Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Many people have the same questions about ridding their home of mothball smell once and for all. We allowed a friend going through a tough time to move in for a month or two. So, make it a habit of opening up the windows and doors of your house including the doors of your closets, and let the air ventilation work. The moment you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these dangerous chemicals. This will allow you to remove the mothballs, bleach or soak the area in vinegar, and seal it so mice cannot get back in through that entry point. How long do mothballs take to work? To remove mothball smell with baking soda, mix baking soda and water together in a bowl until you have a fine paste. Most people would answer that question with different adjectives, but the consensus is that they smell unpleasantly pungent. Id recommend using an ozone generator like Enerzen or something similar in the attic since its hard to vent out an area like that. When your mothballs have been totally evaporated, youll know its time to add new ones. They can protect your clothing from moths and larvae for up to 3 months. Vinegar is your best friend when it comes to washable clothes. The Dangers of Mothballs: Do You Have Naphthalene or - IndoorDoctor What do mothballs smell like? Make sure to dispose of the old mothballs correctly. You can even consider things like essential oils, activated charcoal, or an ozone machine to accelerate the mothball odour removal. Mothballs will disappear usually in a couple of months, but it really will depend on where you use them and the temperature and humidity play a big factor. Open Windows when you open your sealed clothes you can place them near an open window and it will release the gas into the air. A bowl of vinegar or activated charcoal (available at most pet stores) will slowly absorb the odor safely. Wear gloves when handling the pesticide. MothPrevention speak to customers every day about their clothes moth issues - clothes moths are a species that are ever increasing and that can cause significant damage to clothes, carpets and other home textiles. It takes a few more months for the smell of mothballs to totally dissipate . Plus, the supplies you need to remove mothball smells are already available in your home, like a couple of cleaning rags, a spray bottle, and some white vinegar. Once your mothballs have dissolved, theyll usually leave a very annoying odor, especially if you use them in an indoor area like your basement, your attic, or the inside of a shed. How do you neutralize the smell of mothballs? Mothballs can pollute water sources damage soil and foliage, and if children or other animals get ahold of them there could be serious consequences even death. What can I do to get rid of the smell? It will effectively help you get rid of the stale air with all its bad odors. Then, go over the furniture as you normally would with the wet-vac. Whatever method you choose, be sure not to put the clothes in the dryer until the smell is gone, as heat could permanently set any mothball smell that remains. Put the remnants in an airtight container or separate trash bag. Weve had mice problems and someone told me to put mothballs. How Long Does it Take for Mothballs to Dissipate? This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Finally hung open bags of mothballs in my attic. Both the washing machine and hand washing should get the smell of mothballs out of clothing. My second question would be regarding where the hole leads and the materials around it. Are Mothballs Safe? - WebMD The pungent odor of mothballs is the very smell of storage. This is why its extremely important to make sure you store your mothballs not just in an air tight bag or container but also in a place where children and pets cant get them. Fortunately, while the smell tends to linger, it is easy to remove with things like vinegar, baking soda, cedar, and a washing machine. What does it mean when you smell mothballs? - Wise-Answer For most carpets and fabric-covered furniture, you will want to use a wet-vac, since that offers the same level of clean as a washing machine. Yes, mothballs are incredibly harmful to all living things, whether humans, plants, or animals. Here's What to Do! While theyre great for protecting fabrics from the ravages of insects, mothballs have bigger drawbacks than simply their smell. So they can last for 2 months or several in the winter months. Red cedar also has a fantastic aroma. One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. Mothballs are basically a chunk or small ball of pesticides that repel both clothes moths and humans alikeand for good reason. These chemicals are known to have a strong, pungent smell that we remember so vividly from our childhood. And we have some shocking news for you: a single mothball takes about 3-6 months to dissipate completely. One of the best natural repellents is cedar wood. Mothballs get to work as soon as you place them in the area you wish to protect, and will work best in an enclosed area where the moths are trapped with the fumes. No vinegar on hand? Mothballs are definitely useful when you are at your wits end with clothes moths. Just one small caveat: Make sure you have removed the mothballs from the clothing before you start working to remove the odor. link to Does One Bug Mean Many? While these fumes efficacy made mothballs a go-to choice for protecting treasured blouses and sweaters stashed between seasons, their offensive scent lingers on clothes, carpets, closet interiorswherever they were placedlong after youd like. The toxic chemical naphthalene can be smelled by humans at a MUCH lower threshold than whats considered harmful exposure. Mothballs