If you are looking for ways to neutralize the smell of mothballs, there are a number of things you can try to suck it up. The chemical odor of mothballs in the fibers of your wardrobe. The 71-piece set retails for $18, or about $0.25 a piece. Airing it out for a couple days usually enough to get rid of most of the smell. But now youre dealing with the smell of the mothballs you used previously to stop moths and their larvae from wreaking havoc on your wardrobe. Obviously, you cant go to work or out to run errands smelling like a musty attic. So why do mothballs disappear over time? The hotter and more humid it is the faster the mothballs will dissipate from solid to gas. Typically, moth balls can last anywhere from 2 months up to a year, but like previously mentioned, the rate at which they dissolve really depends on the temperature and the current environmental conditions. Setting the product in a strategic area that repels the mice without affecting the quality of life for your family should be your priority. Vacuum-sealed bags can be purchased online. Sometimes, children and pets can mistake mothballs for food and will digest them. Then, go over the furniture as you normally would with the wet-vac. As the fumes are toxic and can cause physical and neurological damage with over-exposure, its best to get rid of the smell, when possible. Mothballs may dissolve, but there will still be some intact pieces in the storage containers or within the folds of fabric. Such areas would include house basements and other hideouts through where the mice get access to the house. Before you start spraying your upholstery to get out the mothball smell, consider the material. Start watering your windowsill herb garden again. If you don't have white vinegar, you can use coffee grounds instead. Paid two exterminators 2000.00 and still had the problem. 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. Mothballs change from a solid into a gas in a process called sublimation. Fresh air will naturally quicken up the process of dissipation of all sorts of bad odors including weed and mothballs. The mothball smell tends to linger. Besides breathing the toxic gasses, ingesting mothballs can also lead to serious health concerns including death. Mothballs are commonly made from naphthalene, but due to naphthalene being a highly flammable substance, more companies are switching over to paradichlorobenzene. See Also: How to Get Rid of Dust Mites from Upholstery. By Brenda Silva and Bob Vila | Updated Jan 4, 2021 11:00 AM. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. Now my brand new house smells like mothballs. The moment you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these dangerous chemicals. Then, rub the paste into your hands. By simply placing a bag of activated charcoal can help filter out some of the gassy smell that mothballs put out. Thank you for your tips. Mothballs may dissolve, but there will still be some intact pieces in the storage containers or within the folds of fabric. Stash a mix of natural repellents away with the clothes. Then, go over the furniture as you normally would with the wet-vac. Alternatively, put the clothes in . We have developed professional grade solutions including proprietary pheromones, not available from anybody else in the USA, and engineered in Germany to the highest production standards. By the way, I hope you only use mothballs indoors. There are mothballs that are made from a different active ingredient that is less toxic. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating. This can cause severe effects that should be taken care of immediately. The best performing moth solutions on the market. 9 Signs of Termites in Your Walls, Ceiling, or Attic, Can You Kill a Cockroach By Stepping on It? Fortunately, while the smell tends to linger, it is easy to remove with things like vinegar, baking soda, cedar, and a washing machine. The quickest method would be an ozone generator. I am dealing with Navajo rugs, just unpacked, permeated with mothball smell. Neglecting to do this could result in respiratory problems for either you, your family, or your pets. Getting the mothball smell out of your house can be a time-consuming procedure, but it is possible. For additional treatment advice, contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. March 17, 2022 By Admin033 Leave a Comment. The reason mothballs are toxic is because of the chemicals they are made from. This will effectively help you in getting rid of the mothball smell in your clothes. When it comes to how long mothball smell will last in the air space of your home, this can be an ambiguous timeframe that will depend on various factors inside the home, such as how much mothballs were used in the indoor space, the airflow and ventilation in the home, and solutions that are used to combat this odor. No vinegar on hand? Dropping some into a burrow entrance can also be used to temporarily stop large critters from using that entrance for about a month. When Do Mice Sleep? The problem is that mothballs are themselves rather unpleasant smelling and tend to leave that odor behind long after the balls themselves