Mothballs have long been an effective deterrent to moths and pests but they often leave behind the unwelcome reminder of a strong, lingering odor. There are many who has opened a drawer the closet, or even a storage container to discover a lingering mothball odor. There are plenty of people who search for ways to solve the issue. To figure out how to get rid of the odor of mothballs you should know the causes of it as well as how it attaches to various surfaces.
Mothballs typically contain chemicals like paradichlorobenzene, naphthalene, or. The chemicals sublimate over time which means they change from solid to gas emitting vapors that effectively repel insects. Unfortunately, these vapors also get into wood, fabrics carpets, carpets, and the air, creating an odor we hate.
We’ll show you how to get rid of the smell of mothballs from your clothes and in the home. This will make your clothes fresh and the air in your house air-conditioned.
How to Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes
Mothball smells can be absorbed into clothing quickly. The removal of the smell can be an extremely long process. The good news is that with perseverance and the correct techniques, you can get back your clothes.
Put your clothes outside for them to air out. The sun and fresh air can work wonders. The UV rays from the sun can in the breakdown of chemical components in the vapors. The clothes should be left outside for a few hours, or days if possible.
Baking Soda Soak: In case airing out isn’t enough to completely remove the smell, soak the clothes in a solution consisting of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer. Dissolve 1 cup of baking soda in a basin filled with water. The clothes should be soaked in the solution overnight.
Vinegar Wash. Running your clothes through the wash cycle with half a cup of white distilled vinegar (without detergent) can neutralize odors. Then, rinse them using a mild detergent to completely remove both the mothball smell and the vinegar remnants.
Activated charcoal: If you notice that the odor is particularly heavy, you may want to put your clothes in an activated-charcoal container for a few days in order to remove any 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. It is essential to inform them of the problem is so that they can apply the correct procedure.
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell in House
The smell does not just stick to clothes, it can also permeate whole rooms. This is especially true if you have placed mothballs in large quantities or small spaces such as attics or basements. What can you do to refresh your house?
All windows should be opened, and make use of fans to move air. The idea is for chemical vapors to be forced out, and fresh air to come in.
Deep Cleaning Vacuum all carpets. Wipe down wooden surfaces with vinegar and water. Launder the fabric you want to wash such as cushions or curtains. Steam cleaning carpets and upholstery can also aid in the elimination of odors.
Filters made of activated charcoal Place bags of activated charcoal or air purifiers in different places around your home, you can absorb persistent unpleasant odors over a period of time.
If the smell is persistent in spite of your best efforts, it could be necessary to utilize an Ozone-producing device or an expert service to eliminate odor. These companies use oxygen molecules to breakdown particles that produce odors within the air and on surfaces.
Final Thoughts
You can avoid a lot frustration by knowing how to remove mothball odor, whether you’re trying to get rid of the smell from your favorite clothing or your entire home. You can get rid of even the most obnoxious odors by combining airing out, deodorizers such as baking soda and vinegar and deep cleaning.
Whether you’re focused on how to eliminate mothball odor out of clothes or how to get rid of mothball smell within your home, just a little perseverance and these tips will make your home and your wardrobe smelling fresh and clean once more.
