Mothballs are commonly used to protect clothes from pests, but they leave behind a strong, unpleasant odor that can be difficult to remove. The smell lingers because mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which slowly evaporates into the air. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to eliminate mothball odor from clothes using household ingredients and proper cleaning techniques.
This guide will walk you through proven methods to get rid of mothball smell quickly and efficiently.
1. Why Do Clothes Smell Like Mothballs?
Mothball odor comes from chemicals that turn into gas over time. This gas gets trapped in fabrics, especially if the clothes were stored in closed spaces like closets, drawers, or plastic containers.
Common reasons why clothes retain mothball odor:
✔ Prolonged exposure to mothballs
✔ Lack of ventilation in storage areas
✔ Absorption by fabric fibers
Now, let’s explore different ways to remove the stubborn smell from your clothes.
2. Quick Methods to Remove Mothball Smell
A. Air Out the Clothes in Fresh Air
One of the easiest ways to remove the smell is by letting your clothes air out.
✔ Hang clothes outdoors in direct sunlight.
✔ If outdoors isn’t an option, place them near an open window or a fan.
✔ Leave them for at least 24–48 hours for the smell to dissipate.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure for delicate fabrics to prevent fading.
B. Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odor
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that helps remove mothball smells.
✔ Fill a large bag or container with baking soda.
✔ Place the clothes inside and shake the bag to distribute the powder.
✔ Leave them inside for 24 hours, then shake off the excess baking soda.
Alternatively, you can add ½ cup of baking soda to your washing machine for extra freshness.
Avoid using too much baking soda on dark fabrics, as it may leave residue.
C. Use White Vinegar for a Natural Deodorizer
White vinegar neutralizes strong odors and is safe for most fabrics.
✔ Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle.
✔ Lightly mist the clothes and let them air dry.
✔ For deeper cleaning, soak clothes in a vinegar-water solution for 30 minutes before washing.
Do not use vinegar on silk or wool, as it may damage the fibers.
3. Washing Techniques to Remove Mothball Odor
A. Wash Clothes with Vinegar and Baking Soda
For machine-washable clothes, try this powerful odor-removal method:
✔ Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the washing machine during the rinse cycle.
✔ Use baking soda instead of detergent for the first wash.
✔ Wash again with mild detergent and warm water.
✔ Dry clothes outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid mixing vinegar and bleach, as it creates toxic fumes.
B. Use Activated Charcoal or Coffee Grounds
Both activated charcoal and coffee grounds absorb odors effectively.
✔ Place charcoal briquettes or coffee grounds in a breathable bag (like a sock).
✔ Put the bag in a sealed container with the clothes.
✔ Leave for 24–48 hours to absorb the smell.
Keep charcoal away from white or light-colored fabrics, as it may stain.
C. Try Lemon Juice for a Fresh Scent
Lemon juice has natural antibacterial and deodorizing properties.
✔ Mix lemon juice and water in a 1:2 ratio.
✔ Soak a washcloth in the mixture and place it with clothes in the dryer.
✔ Dry on low heat for 10–15 minutes.
Lemon juice may lighten dark fabrics, so test on a small area first.
4. Deep Cleaning Methods for Stubborn Odors
A. Steam Cleaning
Steam penetrates fabric fibers and breaks down odor-causing chemicals.
✔ Use a steam cleaner or hang clothes in the bathroom while taking a hot shower.
✔ Let the steam open fabric fibers, helping release trapped odors.
Avoid excessive steam on delicate fabrics like wool and silk.
B. Dry Cleaning for Delicate Fabrics
If home remedies don’t work, take your clothes to a professional dry cleaner.
✔ Dry cleaning solvents remove chemical-based odors effectively.
✔ Inform the cleaner about the mothball exposure so they can use appropriate treatments.
Dry cleaning can be expensive, so use it as a last resort.
5. How to Prevent Mothball Odor in Clothes
✔ Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets as moth repellents instead of mothballs.
✔ Store clothes in breathable fabric bags, not plastic containers.
✔ Place charcoal or baking soda in storage areas to absorb odors.
✔ Regularly air out stored clothes to prevent trapped smells.
Getting rid of mothball smell from clothes doesn’t have to be difficult. With simple methods like airing out, using vinegar, baking soda, and steam cleaning, you can restore your clothes to their fresh, odor-free state.
By following these tips, you’ll effectively remove mothball odors and keep your fabrics smelling fresh for longer!