dissolve. We allowed a friend going through a tough time to move in for a month or two. Although mothballs have been determined as safe for general use, the fumes can cause health problems. But mothballs smell horrible and are also dangerous when left around your home for long periods. If it is a pantry pest like an Indian Meal Moth you will want to use pheromone traps. So they can last for 2 months or several in the winter months. Air purifiers will suck in the air of the room you place it in and will cycle the air through water that filters it and then it is blown back out as cleaner air. Naphthalene may also cause haemolytic anaemia and is a possible carcinogen. You can then use white vinegar and baking soda on furniture, carpets, and curtains to remove the smell of mothballs. If you wish to discuss a pesticide problem, please call 1-800-858-7378. Since they contain toxic chemicals, you should never leave them lying around. The toxic chemical naphthalene can be smelled by humans at a MUCH lower threshold than whats considered harmful exposure. Your email address will not be published. Are You Infested. To date, weve helped over 150,000 customers deal with their moth problems. Mothballs usually last around six months before they need to be replaced. Even handling mothballs can cause your hands and eyes to itch and burn. Moreover, you can also use baking soda to help get rid of the mothball smell in your clothes. We are considering buying one but it has been treated with mothballs and I am very concerned about neuro damage since we have to live in it once or twice a year. You can add some essential oil diffusers or air fresheners to a room or spray some onto your clothing. I think I will have to call my landlord and hope he can help with the big mess I created. Thats what you get when you dont verify something before going ahead and doing it. To make one such repellent, combine lavender blossoms, whole cloves, and a couple of handfuls of cedar chips, then place the mixture in cheesecloth or another breathable material, and tie it at the ends. Is the smell dangerous? Mothballs disappear over time because of sublimation. If those options dont work for you, storing clothing inside garment bags or storage containers may also prove effective. For the rest of the house, lots of air movement/exchange (fans, open windows) is the best thing to do. Copyright 2023 Moth Prevention. Typically, moth balls can last anywhere from 2 months up to a year, but like previously mentioned, the rate at which they dissolve really depends on the temperature and the current environmental conditions. And we have some shocking news for you: a single mothball takes about 3-6 months to dissipate completely. SInce mothballs aka the molecule Naphthaline turns into a gas even in the most humid and hot conditions. It says directly on the label to only use them in a sealed container where the fumes are contained. However, they can take a while for them to stop smelling. I hope I was able to convey all my knowledge to you all effectively. 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. What will work to get the smell of moth balls out of drawings my dad did over 60 years ago. 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. How Long Does it Take for Mothballs to Dissipate? It is irresponsible and unsafe to use mothballs in an open living space or outdoors in a non-controlled environment. You can add some essential oil diffusers or air fresheners to a room or spray some onto your clothing. It is against federal law to use a pesticide in any manner that is not consistent with its labeling. This is quite an unfortunate predicament, as mothballs cans sometimes last for years. You might be pulling your hair out yelling my house smells like mothballs! On 2015-01-23 by Richard T. - This is what the mothball maker (Enoz) recommends to remove mothball odor in washable . The pungent odor of mothballs is the very smell of storage. Pop the pouch inside the shoes and leave it there for about a week. We have developed professional grade solutions including proprietary pheromones engineered in Germany to the highest production standards. I think it is fine to use mothballs in seasonally store clothing bins that are tucked away out of sight. Getting the mothball smell out of a room or closet is a little more difficult than clothing, although the solutions themselves are simple. Fortunately, the scent of mothballs is not a permanent scent. Health Effects of Mothballs. How does naphthalene . I just want to make it clear that mothballs are fine if you want to use them in the correct way I am not going to knock anyone who wants to get rid of their pest issues by using this method. Mothballs can also be used to soak up moisture and prevent mold growth. You can also buy cedar chips from your local hardware store and put them in drawers or dressers to absorb the smell. When your mothballs have been totally evaporated, you'll know it's time to add new ones. I tried the charcoal in an egg cart - left in drawers for a week.totally absorbed the smell for $10. Depending on the material your furniture is made of, you may need to get an odor eliminator to safely get rid of the mothball smell. Here's What to Do! One of the most successful methods for ridding the mothball smell from clothing is to soak the affected garments in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. One of the best natural repellents is cedar wood. When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide. First apply a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar with a spray bottle. I was only able to retrieve 2. How Long Does it Take for a Dead Mouse to START Smelling? The mothball smell is caused by the chemicals in it, like naphthalenewhich is also present in tobacco smoke. What can I do to get rid of the smell? Use the same mixture of lemon juice and vinegar you did for clothing to wipe down the insides and outsides. 