To use tomato juice, fill a bowl with tomato juice. How do you neutralize the smell of mothballs? Is it possible to get rid of the smell from plastic? Obviously, you cant go to work or out to run errands smelling like a musty attic. So you dont want that smell hanging in the air like an ominous cloud. (see the current price for Nuvan Pro Strips on DoMyOwn.Com). Other methods for repelling moths that dont stink and make you sick include essential oils. You might be pulling your hair out yelling my house smells like mothballs! Its worth keeping in mind that the fumes can cause dizziness or nausea in some people, so exercise caution if youre considering using them around the house. Pest Insider is affiliated with products and services I personally use and trust. Getting Rid of the Mothball Smell Sometimes, children and pets can mistake mothballs for food and will digest them. % of people told us that this article helped them. When your mothballs have been totally evaporated, you'll know it's time to add new ones. If by chance you put mothballs inside a container with clothes, youll want to wash this clothing in vinegar before you wear it again. If you are wondering how long it takes for the mothballs to stop smelling, keep in mind that it all depends upon the place you put them in. The hotter and more humid it is the faster the mothballs will dissipate from solid to gas. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating. the smells can linger and will slowly dissipate over time. On 2015-01-23 by Richard T. - This is what the mothball maker (Enoz) recommends to remove mothball odor in washable . Are You Infested. Dropping some into a burrow entrance can also be used to temporarily stop large critters from using that entrance for about a month. If you really want to get rid of the mothball smell, then you need to sanitize everything that reeks of that bizarre smell. Inhaling the fumes will exacerbate this sensation and may lead to headaches, breathing difficulties, nausea, and dizziness. Due to the harmful chemicals naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene found within these mothballs we DO NOT sell them and would advise against using them for your own safety. Mothballs can be effective at what they do, but that doesnt mean you want them to stick around for too long. I followed some bad advice to rid my shed of mice and squirrels. You saved your clothing from becoming a moth-eaten heap. Many people have the same questions about ridding their home of mothball smell once and for all. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If you worry that you wont be able to successfully remove the mothball smell from clothing, then you can seek out professional assistance. Once you lay mothballs out to deal with moth larvae, the chemicals will transition into a gas and mix into the air. Although this takes time, turning up the temperature in your home will help dissolve any leftover mothball residue that may still be around. Whether its how to get mothball smell out of clothes, furniture, or your house, we have several solutions! Keep in mind that just because you can smell moth balls, it doesnt mean its automatically harmful. Vacuum-sealed bags can be purchased online. Weve had mice problems and someone told me to put mothballs. ), Hornet Nests vs Wasp Nests (How to Spot the Difference), How to Get Rid of Dust Mites from Upholstery, Smelleze Reusable Mothball Smell Deodorizer. Mothballs are nearly 100% active ingredient, and the active ingredient may be either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Get rid of your moth problem for good. This will effectively help you in getting rid of the mothball smell in your clothes. Due to the harmful chemicals naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene found within these mothballs we DO NOT sell them and would advise against using them for your own safety. Is a Hot Water Heater In the Attic a Good or Bad Idea? Then, grab a paper pouch and pour in some cedar chips, coffee grounds, and baking soda. Air Fresheners are nice and they can make the air smell delightful, however, they do not treat the air so I dont think it really counts as a way to eliminate mothball odor. I may be overly dramatic but I dont wanna die cause of this any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. If you want to get rid of the mothball smell in your clothes, you can use a variety of methods. Like mentioned earlier, because mothballs are made out of the chemical naphthalene, they release harmful gas and should always be kept in an air tight bag or fully sealed container. Other than that, prolonged exposure to the mothball vapor can cause severe liver and kidney damage. Red cedar also has a fantastic aroma. Id recommend using an ozone generator like Enerzen or something similar in the attic since its hard to vent out an area like that. To date, weve helped over 150,000 customers deal with their moth problems. 