The scent of mothballs could be an ongoing problem. If you’ve ever opened a storage bin, closet, or drawer only to be met with mothballs’ distinctive scent it’s not a problem for everyone. There are many people who look for solutions to this problem. To know how to eliminate mothball smell, you need to know what causes it as much as the way it sticks to different surfaces.
The majority of mothballs contain chemicals, such as paradichlorobenzene, naphthalene, or. The chemicals sublimate. This means they transform directly from a solid to a gas over time. They emit vapors which are extremely effective in repelling insects. The vapors, however, penetrate into wood, fabrics carpets, carpets, and the air, giving off that persistent odor we all are afraid of.
We’ll help you remove mothball odor from clothes as well as in your home. This will keep your clothes fresh and your house breathable again.
How to Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes
Clothing absorbs mothball smells quickly and getting rid of them can be a difficult process. With patience and the correct methods, you can make a complete restoration of the appearance of these garments.
Hang your clothes outdoors so that they can air out. Sunlight and fresh air are both powerful. UV rays from the sun aid in breaking down the chemical substances in the inhalation. Leave the clothes outdoors for several hours or days, if that is possible.
Baking Soda Soak: In case airing out isn’t enough to completely remove the smell, soak the clothing in a solution made of warm baking soda and water. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Dissolve a cup baking soda in a bowl of water. Let the clothes sit for a few hours.
Vinegar Wash: Running the clothing through a wash cycle using one cup of white vinegar (no detergent) can also help neutralize smells. Then, rinse them with a mild detergent in order to totally eliminate both the mothball smell and the vinegar remnants.
Activated charcoal: For strong odors clothes in a closed container with activated charcoal for few days can absorb remaining 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 have to identify the exact smell so that the correct method can be chosen.
How to get rid of Mothball odor in House
Mothballs are a great option to use in large quantities, or in confined areas like basements or attics. How can you refresh your house?
Open all windows, and make use of fans to move air. The aim is to eliminate the chemical vapors while allowing fresh air.
Deep Cleaning: Clean carpets and clean wood surfaces using the solution of water and vinegar and then wash all textiles that are removable like curtains or cushion covers. Steam cleaning carpets and upholstery will also help in removing odors.
Filters made of activated charcoal: By placing bags of activated carbon or air purifiers in various parts of the home it is possible to absorb persistent smells for a few days.
If the smell continues to persist regardless of your best efforts, it could be necessary to invest in an ozone-generating device, or employ professionals for odor elimination. The services employ ozone molecules to break down particles that produce odors within the air and on surfaces.
Final Thoughts
If you know how to remove the mothball scent, it can spare you a lot more frustration. You can remove even the most stubborn odors by using a combination airing out, deodorizers like baking soda and vinegar and deep cleaning.
Use these methods to ensure that your home and clothes look fresh and clean.
