We aren't ready to smell like grandpa quite yet. In fact, it's not even healthy to be breathing in mothball air! Sure, mothballs are a common go-to when it comes to protecting clothing and other items from moth damage, but the chemical pesticides leave behind a strong, lingering odor that can lead to headaches, respiratory issues, and other health symptoms. Yes, the distinctive odor is unpleasant. Yes, the scent of mothballs might seem difficult to remove. Fortunately, at this point, we're pros and can help you freshen up your living space and belongings with a few simple tips.

Getting Rid of Mothball Smell in Your Home

1. Ventilation and Fresh Air

The first step in eliminating mothball odor from your home is to create a well-ventilated area.

  • Open Windows and Doors: Create a cross-breeze that helps to carry away the smell.
  • Use Fans: Place fans near windows or doors to help push out the stale air and draw in fresh air.
  • Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers with activated carbon filters to help absorb and neutralize unpleasant odors as well as toxic chemicals. (Yes, they actually help remove smells!)

2. Deep Clean

A thorough cleaning of your home can significantly reduce mothball odors.

  • Clean Floors and Furniture: Wipe down floors and furniture, with a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. A mild ratio of 1/4 cup white vinegar in two cups of water is gentle enough for most surfaces. Vinegar isn't only a convenient solution, but it's a natural deodorizer that can help neutralize the stubborn mothball smell.
  • Wash the Walls: Learn how to clean the walls of your home the right way. These tips will help prevent paint damage.
  • Vacuum Carpets and Rugs: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove any residual mothball particles from carpets and rugs.
  • Wash Linens and Curtains: Wash all fabric items, such as curtains, tablecloths, and cushion covers, in hot water with a strong detergent.
Moth balls in a hand.
Let's move past using mothballs. We're tired of the smell and side effects. Credit: Kiran Thakur / Getty Images

How can you remove the mothball smell from your clothing?

3. Washing and Airing Out

Removing the mothball scent from smelly clothes involves thorough washing and airing out the garments.

  1. Pre-Soak: Soak clothes in a white vinegar solution that's 1 cup of vinegar for every gallon of water. Let the clothing rest for at least an hour. Vinegar helps to neutralize odors.
  2. Wash with Baking Soda: Wash the clothes in your washing machine with a cup of baking soda. Baking soda solutions are excellent odor absorbers. If you prefer a fresher scent, follow up with your regular detergent, too.
  3. Air Dry: Hang the clothes outside to dry in fresh air. Sunlight and fresh air can further help to dissipate the smell.

4. Using Odor Absorbers

In addition to washing, using odor absorbers can help eliminate the bad smells from clothes.

  • Charcoal Bags: Place activated charcoal bags in your closet or storage area to absorb lingering odors.
  • Baking Soda or Coffee Grounds: Place an open box of baking soda or a dish of coffee grounds in the closet or storage area to help absorb smells over time.
cedar balls in a pile
Use cedar balls instead of moth balls. Credit: Katie Dobies / Getty Images

FAQ

I hate the smell of mothballs. What else can I use to prevent moths in my closet?

  • Use herbal sachets containing lavender, thyme, or rosemary to naturally repel moths.
  • Consider cedar scents, as the natural oils in cedar are effective in killing moth larvae and preventing infestations. Replace shelving with cedar boards, and use cedar hangers, cedar chip sachets, and cedar blocks or cedar balls in drawers to intensify the cedar smells.
  • Place adhesive moth traps on closet shelves and other discreet areas.

Also, remember to regularly vacuum your closet to remove potential moths and larvae. You might also want to increase the frequency of dry cleaning or laundering and remember to clean seasonal items before placing them in storage to prevent moth infestation.

How long does it take to get rid of the mothball scent?

The time it takes to get rid of the strong odor, and it varies based on the intensity of the chemical odor and the methods used. Ventilating your home and using natural deodorizing agents like vinegar and baking soda can speed up the process, but it may still take several days to a few weeks for the smell to dissipate completely.

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Can the pungent smell be harmful?

Actually, yes. Mothballs contain harmful chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems when the odor of mothballs is inhaled over extended periods. It’s important to remove mothball odors as soon as possible to maintain a healthy living environment.