how do you get mothball smell out of clothes

2 min read 09-12-2024

how do you get mothball smell out of clothes

Mothballs, while effective at keeping moths away, leave behind a strong, pungent odor that can linger on clothes for a long time. Getting that smell out can be challenging, but it's definitely achievable. This guide will walk you through several effective methods to banish that mothball stench from your garments.

Understanding the Mothball Smell

The characteristic smell of mothballs comes from chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. These chemicals sublimate, meaning they transition directly from a solid to a gas, releasing their odor into the air and clinging to fabrics. This is why simply airing out clothes isn't always enough. The chemicals have permeated the fibers.

Methods to Remove Mothball Odor from Clothes

Here's a breakdown of effective methods, ranging from simple to more involved techniques:

1. Airing Out Your Clothes

Effectiveness: Good for mild cases, less effective for deeply ingrained smells.

While not always sufficient on its own, airing out clothes is a good first step. Hang the affected items outdoors in direct sunlight and fresh air for several days. Sunlight helps to break down the odor-causing chemicals. The longer you leave them, the better the results.

2. Washing Clothes

Effectiveness: Excellent for washable fabrics.

Washing is the best option for most clothes. Use a strong detergent and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar neutralizes odors and helps to lift the chemicals from the fabric. Wash as usual, then air dry completely.

Important Note: Always check the care label before washing. Delicate fabrics might require hand washing or professional cleaning.

3. Soaking in Vinegar Solution

Effectiveness: Great for deeply embedded odors and delicate items that can't be machine washed.

Soak washable items in a solution of cold water and white vinegar (equal parts) for several hours, or even overnight. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly and air dry. This is especially helpful for delicate items like sweaters that might be damaged by machine washing.

4. Baking Soda Treatment

Effectiveness: Excellent odor absorber, good for both washable and non-washable items.

Baking soda is a fantastic odor absorber. For washable items, add a half-cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your detergent. For non-washable items, place them in a large plastic bag with a generous amount of baking soda. Seal the bag and leave for several days, shaking occasionally. Afterward, brush off the baking soda thoroughly.

5. Using Activated Charcoal

Effectiveness: A natural odor absorber, particularly good for delicate items.

Activated charcoal is another natural odor absorber. Place the clothing in an airtight container with activated charcoal bags. Leave them for a few days, changing the charcoal bags as needed. This method is ideal for delicate or non-washable fabrics. You can purchase activated charcoal bags online or at most pet stores (used for aquarium filtration).

6. Professional Cleaning

Effectiveness: Best for valuable or delicate items where other methods have failed.

If all else fails, consider taking your clothes to a professional dry cleaner. They have specialized equipment and techniques that can often remove even the most stubborn odors.

Preventing Mothball Smell in the Future

Cedar: Use cedar chests or cedar blocks to repel moths naturally.
Lavender: Lavender's scent is also a natural moth repellent.
Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and air out your closets and storage areas.

Conclusion

Removing the strong smell of mothballs from clothes requires patience and persistence. However, by utilizing the methods outlined above, you can effectively eliminate that pungent odor and restore your clothes to a fresh and clean state. Remember to always check care labels and choose the method best suited for your fabric type. With a bit of effort, you can say goodbye to that lingering mothball smell for good!