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The older mothballs contained napthalene and created one of the most difficult to remove odors you will ever have to deal with. Even the newer mothballs dessicate into a gas in about a month. The gaseous form is what makes it so difficult to remove.
If the odor is caused by the ones that contained napthalene, it is insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents and very soluble in ether, chloroform, or carbon disulfide. Therefore some sources recommend soaking in alcohol or methylated spirits, prior to washing according to the recommendation below.
The route you will take for your garment depends upon the "washability" of the items. If they are dry clean only, your best choice is probably to use air (second to a professional cleaning.) You must expose them to enough air to allow the gas to dissipate. Hang outdoors in fresh air, out of the sun to avoid fading. Use the clothes dryer on "fluff," "air" or other setting that uses no heat (even though heat helps the gas to dissipate faster, it may harm your garment.) If you have no access to an outdoor area for hanging, you can enclose them with carbon or charcoal to absorb the gas. Use BBQ charcoal (that has not been treated to be self-starting) or activated charcoal (away from pets.) Either way takes TIME. Baking soda will also absorb the odor but takes much, much longer.
Another option that has been used to remove odors from fabrics or items that can't tolerate washing is vodka. Yes, vodka. Do a spot test first to make sure there is no interaction with fabric dyes. Spray the garment down with vodka and allow to air completely. It is said the vodka evaporates taking most any odor with it.
If the garment is washable, add baking soda to the wash cycle. At the rinse cycle, add 2 cups white vinegar and allow to rotate several times to distribute the vinegar throughout, then stop and allow to soak for 2 or more hours. Run through a plain water rinse. Dry on the "fluff," or "air" setting with no heat (to maximize air exposure) and add a fabric softener sheet or two.
Do not wash with any clothing that does not contain the mothball odor.
Other recommendations:
If the garments can tolerate it (and you can tolerate it,) use a steam iron in a well ventilated area to force the gas to dissipate. This gas has been shown to be harmful (especially the older version,) so take precautions.
If the baking soda wash, vinegar rinse did not remove all of the odor, try soaking in a solution of orange scented 4 in 1 Lysol. Then repeat the baking soda wash and vinegar rinse process.
Oxygen cleaners added to the wash may also help.
There is a commercial product called Smelleze Mothball Deodorizer that may also help.
What else can I help you with?
How do you get rid of moth ball smell from clothes?
To remove mothball odor from clothes, try airing them out in fresh air and sunlight for a few hours. You can also try washing the clothes with a mixture of vinegar or baking soda to help neutralize the smell. Additionally, using activated charcoal or scented sachets in the storage area can help absorb any remaining odor.
How do you rid of moth ball smell from storage unit?
Ventilate the storage unit by opening windows and using fans to help disperse the smell. Place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal around the unit to help absorb odors. Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water to help neutralize the smell.
How long does the smell of weed stay on your clothes?
The smell of weed can linger on clothes for 1-2 days, depending on factors like how much exposure there was and the fabric of the clothing. Washing the clothes can help remove the smell more effectively.
How do you remove smell of bromine from clothes?
To remove the smell of bromine from clothes, you can soak the clothes in a mixture of water and vinegar, then wash them with laundry detergent. Another method is to soak the clothes in baking soda and water before washing them. Additionally, you can hang the clothes outside to air out and naturally dissipate the smell.
How lond does marijuana smell stay on clothes?
The smell of marijuana can linger on clothes for a few hours to a few days, depending on factors like how concentrated the smell is, how long the clothes were exposed, and if they were washed or aired out. Washing the clothes with soap and water can help to remove the smell more effectively.
How do you get moth ball smell out of attic We put moth balls in attic to get rid of squirrels but now are dealing with moth ball smell.?
It will take ventilation and time.
What would emit a camphor or moth ball like smell in the home without using either?
Certain moths and other insects emit a smell similar to a moth ball. If you smell this in your home it probably means you have an insect infestation.
What are moth balls?
They are used to protect clothes in storage from moth species that feed on certain fabrics. They look like cotton balls and smell like gasoline.
Why didnt the butterfly go to the dance-?
it was a moth ball it was a moth ball it was a moth ball it was a moth ball it was a moth ball
Do mothballs swell up?
They don't swell up, there balls you put in your clothes so that moths don't eat your clothes. The moth balls do smell a lot though.
How do you get rid of moth ball smell from clothes?
To remove mothball odor from clothes, try airing them out in fresh air and sunlight for a few hours. You can also try washing the clothes with a mixture of vinegar or baking soda to help neutralize the smell. Additionally, using activated charcoal or scented sachets in the storage area can help absorb any remaining odor.
What is solvent in moth ball evaporating?
Moth ball mga bobo
If you put moth ball in your garage under the shelves can the smell be harmful?
It depends on how strong the smell is. Yes, it is harmful. It is a gas. And if can kill bugs it could be harmful for you. It could damage your lungs.
How do you rid of moth ball smell from storage unit?
Ventilate the storage unit by opening windows and using fans to help disperse the smell. Place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal around the unit to help absorb odors. Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water to help neutralize the smell.
What does a clothes moth look like and how can I identify one?
A clothes moth is a small insect with a wingspan of about 1/2 inch. It has a golden color and a narrow, elongated body. You can identify a clothes moth by its size, color, and distinctive shape.
Can the smell of moth balls in baby clothes be dangerous?
Possibly in high enough concentrations. Baby clothes should not be kept in any area with mothballs. Generally mothballs are only needed to protect clothing not used routinely.
Which animal has a best sense of smell between moth and cat?
The dog has the best sense of smell.
