Mothballs’ smell can remain a issue. There’s no one else to blame when you’ve opened one of your drawers, bins or closet to discover the distinct smell of mothballs. Many people search for ways to solve the issue. Understanding the cause of mothball scent and how it adheres to surfaces is crucial in understanding how to remove it.
Mothballs usually contain chemicals such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. They are sublimated over time. That means they go from being solids to gases, and release vapors which are effective in repelling insects. These vapors can also penetrate carpets, wood, as well as the air, creating that persistent smell we all dislike.
Find out how to remove the odor of mothballs in clothing and the home. Your clothes will smell fresh and comfortable.
How to remove the smell of mothballs from clothes?
Clothing absorbs mothball smells very quickly. The removal of the smell can be a lengthy process. If you are patient and follow the right techniques, you can get rid of these clothes.
Air It Out: The simplest first step is to hang your clothes outside. Fresh air and sunlight are a boon. The UV rays from the sun can dissolve the chemical elements in the evaporated vapors. Leave the clothes outdoors for several hours or even days, if that is possible.
Baking soda solution: In case airing your clothes doesn’t completely rid them of the smell, you can place them in warm water mixed with baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Dissolve 1 cup of baking soda into a container filled with water. The clothes should be soaked in the solution for a night.
Vinegar Wash Vinegar Wash: Running your clothes through a wash cycle using a cup of distillated white vinegar (no detergent) can help neutralize smells. Following that, wash them with an easy soap to take out mothball and vinegar smell.
Activated Charcoal: To combat difficult odors, placing your clothes in a closed container with activated charcoal for couple of days will help to absorb any 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 odor so that the most appropriate method can be chosen.
How to get rid of the smell of mothballs from House
The odor isn’t limited to clothes it can permeate whole rooms, particularly when mothballs are found in large numbers or placed in confined areas like basements or attics. How can you freshen your home?
Ventilation: Open windows and use fans for circulation of air that is fresh. The aim is to remove the chemical vapors, and then let in clean air.
Deep Cleaning Clean all carpets. Wipe down wooden surfaces with vinegar and water. Launder all fabrics that are removable such as cushions and curtains. Steam cleaning upholstery and carpets can help remove odors.
Utilize activated charcoal filters: Place bags or air purifiers filled with charcoal in the various corners of your house to suck up smells.
If the smell continues to persist, regardless of your efforts it could be necessary to engage an ozone machine or a professional service to remove odor. These services help break down the molecules responsible for odors in the air, or on surfaces, using oxygen molecules.
Final Thoughts
Finding out how to get rid of mothball odor can save you a lot of frustration, whether it’s on your favorite coat or throughout your house. Cleaning your house with natural deodorizers such as vinegar and baking soda, along with a deep clean can aid in removing the most difficult smells.
If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of mothball smell from clothes or in the home, these methods and a bit of patience can make your home as well as your clothes smell fresh and tidy.