How to Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes: 5 Best Methods

How to Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes

Trying to remove mothball odor from clothes can be quite frustrating. The scent of mothballs, while effective at keeping moths and other pests away, tends to cling to your clothing and linger in your closet over time. This persistent and unpleasant smell can be challenging to eliminate and can also be tough on your garments. 

So you may be wondering how to get mothball smell out of clothes…

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about How To Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes.

What is a Mothball?

A mothball is a solid chemical compound that emits a distinct odor when it warms up. While dry mothballs are relatively safe for humans and pets, they can become hazardous when wet or heated. There are two primary varieties of mothballs: naphthalene balls and camphor balls.

Naphthalene balls are composed of naphthalene crystals that are melted and then formed into spherical shapes. Many people choose to let these balls air out before using them for this reason. They are particularly effective at repelling wool moths and carpet beetles.

Camphor balls are created from camphor crystals that are melted and then shaped into spheres. These balls typically have a distinctive mothball-like odor. They can be highly toxic in large quantities and are not safe to use around young children or pets.

What Are Mothballs Used For?

Mothballs were initially employed as insecticides. The concept involved trapping insects inside a container filled with the substance. This approach proved effective, as the fumes would eliminate any bugs contained within. However, over time, scientists discovered additional advantages to using mothballs.

Today, the most common benefit of mothballs is their ability to keep clothes smelling fresh for a longer period. By storing your winter coat in a box filled with mothballs, you can avoid concerns about moth damage. Additionally, mothballs help prevent mildew growth on fabrics.

Mothballs also help prolong the life of your clothes by reducing wrinkles. Containing camphor oil, they function as a dehumidifier. As long as your garments remain dry, they should stay free of wrinkles.

Even if you’re not concerned with prolonging the life of your clothes, mothballs can still serve a useful purpose: eliminating odors. Many people find that mothballs are more effective at removing smells than fabric softener sheets. Now you may want to know how to get mothball smell out of clothes once they have me used. 

I personally enjoy the fragrance of mothballs and like wearing the scent. However, since I’m allergic to them, I always take precautions by wearing gloves whenever I handle them.

The Mothball Smell

Both types of mothballs will impart a scent wherever they are used. Fortunately, the odor is typically the main consequence. However, there are steps you can take to address any potential issues. To start, always exercise caution with these products and ensure you follow the instructions on the label precisely as directed.

Before storing clothes, be sure to check them for any stains or marks. This is particularly crucial when using camphor balls, as the beads may leave a residue that could create noticeable marks. I’ve found that some household stain removers are effective in eliminating these types of stains if they occur during storage. Alternatively, you can let the clothes air out for a day or two before packing them away.

If you notice a mothball odor in your closet, I suggest using a few dryer sheets and then returning the clothes to the closet for a couple of weeks until the smell dissipates. This method might take some time, but eventually, the odor will fade. You might also consider using scented mothballs or hangers to expedite the process. To speed things up, I always spray my clothes with Febreze before storing them. Additionally, using an air freshener like Febreze Small Spaces Peony & Cedar can help keep the entire house smelling fresh.

If you’re storing items that can’t be treated with air fresheners like Febreze or left out for a few days, there are alternative methods. Start by placing the clothes in a large Ziploc bag and vacuuming out as much of the mothball odor as possible. If you don’t have a vacuum, simply store them in your basement or garage for a while before returning them to your closet. To tackle any lingering odors on various surfaces in your home, try using baking soda, vinegar, or activated charcoal.

The best approach is to avoid using mothballs altogether. While it’s understandable that you want to safeguard your clothes while they’re stored for months, there are more effective alternatives. If the scent isn’t a concern, consider using cedar instead of mothballs. Studies have shown that cedar oil is three times more effective at repelling moths compared to mothballs!

It is very easy to find…

If you’ve been using mothballs for an extended period, you might want to consider replacing your upholstered furniture with cedar or other natural insect-repellent woods. Soft surfaces often attract and retain odors, so this change can help keep bugs away from both your clothes and other belongings. Switching to these more effective products, which are gaining popularity, is generally a great idea. Just keep in mind that it may take some time before you see noticeable improvements in your clothes and home.

