How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell From Clothes

Moths can often wreak havoc on clothes, fabrics, and other materials—that’s where mothballs come in. As a moth repellent, they can help protect clothes, but the aftermath can leave a strong odor in your space that’ll have you searching left and right for how to quickly get rid of mothball smells.

Below, check out how to get rid of mothball smells in all areas of your home, including clothes, furniture, rooms, and closets. 

What Are Mothballs?

Mothballs are pesticides in the form of small pellets that are used to kill moths, moth eggs, and other pests that can damage fabric and other materials. They typically contain either of the chemicals naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are initially solid, but slowly turn into fumes at room temperature. 

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How to Get Rid of Mothball Smells From Clothes

1. Air the Clothes Out

   Yes, getting rid of mothball smells from clothes can be as simple as giving your clothes some fresh air. Airing out clothes can help any trapped odors and fumes naturally evaporate over time.

   Leave the clothes out for around 24 to 28 hours in a shaded area. If they still have that mothball smell, you can let them sit outside for longer. 

2. Use Odor Absorbers

   Baking soda, coffee grounds, and activated charcoal are odor absorbers that can work miracles when it comes to getting rid of the mothball smell.

   Put an open box of baking soda, pieces of activated charcoal, or a bag of dry coffee grounds in a sealed bag or container with your clothes. Let the clothes sit overnight and the odors should neutralize and disappear.

3. Wash Clothes With Vinegar

   Vinegar is another odor neutralizer that can be used to get rid of mothball smells. Add one cup of white vinegar to your washing machine with laundry detergent. During the wash cycle, the vinegar will break down the mothball scent.

   For more delicate items, you can soak them in 1:8 white vinegar and warm water for an hour, rinse, and air dry. 

4. Try Dry Cleaning

   If you’ve tried multiple methods and the mothball smell won’t go away, go to a professional dry cleaner. According to Van, dry cleaners have equipment and cleaners that can help get rid of stubborn smells.

How to Get Rid of Mothball Smells From Furniture

1. Give the furniture fresh air. Similar to removing mothballs from clothes, furniture with mothball smells can also benefit from fresh air. If possible, let the furniture sit outside. If it’s difficult to move, open the windows and get some proper ventilation in the room. To get better airflow indoors, place fans around the room, Rhonda Wilson, a quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning, says. If the furniture has drawers, remove them and allow those to air out, too.
2. Wipe the furniture. If you’re dealing with mothball smells in wood furniture, spray it with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Wipe down the furniture with a soft cloth.
3. Absorb the odors. If the furniture has drawers or cabinets, use odor absorbers like baking soda, coffee grounds, activated charcoal, cat litter, and white vinegar. Place the odor neutralizer of your choice in a bowl in the drawers or cabinets and let them sit overnight, or for a few days if needed.
4. Add baking soda. For furniture with fabric, liberally add baking soda to it to absorb the odors. Let it sit for a few hours and vacuum. 

How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell From Rooms and Closets

1. Remove clothes or items. If there are any clothes, furniture, or items in the room or closet that have been affected by that strong mothball scent or closet moths, remove them from the space.
2. Open the doors and windows. If your room or closet smells like mothballs, the first thing you should do is open all the doors and windows to air out the space. Use fans throughout the room. To help even more, use an air purifier with activated charcoal and/or a dehumidifier, Wilson says.
3. Wipe and mop with baking soda. Create a cleaning solution made with warm water and baking soda. Mop the floors and wipe down surfaces that are affected by the smells, including the inside of the closet.
4. Use bowls of odor absorbers. Place bowls of baking soda, coffee grounds, activated charcoal, cat litter, or white vinegar around the room and inside the closet. Allow the bowls to sit and help get rid of mothball smells.

Mothball Alternatives 

If you don’t want to keep moths at bay without the potential hassles of mothballs, try a few mothball alternatives below. 

• Sachets: Sachets are great mothball alternatives since they can be filled with materials that act as natural insect repellent, like dried lavender, cedar, or a combination of rosemary, thyme, and cloves, according to Van. They can easily be placed throughout your closet and in drawers.
• Cedar Blocks, Cedar Chips, or Cedar Hangers: Cedar blocks, cedar chips, and cedar hangers are all made from cedarwood that contains oils that naturally repel moths and absorb odors and moisture. Cedar blocks and cedar chips in sachets can be placed throughout drawers and closets, while cedar hangers can be used in place of or in addition to regular hangers. 
• Airtight Storage: Airtight storage containers and vacuum-sealed bags can help protect clothes, blankets, and other items from moths and insects. According to Van, getting rid of as much air in containers or bags as possible can kill off moths while preventing dust and moisture buildup.