How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell: Fast & Natural Solutions

If you've ever stored clothes or furniture with mothballs, you know how persistent their odor can be. The pungent, chemical smell of mothballs can linger long after you've removed them, leaving your belongings—and your home—feeling less than fresh.

If you're wondering how to get rid of mothball smell, you're not alone. This common problem can affect anyone who uses mothballs for pest control or storage. Luckily, there are natural ways to get rid of the odor. In this guide, we'll walk you through proven methods that will help you clear your clothes, furniture, and home of mothball smells for good.

 

Understanding Mothballs and Mothballs Smell

What are mothballs made of? Mothballs are small, solid balls that are commonly used to protect clothing, furniture, and books from pests like moths, fleas, and other insects.

They are typically made from two main chemicals: naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. These chemicals are effective at repelling insects due to their strong odor, which is unpleasant to pests. Mothballs have been a staple for long-term storage of seasonal clothing, especially in closets, drawers, or attics.

Mothball smells stay because their chemical vapors do not go away quickly. This is especially true in places with little airflow, like closets and drawers. The smell clings to fabrics, furniture, and carpets, lasting for weeks or months even after someone removes the mothballs.

Are Mothball Smells Harmful?

Yes, the mothball smell can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin, causing headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Infants, pregnant women, asthma sufferers, and pets are especially vulnerable. Long-term exposure may harm the liver and kidneys, making it essential to minimize contact and improve ventilation.

 

How to Get Mothball Smell Out of Clothes

Mothball odors can be stubborn, clinging to clothes even after storage. Since the chemicals in mothballs are slow to evaporate, the smell can persist for weeks if not treated properly. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to remove the odor, ranging from simple airing to deep cleaning solutions. Depending on the fabric type and intensity of the smell, you can choose the best approach to refresh your garments.

Method 1 Air Out Your Clothes (30 min - 1 day, Moderate Effectiveness)

One of the easiest ways to remove the mothball smell is by allowing your clothes to breathe in fresh air.

📌 Steps:

1. Take the affected clothes out of the closet or storage and hang them in a well-ventilated area, such as a balcony, near an open window, or in a breezy outdoor space.
2. Avoid direct sunlight, especially for colored or delicate fabrics, as prolonged exposure can cause fading.
3. To speed up the process, use a fan to increase airflow around the clothing.

This method is ideal for light odors and works well as a first step before using other treatments.

Method 2. Wash with Vinegar or Baking Soda (1-2 hours, Highly Effective)

For stronger odors, a proper wash can help neutralize the mothball smell. White vinegar and baking soda are excellent natural deodorizers that break down lingering chemical residues.

📌 Steps:

1. Fill your washing machine with warm water (check garment labels to ensure suitability).
2. Add ½ cup of white vinegar or 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the wash cycle. Avoid using both at the same time, as they can neutralize each other.
3. Wash as usual with detergent, ensuring a thorough rinse cycle.
4. Dry the clothes completely in a ventilated area before storing them again.

Note: This method is not suitable for dry-clean-only fabrics. For such items, steaming is a safer alternative.

Method 3. Use Steam to Neutralize Odor (5-10 min, Quick Results)

For delicate fabrics that you cannot wash, using steam provides a fast and effective way to break down mothball odors.

📌 Steps:

1. Heat a garment steamer like Neakasa Magic 1 vacuum steamer or steam iron and gently steam the affected clothing.
2. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric to avoid excessive moisture buildup.
3. Allow the clothing to dry in a ventilated area after steaming.

Steam helps release trapped odor molecules while freshening up materials like wool, suits, and dry-clean-only items.

Method 4. Absorb Odor with Activated Charcoal (1-3 Days, Long-Lasting Effect)

If you can't wash or steam your clothes, try using activated charcoal or bamboo charcoal. They can slowly absorb odors from your clothes.

📌 Steps:

1. Place charcoal bags or bamboo charcoal sachets in your closet, drawers, or storage areas.
2. Keep the clothes in an enclosed space with the charcoal to allow absorption.
3. Replace or recharge the charcoal by placing it in the sun every few weeks.

This solution works great for clothes that people can’t clean frequently, such as jackets, winter coats, or delicate fabrics.

Method 5. Lemon Spray for a Fresh Scent (1-2 Hours, Refreshing Smell)

For a natural and refreshing alternative, lemon can help neutralize odors while leaving clothes with a pleasant citrus scent.

📌 How to Make Lemon Spray:

1. Mix 1 cup of water with 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly mist the affected clothing, ensuring an even but not soaking-wet application.
3. Let the clothes air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

Caution: Do not use this method on silk or other delicate fabrics that are sensitive to acidic solutions.

 

How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell in House

Mothball odors can seep into every corner of your home, lingering in fabrics, furniture, and even walls. Below are effective methods to help freshen up your living space.

Method 1. Increase Ventilation (30 min - 1 day, Immediate Effect)

The first and simplest step to eliminating mothball odor is to let fresh air circulate throughout your home.