If you’ve tried all the above methods and the odor persists, I recommend trying one of the five techniques outlined below.

How To Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes

Looking to eliminate mothball odor from your clothes? The most effective method is to air out all your garments outside for several hours to several days, depending on the intensity of the smell. Be sure to do the same for your shoes. If outdoor airing isn’t feasible, place the items in a sealed box and leave it closed for about two weeks. Here you will learn about how to get mothball smell out of clothes. 

If the mothball odor is particularly strong, you might want to consider trying one of the methods described below.

Method 1: Wash Clothes with White Vinegar (How to get mothball smell out of clothes)
To eliminate mothball odors, use a solution of white vinegar and water. Add one cup of white vinegar to each load of laundry. For optimal results, run the washing machine through two full cycles, even if the clothes don’t smell strongly. Use a detergent cycle to refresh the garments and remove any lingering odors. After washing, air dry the clothes to further help dissipate the mothball scent.

Method 2: Soak Clothes in Vinegar
If washing your clothes with vinegar isn’t an option, you can instead place them in a sealed plastic bag and let them sit overnight. The acidity of vinegar neutralizes mothball odors upon contact, making this technique especially effective for mild scents.

Method 3: Dry Clean
If washing and soaking your clothes in vinegar don’t resolve the issue, consider taking them to a dry cleaner. They use strong solvents to effectively remove mothball odors from your garments.

Method 4: Use Charcoal
If you prefer not to wash your clothes but still want to eliminate the odor, try using activated charcoal. Place the charcoal inside a jar or sealable bag and set your clothes on top of it. The charcoal will absorb the mothball smell overnight.

Method 5: Enzyme Cleaner
If other methods don’t work, try using an enzyme cleaner to eliminate mothball odors from your clothes. Spray the cleaner onto the fabric and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing as usual. Enzyme cleaners are typically available in most grocery stores, near the laundry detergents.

Tips & Warnings 

Always ensure your clothes are entirely dry before storing them to avoid mold development.

If the mothball odor persists after washing, it may indicate the presence of moth eggs on the fabric. Discard any items that might be infested with moth eggs or larvae, and wash the remaining clothes.

Wash items that have been exposed to mothballs separately from other clothing. Opt for odor-free detergents to help preserve your garments and eliminate mothball smells. Mothballs can leave yellow stains on certain fabrics, so be mindful of where you store or hang freshly laundered clothing.

If your clothes require dry cleaning, request non-chlorine (color-safe) solvents and ensure they are free of mothballs before taking them to the cleaners.

To avoid mothball odors in the future, take clothes out of storage one at a time and air them outside or in a garage for about an hour before bringing them inside. If you use cedar balls or flakes to repel moths, replace old ones with fresh ones every three months.

FAQs

What Causes a Mothball Smell In Your House?

Mothballs contain pyridine, a substance that has been linked to cancer in animals. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advises against using mothballs due to these health risks. Despite this, many homeowners continue to use mothballs as an alternative to commercial products with chemicals like pyrethrum.

How to Get the Mothball Smell Out of House?

The simplest way to get rid of mothball odors is to open windows and doors when storing clothes. This allows fresh air to circulate throughout the house. Alternatively, you can use a fan while folding clothes. Additionally, airing out the room overnight can also help eliminate the smell.

Why Do People Store Their Clothing With Mothballs?

Some individuals appreciate the scent of mothballs and believe they effectively deter insects from clothing. Despite health concerns, mothballs continue to be favored by certain consumers. They often rely on this method because it was used successfully by their grandparents.

Is the mothball smell bad for you?

Yes! The Environmental Protection Agency reports that mothballs contain hazardous substances such as naphthalene and phenyl cyclohexane. These chemicals are recognized as carcinogens and mutagens, and they also pose significant risks to the developing lungs of children.