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. But mothballs smell horrible and are also dangerous when left around your home for long periods. It is also a good idea to have a pheromone trap that you can hang in your closet to get rid of clothes moths. If it is a clothing moth you will want to use Nuvan Pro Strips. You can add some essential oil diffusers or air fresheners to a room or spray some onto your clothing. How long does it take for mothballs to stop smelling? Vinegar is your best friend when it comes to washable clothes. Mothballs are a pesticide so if you want to use them please be sure to only use it for its intended purpose. A quality neutralizer will actually destroy the odor of the mothballs instead of just trying to cover it up. You need a solution to get rid of the mothball smelland fast. All Rights Reserved. The smell is horrible in my home. Just one small caveat: Make sure you have removed the mothballs from the clothing before you start working to remove the odor. . In any case, try to avoid letting any children or pets wander into the kitchen and keep the room well-ventilated. But because it works well for many other pests (other than moths) and can be purchased easily and for a relatively low cost, other sites and forums state various creative uses for it (no matter how dangerous it may be). Naphthalene may also cause haemolytic anaemia and is a possible carcinogen. Vary the treatment depending on the clothing; for example, formore delicate fabrics you might try combining the vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritzing the fabric. Then, grab a paper pouch and pour in some cedar chips, coffee grounds, and baking soda. It is best for you to remove the mothballs and their insidious odor. When you have a clothes moth problem, mothballs are a convenient solution for getting the infestation under control. But mothballs smell horrible and are also dangerous when left around your home for long periods. Moth Hatching Season: When Are Moths Active, How to Get Rid of Drain Flies / Moth Flies in Your Bathroom. To do so properly, place mothballs inside tightly closed containers along with the clothing or materials. Use these sachets in areas of concern; replace them as the scent wears off to ensure prevention. Naphthalene is highly flammable, which is why dichlorobenzene in many more modern mothballs has replaced it. Does One Bug Mean Many? 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. How Long Does it Take for Mothballs to Dissipate? Will Mothball Smell Go Away? 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. Is there enough of a residual effect to cause harm? Pop the pouch inside the shoes and leave it there for about a week. Next, place the bowl in your closet where you are keeping your clothes. This will highly depend on the type of moths you are trying to be rid of. The smell is enough to drive moths and other insects, as well as small pests like mice and rats, away from the space. Lavender, mint, and cloves all repel insects. Six months later not one problem. . Wipe out all containers or drawers prior to use to remove any existing moth eggs. However, both chemicals have the same NFPA 704 code for flammability. Here are some ways for removing mothball odor from clothes: Have none of these methods worked for ridding your shoes of mothball smell? I went in this am and dang near killed my self, (not really but pretty dang close). If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. Your email address will not be published. Charcoal tablets are usually sold at pet or department stores in pellet form. Mothballs are definitely useful when you are at your wits end with clothes moths. The combination of its low price and its efficiency in warding off moths makes this repellent our top selection. Tomato juice can effectively remove unwanted smells and odors. This simple white powder has the power to absorb even the most stubborn smells imaginable. The fumes are very toxic, and you could become ill with prolonged exposure. When you have a clothes moth problem, mothballs are a convenient solution for getting the infestation under control. While theyre great for protecting fabrics from the ravages of insects, mothballs have bigger drawbacks than simply their smell. So, whats the solution to ridding your area of this smell? Once youve done that, you can safely move onto quickly getting rid of lingering fumes. Naphthalene (used to make mothballs) is also used in the production of many types of plastic (like jewel cases). 10 Best Smell-Proof Backpacks For Weed | Cannabis Storage, 10 Best Smell-Proof Bong Bags (Portable & Small) 2021, 10 Best Smell Proof Bags for Weed | Stash Containers | 2021, 5 Best Large Smell-Proof Bags (Charcoal-Lined) Odor Blockers, 6 Best Smell-Proof Cases (Weed Carrying Bags) in 2021, 7 Best Smell-Proof Bags with Lock - Stash Pouch & Containers. The problem is that mothballs are themselves rather unpleasant smelling and tend to leave that odor behind long after the balls themselves dissolve. What will work to get the smell of moth balls out of drawings my dad did over 60 years ago. 