can be effective at what they do, but that doesnt mean you want them to stick around for too long. How Do You Get A Cookie Cart In Animal Crossing. However, the fumes can last much longer, allowing mothballs to effectively last for several years if in a properly sealed container. You did it! The amount used in that purpose is quite low and shouldnt be harmful unless someone has a severe sensitivity to the chemical. Before you start spraying your upholstery to get out the mothball smell, consider the material. Six months later not one problem. Next time you want to stop clothes moths from chewing holes in your sweaters and coats, consider using an alternative to mothballs. Sometimes, children and pets can mistake mothballs for food and will digest them. This will prevent you from accidently rubbing those toxins into your eves or into your mouth. The hotter and more humid it is the faster the mothballs will dissipate from solid to gas. Learn more Blech! I do understand the fear that people must have when they see a snake or rodents and other wildlife animals, however, that is not its intended purpose. Moth Larvae on Your Kitchen Ceiling? We have developed professional grade solutions including proprietary pheromones engineered in Germany to the highest production standards. Airing it out for a couple days usually enough to get rid of most of the smell. The underlying concept is that removing a smell from air does not remove the source of the smell. Does One Bug Mean Many? Is a Hot Water Heater In the Attic a Good or Bad Idea? Pop the pouch inside the shoes and leave it there for about a week. How long will the smell last? I am dealing with Navajo rugs, just unpacked, permeated with mothball smell. If those options dont work for you, storing clothing inside garment bags or storage containers may also prove effective. Your email address will not be published. The choice is yours! You can purchase a cedar chest or wardrobe to store seasonal clothing and shoes when you dont need them. Naphthalene General Fact Sheet - Oregon State University Your email address will not be published. Then, grab a paper pouch and pour in some cedar chips, coffee grounds, and baking soda. Spray it on the walls, carpets, etc. You might begin to notice a dead rodent smell as soon as 12 hours after death, but it can take two to three days before it becomes strong enough that even the least sensitive nose will notice. How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell (Quick and Easy Methods) Young children have been known to eat mothballs. Baking Soda, on the other hand, does deodorize you can spread baking soda directly on or into clothing, shoes, etc and it will help eliminate odors. As a pest professional, I have never seen a pest company use mothballs to get rid of moths, in fact pest distributors do not sell mothballs to pest professionals. This is one of those products that directions on the label should be strictly followed. This is why the smell is so potent as the mothballs put off a putrid smell to keep unwanted moths away it is slowly releasing a gas. Just remember that you may need to change the item you choose frequently to have a maximum effect. The labeled use of mothballs is to kill moths and other fiberinsects toprotectclothing. The answer is yes, with some hard work. Dry cleaning is not recommended, so, if needed, maybe the 1:1 vinegar water with a wet vac will solve the problem. Place the mothballs in a region away from family living area. However, in the past, chemicals known as Naphthalene and Paradichlorobenzene were used in the making of mothballs. However, delicate clothing my require hand washing. To get rid of the smell, you should first get rid of the old mothballs. Remove Old Mothball Smell From Clothes, Furniture and Closets To learn how to use toothpaste or tomato juice to remove the smell of mothballs from your hands, read on! But, if put in-between clothes, it will take up to 12 months for it to dissipate. One of the fastest ways to get rid of the mothball smell is by letting the fresh air into your house and anything that stinks of naphthalene. Get rid of your moth problem for good. Here are some ways for removing mothball odour from clothes: Have none of these methods worked for ridding your shoes of mothball smell? Leave it there overnight. Getting the mothball smell out of a room or closet is a little more difficult than clothing, although the solutions themselves are simple. If the temperature is higher or the humidity is lower, the mothballs will not last as long. Use these sachets in areas of concern; replace them as the scent wears off to ensure prevention. If you want to get rid of the mothball smell in your clothes, you can use a variety of methods. I followed some bad advice to rid my shed of mice and squirrels. However, if you prefer DIY sanitizers then let me introduce you to one. How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell in Camper? (Pro Tips 2023) - Survival Biz This will help considerably with getting rid of the mothballs smell in your house. For instance, if you place the mothballs in an open environment with lots of fresh air, it may take about three to six months to dissipate entirely. Related: How to Get Rid of a Dead Mouse Smell. It is best for you to remove the mothballs and their insidious odour. Not only does this method get rid of the odor, it will make the furnishings nice and clean; killing bed bugs, fleas, and other small pests. See Also: How to Get Rid of Dust Mites from Upholstery. That would allow you to suck up most or all of the balls. The smell, however, may remain in your home for months or years after the last used mothball. (see the current price for Nuvan Pro Strips on DoMyOwn.Com). For . You can add some