How do you remove mothball smell from clothes? (How to get mothball smell out of clothes)

If you live in an area where mothballs aren’t used, there’s no need for concern. However, if you want to avoid the odor, you have two options. First, you can purchase deodorizers specifically designed to eliminate mothball smells. Alternatively, you can make your own homemade solution. To discover how to naturally remove mothball odors, check out our guide below.

Can I Remove Mothball Odor Naturally?

There are various methods to eliminate mothball odors from clothing (How to get mothball smell out of clothes). One approach is to soak the garments in a solution of water and baking soda. Baking soda neutralizes the chemicals in mothballs, reducing their effectiveness. For best results, soak the item for 24 hours, then rinse it thoroughly under running water. Repeat this process twice more over four days.

Another option is to use vinegar in place of water. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which breaks down the active compounds in mothballs. Mix 1 cup of white distilled vinegar with 2 cups of warm water, and soak the garment in this solution for 12 hours. Afterward, rinse thoroughly. Repeat this process twice a week for six weeks.

If you prefer to create your own cleaning solutions, you might mix equal parts ammonia and hydrogen peroxide with liquid dish soap to form a paste. Apply this mixture directly to stains on the fabric and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing as usual. Be sure to check your clothing labels beforehand.

If you’re seeking another home remedy, lemon juice can be very effective at removing mothball odors. Combine one part lemon juice with three parts hot water and let the mixture cool before applying it to the affected areas. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash the garment as usual. This is how to get mothball smell out of clothes.

Can I Use Other Insect Deterrents Instead Of Mothballs?

Several alternatives to mothballs are available. One option is citronella candles, which use citronella oil to repel mosquitoes and ticks, making them effective for outdoor use. However, for indoor protection, citronella candles should be kept away from bedding and furniture.

Another option is diatomaceous earth. This substance contains microscopic silica crystals that can eliminate most household insects. Just sprinkle diatomaceous earth over affected areas and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Afterwards, sweep it up and dispose of it appropriately.

Lastly, boric acid powder is another option. Boric acid is effective in killing cockroaches and other crawling insects. Sprinkle it on floors, walls, and ceilings, and allow it to dry completely before vacuuming. Always exercise caution if you have pets.

There are also numerous cedar products available that can repel moths, and their scent is much more pleasant and safer than that of mothballs.

What Causes a House to Smell Like Mothballs?

If you notice a mothball odor in your home after storing winter clothing, here are three potential reasons:

• Your home may lack adequate ventilation. Keeping windows closed during the colder months can trap moisture inside, which attracts moths. To prevent this, ensure you open windows periodically to allow for proper air circulation.
• Excess humidity in your home can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew. Moist environments are ideal for mold spores to flourish. To combat this, regularly clean and dry any damp areas in your home.
• The mothballs may have become contaminated. Some mothballs are pre-soaked with chemicals intended to repel moths, but these chemicals can degrade over time and emit harmful fumes. Always follow the instructions carefully when using mothballs, and avoid reusing old ones, as this increases the risk of contamination.

Do Not Reuse Old Mothballs

Mothballs lose their effectiveness over time and cannot be reused once they’ve been used. Even if you still find mothballs in stores, they may have been on the shelf for years. In fact, new mothballs typically cost less than $5 per box. Instead of purchasing more mothballs, consider opting for an alternative.

When Should I Replace My Clothing Stored With Mothballs?

The EPA advises replacing mothballs every six months. After about two years, mothballs start to lose their effectiveness in preventing insect damage. You may begin to see signs of deterioration, such as discoloration, cracking, and crumbling, at this stage.

To keep clothes stored with mothballs fresh, it’s best to rotate them regularly. Store one set of clothing with mothballs while keeping another set in a different location. Swap between the groups every few weeks to maintain freshness.

Iron your clothes before wearing them to help remove the mothball odor. Garment steamers, such as the Nori Press, can also be effective in eliminating the smell from your garments.

Hope this article helped you understand How To Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes, if you still have any questions, feel free to reach out in comment section and we would love to help out with any queries related to How To Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes.

You may also like these articles:
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe For Men in 2024
How to Clean Boucle Fabric: A Complete Guide
How To Wash Dress Shirts: Professional Guide