📌 Steps:

1. Open windows and doors to allow airflow and help disperse the smell.
2. Use fans or air circulators to push stale air out and bring in fresh air.
3. If possible, create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of the room.

This method is quick and effective, especially when combined with other odor-removal techniques.

Method 2. Use Baking Soda or Charcoal (1-3 Days, Long-Lasting Effect)

To absorb lingering odors, place baking soda or activated charcoal around affected areas.

📌 Steps:

1. Fill small bowls or open containers with baking soda or activated charcoal.
2. Place them in corners, on shelves, or near furniture where the smell is strongest.
3. Replace every 1-2 weeks for continuous odor absorption.

This is a passive yet effective method for neutralizing the odor over time.

Method 3. Clean Affected Areas (1-2 Hours, Deep Deodorization)

Mothball chemicals can cling to walls, floors, furniture, and fabrics, so thorough cleaning is essential.

📌 Steps:

1. Wipe down hard surfaces (floors, shelves, walls) with a vinegar-water solution or mild soapy water to break down residues.
2. Wash curtains, bed linens, and upholstery to remove trapped odors. Use warm water and add a cup of vinegar or baking soda for extra deodorizing power.
3. For carpets and rugs, sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up.

Regular cleaning helps prevent mothball smells from settling permanently into household items.

Method 4. Use an Air Purifier with a Carbon Filter (Instant and Continuous Effect)

If the smell persists, using an air purifier can help remove mothball chemicals from the air.

📌 Steps:

1. Choose an air purifier with an activated carbon filter, as it is specifically designed to trap chemical odors.
2. Run the purifier continuously for a few days, then as needed.
3. Replace the carbon filter regularly to maintain efficiency.

This method is especially helpful for larger spaces or homes with poor ventilation.

 

How to Remove Mothball Smell in Furniture

Mothball odors can cling to furniture for weeks, especially in enclosed spaces like drawers and cabinets. Since the chemicals in mothballs break down slowly, removing the smell requires a combination of cleaning, airing out, and odor absorption.

Method 1. Wipe Down Surfaces (30 min - 1 hour, Immediate Effect)

Cleaning furniture surfaces helps remove mothball residue and neutralize lingering odors.

📌 Steps:

1. For wooden furniture: Mix warm water with mild soap or vinegar, dampen a cloth, and wipe down surfaces.
2. For upholstered furniture: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove trapped odors. Follow up with a fabric-safe odor-neutralizing spray.
3. For metal or plastic furniture: A simple wipe-down with soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner should do the trick.

After cleaning, let the furniture dry completely before use.

Method 2. Place Furniture in the Sun (2-4 hours, Ongoing Effect)

Sunlight can help break down the chemicals in mothballs, naturally freshening your furniture.

📌 Steps:

1. Move furniture to a well-ventilated outdoor space or a sunny room.
2. Keep it exposed for a few hours, but avoid direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent warping or discoloration (especially for wood and plastic).

This method works well when combined with other odor-removal techniques.

Method 3. Use Activated Charcoal Inside Drawers (1-3 Days, Long-Lasting Effect)

To eliminate odors trapped inside furniture, use odor-absorbing materials like activated charcoal or baking soda.

📌 Steps:

1. Place activated charcoal bags or small bowls of baking soda inside drawers, cabinets, or enclosed spaces.
2. Leave them for at least 24-72 hours, replacing them weekly for best results.

This is an effective and low-maintenance way to remove stubborn mothball smells over time.

 

FAQs About Mothballs Smell

How long does it take for the mothball smell to go away?

Natural dissipation: Mothball odor can linger for weeks to months, especially in enclosed spaces.

With odor removal methods: Using ventilation, washing, and odor absorbers can significantly reduce the smell within 1-3 days.

Are mothball smells harmful to pets?

Yes, especially for cats and dogs. Mothballs contain toxic chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which can cause respiratory issues, vomiting, seizures, or even poisoning if inhaled or ingested. Keep pets away from mothballs and areas with strong odors.

Can baking soda remove the mothball smell?

Yes! Baking soda absorbs odors effectively, but it takes time. Placing an open container of baking soda near the affected area for 1-3 days can help neutralize lingering smells.

What is the fastest way to remove mothball odor?

A combination approach works best:

1. Steam treatment to break down odors quickly.
2. Washing with vinegar or baking soda to neutralize smells.
3. Ventilation to speed up dissipation.
4. Activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb lingering odors.

 

Conclusion

To effectively remove mothball smells, a combination of methods works best. - You can remove odors faster with ventilation.

- Washing with vinegar or baking soda is also effective.

- Steam treatment like Neakasa can help eliminate smells.

- Using odor absorbers like activated charcoal is another good option.

For long-term prevention, think about natural options like cedarwood, lavender, or dried herbs. These can repel moths without using toxic chemicals. By using safer, eco-friendly solutions, you can protect your home, health, and the environment. This will also keep your belongings free from moths.