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. And 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.
How to Eliminate a Terrible Mothball Smell
- 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.
- Use air freshening products, but choose healthy options. Azuna is a product we've been using for a year. It's an Australian tea tree oil-based formula that eliminates odors odors from mold, mildew, bacteria, and other microbes at the source for up to 90 days. We use it in the bathroom, our closets, and in the basement office. "Instead of masking smells with harsh chemicals or heavy perfumes," shares Scott Dancy, CEO and Founder of Azuna, "we use a natural active ingredient that eliminates odors and helps prevent them from coming back. Azuna’s slow-release gels are a safer, more natural way to freshen your air: better for people, pets, and the planet."
- Invest in a good air purifier. "The activated carbon filter in your air purifier traps gas molecules that cause undesirable odors," explains Divya Darshini Piskala, Product Manager at Bosch Home Comfort. "As air circulates through your air purifier, the carbon’s porous structure will trap gases and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), while the HEPA filter removes particles – so not only will your air smell nicer, but it’ll also keep you healthier, too."
- Remember to replace your HVAC filters. “During off-peak seasons, the HVAC system may largely idle, leaving the home’s air still and stagnant," shared Andy Fox, Filtration and Indoor Air Quality Specialist at 3M. "To improve air cleaning and help reduce stale, musty odors, select your HVAC fan to run continuously on low speed or to run a portion of every hour, if possible. Or, run the fan continuously to maximize air cleaning, though plan to change the filter more frequently."
- Deep 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.
How can you remove the mothball smell from your clothing?
Removing the mothball scent from smelly clothes involves thorough washing and airing out the garments.
- 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.
- 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.
- Air dry: Hang the clothes outside to dry in fresh air. Sunlight and fresh air can further help to dissipate the smell.
- Use odor absorbers: Place activated charcoal bags in small areas, like drawers, to absorb lingering odors. For bigger spaces like closets, place an open box of baking soda or a dish of coffee grounds to absorb lingering scents.
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 blocks 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?
It'll vary based on the intensity of the chemical odor and the methods you try. Start by ventilating your home and using natural deodorizing agents like vinegar and baking soda or a pouch of Azuna, and go from there.
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.
