It’s not a secret that mothballs provide a solid protection against insects like moths. However, they can leave a bad smell behind. If you’ve stepped into a storage bin or closet only to be met with the distinctive scent of mothballs You’re not alone. This problem is a common one, and many people are seeking solutions. Understanding how to remove mothball smell requires knowing some basic information about the causes of it and how it clings to different surfaces.
Mothballs typically contain chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. These chemicals are sublimated through time. This means that they change from solids to gases, and release vapors that are effective in repelling insects. The vapors, however, seep through fabrics, carpets as well as wood and then into the air.
Learn how to eliminate the smell of mothballs from your clothes as well as your home. Your clothing will be fresh and airy.
How to Remove Mothball scent out of clothing
Mothball smells can be absorbed into clothing quickly. The removal of the smell can be a long and tedious process. But the good news is that with a little patience and the right strategies, you can revive your clothes.
Air It Out: The simple first step is hanging your clothes outside. Fresh air and sunlight are powerful. The sun’s UV rays help to break down the chemical components in the evaporated vapors. Allow the clothes to air dry for a few days or even hours, if you’re able.
Baking Soda Soak: If airing out doesn’t completely eliminate the smell, then soak the garments in a solution made of warm baking soda and water. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Mix one cup of baking powder in the bowl of water and then let the clothes sit overnight.
Vinegar Wash Vinegar Wash – Adding a cup of white vinegar into wash cycles (without detergent) can also neutralize smells. Next, employ a mild detergent wash the clothing again. This will eliminate the mothball residue and vinegar smell.
Activated Charcoal – For stubborn odors that persist for days, putting the clothing in a container sealed with activated carbon can soak up any remaining gasses.
Get a professional cleaning service in case you are looking for a way remove the mothball scent on clothing that must be dry-cleaned or have a delicate. It is important to know what the problem is so they can choose the appropriate method.
How do you eliminate the mothball smell that is present in your home
The smell isn’t limited to clothes, but it can also permeate whole rooms. This is particularly true if you have placed mothballs in large quantities or in smaller spaces such as basements or attics. How can you freshen your home?
Shut all the windows and use fans to circulate air. The aim is for chemical vapors to be forced away and fresh air to be able to enter.
Deep Cleaning: Vacuum carpets, wipe wood surfaces clean with an acid and water solution and then wash all removable fabrics like curtains and cushion covers. Steam cleaning upholstery and carpets can also speed up the removal of odors.
Filters made of activated charcoal by placing bags of activated charcoal or air purifiers in different parts of the home You can absorb lingering unpleasant odors over a period of time.
If the smell continues to persist even after all efforts to eliminate it, an ozone generator or an expert odor removal service may be required. The services employ Ozone molecules to degrade odor-causing particles within the air and on surfaces.
Final Thoughts
You can save yourself a lot of frustration by knowing the best way to rid yourself of mothball smell, whether you’re trying to eliminate the smell from your favorite clothing or the entire house. It is possible to eliminate even the most obnoxious odors with a combination of airing out, deodorizers like vinegar and baking soda, and deep cleaning.
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.
