that many people find unappealing.

The health risks associated with mothball odor shouldn’t be ignored. The toxic chemicals they contain can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues. Thus, removing mothball smell and carefully handling mothballs is of paramount importance.

Health Risks Associated with Mothball Odor

As mentioned earlier, mothball odor can pose health risks due to the toxic chemicals they contain. The chemicals in mothballs can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues if not properly handled or eliminated. This underscores the importance of eliminating mothball smell from your clothes and storage spaces.

To mitigate these health risks, always handle mothballs with care, and place them in an enclosed space when storing your clothes. By taking the necessary precautions and focusing on eliminating and preventing mothball odor, you can minimize the health risks associated with these chemicals and enjoy fresh, moth-free clothes.

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How to Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes Summary

In conclusion, the smell of mothballs is a stubborn and unpleasant issue, but it can be tackled with various natural methods, alternative techniques, and professional solutions. By using proper storage techniques and using alternatives to mothballs, you can prevent mothball odor in the future and keep your clothes fresh and moth-free. Always remember to handle mothballs with care and be aware of the health risks associated with the chemicals they contain. With the knowledge and techniques presented in this guide, you can confidently say goodbye to mothball odor and hello to fresh, clean clothes!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you neutralize the smell of mothballs?

To neutralize the smell of mothballs, hang contaminated clothing outside for a day, wipe down hard surfaces with a 50-50 mixture of water and vinegar, wash with a cup of white vinegar, soak in vinegar-water solution and mop with baking soda warm water. Finally, place a bowl of white distilled vinegar, coffee grounds, or activated charcoal to absorb the remaining smell of mothballs.

Does mothball smell ever go away?

The smell of mothballs can take up to 12 months to dissipate entirely, depending on where it is placed. For example, if the mothballs are placed in an enclosed closet, the smell may take longer to dissipate than if they were placed in an open area.

What removes mothball smell in wool?

To remove mothball smell in wool, soak it in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar or put it in the washing machine and run a cycle with only vinegar, followed by a wash cycle using detergent and softener. This method is an effective way to remove the smell and restore the wool to its original condition.

Can mothballs damage clothes?

Mothballs should not be placed directly on clothes as this can cause staining or damage. It is also important to make sure the vapors they release can circulate freely, so never mix them with your clothing or store them in sealed containers.

How can coffee grounds help eliminate mothball odor?

Coffee grounds can mask and absorb mothball odor due to their strong aroma and porous nature, making them an effective solution for eliminating the smell.

Well, there you go, I have shared my best methods to get rid of the smell of mothballs in your home!

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Grainne Foley

Grainne Foley is a wife and mother of 2 great kids. During her 5 years of full time RV travel, Grainne learned to become very efficient at household chores, in order to make time for family adventures. Now, back in a house, she has continued to create tools and techniques to help others lighten the load of household organization and cleaning.

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