How do you get rid of the smell of moth balls
Sarah Rodriguez
Published Mar 28, 2026
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. Alternatively, put the clothes in the washing machine and run a cycle using only vinegar; follow up with another wash cycle using detergent and softener.
How do you neutralize the smell of mothballs?
- Use charcoal. …
- Leave out bowls of vinegar or coffee grounds. …
- Set out a box of baking soda. …
- Get some ventilation in the room. …
- Use cedar chips or cedar balls. …
- Spread zeolite – or household cat litter – on wood and furniture. …
- Mop the floors in the room. …
- Use air fresheners.
How do you get the smell of mothballs out of a couch?
Make a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and use it to either spray or wipe down wood furniture before allowing the surfaces to air dry. Then, if that piece of furniture has drawers, shelves, cabinets, or any enclosed spaces, place a bowl of coffee grounds or baking soda inside—both of which absorb odors.
Is it safe to breathe in the smell of mothballs?
The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. If you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these chemicals. … Extended exposure to mothballs can also cause liver and kidney damage.Can you sleep in a room with mothballs?
‘ and the answer to this question is yes, potentially. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), the chemicals use in mothballs can be toxic to humans and pets and as people are exposed to these chemicals that are released as toxic fumes in the air space of the home.
Why does my husband smell like mothballs?
The scent of skatole resembles mothballs, so if your breath smells like mothballs, you may have a condition that causes excess mucus in the mouth. You might have a sinus infection, allergies or another condition that results in mucus running down the back of the throat, also known as postnasal drip.
How long does it take for mothballs to stop smelling?
How Long Does it Take for Mothballs to Dissipate? One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate.
Can I put mothballs in my closet?
Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as a garment bag or well- sealed container. Never place mothballs in an open closet or plastic garbage bag. Once vapors enter the home, their odor can persist for a long time.Do mothballs keep spiders away?
There is an easy solution to repel spiders in areas of the home where you don’t want them, and that solution is: moth balls! Moth balls not only kill moths, but they can ward off other pests, such as spiders.
Do moth balls deter mice?Mothballs repelling mice and rats is a common misconception. Mothballs contain a small amount of naphthalene and can be a deterrent in large quantities, however, they aren’t powerful enough to get rid of mice and rodents.
Article first time published onHow do you get mothball smell out of an old trunk?
If any odor remains, place a small bowl filled with white vinegar in the bottom of the trunk and close the lid. Vinegar is a natural odor absorber and neutralizer that will help rid the trunk of odor. Leave the bowl of vinegar inside the trunk overnight.
What happens if you touch mothballs?
If you touch mothballs, naphthalene can enter your body. Low levels of naphthalene have been found in some samples of fatty tissue and breast milk. The body dissolves naphthalene in your blood, which carries it to the liver and other organs. It then passes through your body and exits in the urine and waste matter.
What happens if you sniff mothballs?
The problem lies in this, mothballs are poisonous. If you can smell mothballs, you are inhaling them and exposing yourself to their harmful effects. Mothball exposure can result in dizziness, headaches, nausea, disorientation, and difficulty breathing.
Why does breath smell like poop?
Poor oral hygiene can cause your breath to smell like poop. Failing to brush and floss your teeth properly and regularly can make your breath smell because plaque and bacteria accumulate on and between your teeth. Food that’s not removed by flossing stays between your teeth, causing your breath to smell unpleasant.
What smells like mothballs outside?
Naphthalene is either a white solid or a liquid with a strong odor like mothballs. It’s used to make dyes, explosives, plastics, lubricants, and is found naturally in crude oil. It is also found in coal tar wastes at former manufactured gas plants. Coal tars were byproducts at these plants.
How do you fix bad breath from your stomach?
Brushing twice daily and using a mouthwash helps to kill some bacteria that contributes to bad breath. Consider a probiotic. Better breath could start with a healthier gut, so talk to your doctor about taking a probiotic or adding a daily cup of yogurt to your health routine.
What kind of animals do mothballs keep away?
“Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths,” Stone said. They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals.
Can I use mothballs in my garage?
Use mothballs to repel mice from garage or shed Don’t let mice spend their winter vacation in your garage. Place a few mothballs around the garage, and the mice will seek other quarters. To keep mice out of our potting shed, put the mothballs around the base of wrapped or covered plants.
Are mothballs toxic to dogs?
Mothballs contain a high concentration of insect repellent. Poisoning most commonly occurs when dogs ingest mothballs. Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs due to their curious nature. Long-term exposure to mothball fumes can harm pets and people.
Why do people put mothballs in the closet?
People use mothballs because moths have been known to eat through fabric in clothing and destroy the clothing items. They are used in an effort to stop the moth problem by killing or discouraging the moths from being in the area.
How long do moth balls take to work?
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. They can protect your clothing from moths and larvae for up to 3 months.
What scent do mice hate the most?
Mice have a very keen sense of smell that is much stronger than what humans experience. You can use this trait to repel mice and use scents that mice hate like cinnamon, vinegar, dryer sheets, clove oil, peppermint, tea bags, mint toothpaste, ammonia, cloves, clove oil, and cayenne pepper.
How does vinegar get rid of mice?
Make a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it around the perimeter of your house, as well as in any indoor access points.
Does cinnamon powder repel mice?
Cinnamon. Cinnamon has a strong spicy aroma that mice will not come near. … Also, a few drops of cinnamon oil on a cotton ball can repel mice. Sprinkle cinnamon around counters or in cupboards where you’ve spotted mice.
How do you get mothball smell out of drawers?
Absorption. Leave bowls of cat litter, white vinegar, or coffee grounds—all of which neutralize smells—in the drawers or compartments of a dresser or wardrobe.
How do you get the smell out of wood cabinets?
Completely wipe down the cabinets with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar on a slightly damp sponge or lint-free cloth. The vinegar helps cut greasy residue while removing odors, says the Maid Brigade.
Why do I smell moth balls?
Bacteria are more likely to thrive and grow when your mouth is dry. Conditions that generate excess mucus in the nasal cavities may cause you to breathe through your mouth, making it dryer than normal. For that reason, having dry mouth can intensify mothball breath.
How do I know if my breath stinks?
You may be able to tell if you have bad breath by cupping your hands over your mouth and nose or licking the inside of your wrist, and smelling it. Bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly can go a long way towards remedying this condition.
Does TheraBreath really work?
TheraBreath is effective against a number of discomforts and conditions, including dry mouth and particularly resistant plaque and fungus with the extra-strength varieties. It can even be used to fight gum disease or inflammation, especially when paired with a dedicated gum care formula such as Dental Pro 7.
Is using a tongue scraper bad for you?
Taking good care of your oral hygiene is essential to your overall well-being. Scraping your tongue can remove harmful bacteria that inflames your gums as well as prevent cavities. When these best practices for proper oral hygiene are ignored, they can lead to other issues like heart disease, cancer and more.