If you’ve ever stored clothes in a moth-proof bag or box, you know that when you go to wear them again, they often smell like mothballs. Here are three ways to get rid of that mothball smell without washing your clothes.
Will Mothball Smell Go Away on Its Own?
However, there are a few things you can do to try to get rid of the smell without washing the clothes. The mothball smell from clothes can be incredibly strong and difficult to get rid of.
Are Mothball Fumes Toxic?
If you’ve ever stored away clothes for a season only to find them smelling strongly of mothballs when you go to wear them again, you’re not alone. Mothballs are a common way to protect clothing from moths, but their pungent smell can be difficult to get rid of. In this section, we’ll explore whether mothball fumes are toxic and whether there are any health risks associated with using mothballs to protect your clothes.
Steps to Getting Rid of Mothball Smell on Clothes
The good news is, there are a few ways to get rid of that mothball smell without having to wash your clothes. Here are three methods to try. If you’ve ever stored away clothes for a season only to find them smelling strongly of mothballs when you go to wear them again, you know how frustrating it can be.
Fresh Air Method
This method involves hanging the clothes outside in the fresh air for a period of time. The amount of time that the clothes should be hung outside will vary depending on the strength of the mothball smell. For moderate smells, the clothes should be hung outside for a period of 12 hours. For strong smells, the clothes should be hung outside for a period of 24 hours. The fresh air method is one of the most effective ways to get rid of the mothball smell from clothes. For light smells, the clothes should be hung outside for a period of 6 hours.
Baking Soda Method
This is because baking soda is a natural absorbent and will help to remove the mothball smell from your clothes. The Baking Soda Method is one of the most popular methods for getting rid of mothball smell from clothes.
Then, add your clothes to the container and seal it. After 24 hours, remove the clothes from the container and shake them off. Allow the clothes to sit in the baking soda for at least 24 hours. You can then hang them up to air out or place them in the sun for a few hours. To use this method, simply add one cup of baking soda to a large container or bag.
Cedar Wood Chips Method
If you’re looking for a way to get rid of the mothball smell from clothes without washing, the cedar wood chips method is a great option. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Place your clothes in a plastic bag.
2. Add a handful of cedar wood chips to the bag.
3. Seal the bag and let it sit for 24 hours.
4. After 24 hours, remove the clothes from the bag and hang them up to air out.
5. Repeat the process if necessary.
Cedar wood chips are a natural moth repellent, so this method is great for getting rid of the mothball smell without using harsh chemicals.
Alternatives to Moth Balls
If you’re looking for alternatives to moth balls, you’ve come to the right place. In this section, we’ll discuss three ways to get rid of the mothball smell from clothes without washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get rid of the mothball smell from my clothes without washing them?
There are a few ways that you can get rid of the mothball smell from your clothes without washing them. You can try hanging them outside in the fresh air for a few hours, or you can place them in a sealed container with a bowl of vinegar for a few days. You can also try using a clothes steamer to remove the mothball smell from your clothes.
2. What are some of the best ways to get rid of the mothball smell?
There are a few ways that you can get rid of the mothball smell from your clothes. You can try hanging them outside in the fresh air for a few hours, or you can place them in a sealed container with a bowl of vinegar for a few days. You can also try using a clothes steamer to remove the mothball smell from your clothes.
3. How long does it take for the mothball smell to go away?
It depends on the method that you use to remove the mothball smell from your clothes. If you hang them outside in the fresh air, it should take a few hours for the smell to dissipate. If you place them in a sealed container with a bowl of vinegar, it should take a few days for the smell to go away. If you use a clothes steamer, the mothball smell should be gone almost immediately.
4. What are some of the risks of not removing the mothball smell from my clothes?
If you don’t remove the mothball smell from your clothes, you run the risk of the smell becoming permanent. Additionally, you may also experience skin irritation if you come into contact with the mothballs.
5. How can I prevent the mothball smell from coming back?
Once you’ve removed the mothball smell from your clothes, you can prevent it from coming back by storing your clothes in a sealed container or a garment bag. You can also try using cedar balls or lavender sachets to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to get rid of that mothball smell from your clothes without washing them, there are a few things you can try. Hang your clothes outside on a sunny day – the sun’s UV rays will help to break down the mothball smell. You can also try placing your clothes in a tightly sealed container with a bowl of coffee grounds – the coffee grounds will absorb the mothball smell. Finally, if you have the time, you can try airing out your clothes by placing them in a well-ventilated room for a few days.