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. Dangers The chemical naphthalene is dangerous to humans and animals. This time the use is a little different. How to avoid exposure to chemicals. Because basil, spearmint, rosemary, and sage drive away moths as well. Now place this glass in your wardrobe where you keep your clothes. But, if put in-between clothes, it will take up to 12 months for it to dissipate. Copyright 2023 Moth Prevention. [7] 4 Try tomato juice. Keep your clothes smelling fresh by washing and drying them before sticking them in the closet. (and Should You? Some popularnatural moth repellents involve ingredients like flowers, herbs, or essential oils. Always follow label instructions and take steps to avoid exposure. link to Does One Bug Mean Many? So you dont want that smell hanging in the air like an ominous cloud. Fresh air will naturally quicken up the process of dissipation of all sorts of bad odors including weed and mothballs. For delicates, you can also use a spray bottle instead of soaking. Josh Hurd has been freelance writing since 2006. And we have some shocking news for you: a single mothball takes about 3-6 months to dissipate completely. I will check your site out again before jumping too far into home projects. What can I do to get rid of the smell? Take a spray bottle and half fill it with white vinegar and half with plain distilled water. The odor can be particularly stubborn in rooms or closets where mothballed clothes have been stored. You might be pulling your hair out yelling my house smells like mothballs! There are too many things out there that work so much better. You can then use white vinegar and baking soda on furniture, carpets, and curtains to remove the smell of mothballs. Spray it on the walls, carpets, etc. Just one small caveat: Make sure you have removed the mothballs from the clothing before you start working to remove the odour. Make sure that you store moth balls and toilet cakes safely. Obviously, you cant go to work or out to run errands smelling like a musty attic. Paid two exterminators 2000.00 and still had the problem. The are drawings free hand for plumbing class. In How Long Do Mothballs Disappear? If you put the mothball under fabric or someplace where there is no air circulation, it takes about 12 months to dissipate! Mothballs are definitely useful when you are at your wits end with clothes moths. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Neglecting to do this could result in respiratory problems. No one loves the smell of mothballs. This Enerzen model is quite popular with RVers. You don't need to hold your nose for much longer, thoughodor-absorbing materials like vinegar can help remove the mothball smell from your clothes and living space. This helps me to continue making helpful content and I hope that you use these links if my information has helped you in any way. I hope I was able to convey all my knowledge to you all effectively. Mothball odour is a terrible smell to have clinging to your clothing. You may need a specialized odor eliminator to nix the mothball odor. It takes one mothball about 3 to 6 months for it to evaporate if kept in the open air. Like mentioned earlier, mothballs evaporate into a gas overtime thats very toxic to your health. Most people would answer that question with different adjectives, but the consensus is that they smell unpleasantly pungent. This is called Paradichlorobenzene. Another method that works well is simply opening up the windows and letting the odor scape. 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Yes, mothballs are incredibly harmful to all living things, whether humans, plants, or animals. Not to worry, here are some methods for getting rid of the pesticide scent around your home: Powerful Clothes Moth Traps & Carpet Moth Traps - 3 Pack, High-Performance Clothes & Carpet Moth Trap Refills - 6 Pack, Powerful Pantry Moth Traps 15pk - Versatile and Effective | Results Guaranteed. Since they contain toxic chemicals, you should never leave them lying around. You need to get rid of it. First, as mothballs evaporate, they leave a gas in the air. Young children have been known to eat mothballs. Extended exposure may result in kidney and liver damage. As the Naphthaline slowly dissolves into a gas it does create a mild toxin. Inhaling the fumes will exacerbate this sensation and may lead to headaches, breathing difficulties, nausea, and dizziness. Naphthalene can cause dizziness, nausea, upset stomach and liver problems. Here are the most common mothball-related questions: It usually takes a couple of months for the physical mothball to completely dissipate when not exposed to air. Make sure to dispose of the old mothballs correctly. Mothballs are a great tool for protecting your clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, and anything else that can be damaged due to either moth larvae and mold.