essential oil diffusers or air fresheners to a room or spray some onto your clothing. Lavender, mint, and cloves all repel insects. they want to know if they are infested with bugs. The quickest method would be an ozone generator. Made from either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, these little lumps of pesticide give off a toxic vapor that not only kills moths and their larva but also kills or repels a number of other insects. Once the baking soda has sat long enough to absorb the smell, vacuum it up. Before putting clothes away for the season, wash and dry them to remove any scents that attract moths. It could be toxic if breathed in. Both are potential carcinogens, poisonous and may cause nausea, dizziness, restlessness, lack of appetite, fatigue, headaches, and more. The vapors will remain inside the FACTS container and kill the moths. Mothballs get to work as soon as you place them in the area you wish to protect, and will work best in an enclosed area where the moths are trapped with the fumes. The hotter and more humid it is the faster the mothballs will dissipate from solid to gas. Add one cup of white vinegar for every load you wash. Run the washing machine through two complete cycles for best results, even if your clothes are not very smelly. I have been asked by customers so many times when they see a bug. 9 Signs of Termites in Your Walls, Ceiling, or Attic, Can You Kill a Cockroach By Stepping on It? To get rid of the smell of mothballs in your clothes, wash them by hand in a 1:1 white vinegar-water mixture or in your washer using vinegar instead of detergent. Napthalene Odor Hazard FAQs Mothball types, odors, chemistry There are no uses for mothballs outside in the open. And we have some shocking news for you: a single mothball takes about 3-6 months to dissipate completely. When will my baby be able to roll a ball back and forth? Another method that works well is simply opening up the windows and letting the odor scape. Washing your hands in things like toothpaste and lemon-scented soap can help eliminate the mothball smell from your hands. By Brenda Silva and Bob Vila | Updated Jan 4, 2021 11:00 AM. Another thing you can do is take a small glass and fill it up with white vinegar. Make sure to dispose of the old mothballs correctly. It is irresponsible and unsafe to use mothballs in an open living space or outdoors in a non-controlled environment. Mothballs tend to evaporate faster in more humid and hotter temperatures and less in the cold. link to When Do Mice Sleep? You can also buy cedar chips from your local hardware store and put them in drawers or dressers to absorb the smell. If ingested, can also be toxic to children, pets, and other animals, so its important not to use them in outdoor locations or in attics or crawlspaces. How Long Do Mothballs Last? And remove the eves and remove any nests. Mothballs are a pesticide so if you want to use them please be sure to only use it for its intended purpose. The smell is enough to drive moths and other insects, as well as small pests like mice and rats, away from the space. Make sure that you store moth balls and toilet cakes safely. Given the effort and time required to get rid of that mothball smell, theres some benefit in seeking out alternatives that wont make you want to plug your nose and hold your breath. Once your baby can sit up, you can practise rolling a ball back and forth.Use a big, light ball that will be easy for your baby to push. How does naphthalene . If you are using them indoors they will usually last between 2-3 months. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Once again thank you so much. The chemical used in the mothballs produces a vapor that can trigger respiratory contractions in asthma patients. Now, without wasting any more of your precious time lets head right into the depth of the things! How to Get Rid of a Mothball Smell - MothPrevention I dont want to be rude and ask her to wash all of her clothes but dont know what else to do. I was only able to retrieve 2. Mothballs may dissolve, but there will still be some intact pieces in the storage containers or within the folds of fabric. The reason mothballs are toxic is because of the chemicals they are made from. Charcoal is used in many water purifying processes and filter applications, some people even brush their teeth with it from time to time, but did you also know that it can filter the air we breathe? Some good places to store your extra mothballs include cupboards up high, locked sheds, and even lock boxes. Moth Balls: The Hidden Danger To Your Health | Adopt And Shop All containers should also thoroughly be washed out with vinegar after being used. Mothball odor is Store all chemicals safely out of the reach of children and with their safety . If you are using them indoors they will usually last between 2-3 months. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast if you use this method. Optionally, you can purchase cedar chips and make something like a moth-repellent potpourri. Apart from that, you can also use air fresheners to cover up the smell of mothballs. In contrast to chemical moth balls, cedar is non-toxic, making it a natural alternative. If any exposures occur, be sure to follow the First Aid instructions on the product label carefully. If you make the decision to use mothballs just make sure that you use them as directed on the labeling. Mothball odor is a terrible smell to have clinging to your clothing. And Voila! Take the following steps to reduce your exposure to chemicals. This may also remove the smell of mothballs from a room. Finally, place small dishes of powdered charcoal on the surfaces and leave them there for several days to further reduce the strong smell of mothballs.