Mothballs can leave a pungent, lingering odor that seems impossible to remove. But don’t worry—there are many effective ways to eliminate that smell. Here are 15 easy, safe, and efficient methods to restore a fresh atmosphere to your home.
Open Windows for Fresh Air
One of the easiest ways to reduce mothball odor is by increasing ventilation. Let fresh air in by opening the windows; doing so will help push out the smell. Continuous airflow naturally dilutes the strong chemicals from mothballs gradually.
Use Baking Soda to Soak Up Smells
A simple sprinkle of baking soda on affected surfaces or placing bowls around the area effectively removes unwanted odors. After letting it sit for several hours, vacuum it up. This method is eco-friendly and safe for both people and pets, making it an ideal choice.
Try Charcoal for Odor Removal
Charcoal is effective at absorbing odors and works best when left in an area for several days. While placing a few pieces in the room can help neutralize mothball smells, results may vary depending on the intensity of the odor.
Wash All Fabrics and Clothes
The odor of mothballs clings to fabrics, so washing clothes, curtains, or blankets that are in contact with mothballs is essential. You can use a regular laundry cycle with a scented detergent and consider adding a cup of vinegar to help break down the strong odor.
Put Coffee Grounds in the Area
Coffee grounds are great at absorbing smells. Set out bowls of fresh coffee grounds in areas where mothball odors linger. The grounds act as a natural deodorizer, and once the odors fade, they can be repurposed as garden fertilizer.
Use Citrus Peels for a Fresh Scent
This method is effective when you create a potpourri with dried peels and herbs or boil peels in water for fragrant steam in the area. This way, citrus peels release natural oils that add a bright scent and cover up unwanted mothball odors.
Spray a Vinegar Mixture
A vinegar and water spray helps break down the pungent mothball odor. Vinegar not only deodorizes but also cleans surfaces. Plus, its natural acidity helps break down the chemicals in mothballs, though it may temporarily leave behind a vinegar scent.
Run an Air Purifier
Air purifiers with HEPA filters are great for getting rid of mothball smells in small spaces. They draw in air, trap odor-causing particles, and release clean air. But you need to pick one that fits your room size and keep things well-ventilated.
Apply Lemon Juice as a Spray
Lemon juice is another natural deodorizer. Mix it with water and spray it onto fabrics or surfaces where the smell is strong. The acidity in lemon helps neutralize mothball odors and leaves a light, clean scent behind.
Soak Items in Saltwater
Mixing one cup of salt into one gallon of warm water and soaking your clothes for at least 30 minutes in this solution can also work for removing mothball odors. Once cleaned, rinse and air dry the clothes. But make sure to test this method on delicate fabrics first.
Hang Clothes Outside to Dry
This is the most economical method to remove mothball odor. The UV rays from the sun help break down odor-causing chemicals, leaving fabrics fresher without the need for heavy cleaning products. It’s safe, free, and easy!
Choose Commercial Odor Eliminators
Commercial odor eliminators work well to get rid of mothball smells. You can use sprays, gels, or plug-ins. Look for ones with natural ingredients, and make sure to ventilate the space. Mixing these with other methods can boost their effectiveness.
Clean Deeply with a Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaning goes beyond surface-level fixes. It penetrates deep into fabrics and carpets to pull out stubborn odors. The high heat helps break down the chemicals from mothballs, making this method a powerful tool for removing smells.
Try Ozone Generators
These devices release ozone that reacts with and breaks down mothball odors, though their effectiveness can vary based on the smell’s intensity. Just make sure to ventilate the area well since high ozone levels can be harmful, and always follow safety tips for odor removal!
Opt for Dry Clean Professional Services
If the mothball smell just won’t budge from your clothes, think about hitting up a professional dry cleaner. They’ve got the right tools and cleaners to tackle those stubborn odors, giving your clothes and upholstery a fresh start without any leftover scents.