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. My mom would always struggle to get the smell out of the house and come up with various solutions that helped diminish the scent quickly. Mothballs are definitely useful when you are at your wits end with clothes moths. Do not leave windows opened if there's a chance of rain or other precipitation. 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. In the beginning, put vinegar in tiny glasses on the camper's tables. 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. It means that you can wear your clothes the next day without feeling embarrassed about your clothes reeking of naphthalene. Are You Infested? A LOT of people have used mothballs in ways they are not intended. She only moved her cloths and a few personal items in. To remove these odors, leave out bowls of vinegar or plates ofactivated charcoal in the affected areas. Often, the smell of mothballs never truly ever go away. Some of the chemicals used in mothballs, such as naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, may cause reversible side effects when inhaled, including nausea, headaches, coughing, eye and nose irritation. Charcoal tablets are usually sold at pet or department stores in pellet form. Get rid of your moth problem for good. 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. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. And we have some shocking news for you: a single mothball takes about 3-6 months to dissipate completely. Optionally, you can purchase cedar chips and make something like a moth-repellent potpourri. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. Mothball odor is You need a solution to get rid of the mothball smelland fast. Are Moths Attracted to Light and UV Light? Vinegar is your best friend when it comes to washable clothes. This will highly depend on the type of moths you are trying to be rid of. . Can someone help, I made a huge mistake and I am panicking. Learning to roll a ball isn't just fun for your baby it also helps develop eye-hand coordination. 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. Mothballs can be placed in garbage bins and mailboxes, if needed. There are no uses for mothballs outside in the open. Mothballs can be effective at what they do, but that doesnt mean you want them to stick around for too long. 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. They are airing in the sun outside this week. For mothball odor in your closest or any other room, put out a bowl of vinegar or coffee grounds to absorb the odor. You can eliminate mothball odors by using deodorizers, vinegar, or charcoal. Well have to hire someone to vacuum up any left-over mothballs. Get rid of your moth problem for good. When you have a clothes moth problem, mothballs are a convenient solution for getting the infestation under control. If you prefer a ready-made sanitizer, you can easily find sanitizers from different brands and with different price tags. For this purpose, you will need a good sanitizer. Method 1 Wash the clothes with white vinegar Use a solution of white vinegar and water to get rid of mothball smells. Alternatively, buy activated charcoal from a pet or department store and put a bowl of that in the space that smells. Moth Hatching Season: When Are Moths Active, How to Get Rid of Drain Flies/Moth Flies in Your Bathroom. Read on for a few strategies for removing the odor of mothballs from your clothes and throughout the home. One of the best natural repellents is cedar wood. It is also a good idea to have a pheromone trap that you can hang in your closet to get rid of clothes moths. Moth Larvae on Your Kitchen Ceiling? mothballs are a convenient solution for getting the infestation under control, Clothes Moth Killer Kit - 6 Months' Protection. STEP 5 . It does take several months for a mothballed gas to completely go away. You saved your clothing from becoming a moth-eaten heap. Wear gloves when handling the pesticide. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast if you use this method. These chemicals are known to have a strong, pungent smell that we remember so vividly from our childhood. You stop the moth larvae from damaging your clothing, but the trade off? Plus there are better methods to get rid of moths if you are willing to check them out as I have listed them above. 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.
