Mothballs are often used with good intentions. They help protect clothing and stored items from pests, especially in closets, attics, and storage bins. But once that strong, chemical odor settles in, it can be incredibly difficult to remove.
If you are dealing with a lingering mothball smell in your home or closet, you are not alone. The odor can cling to fabrics, walls, and even the air itself. Understanding why it happens and how to properly remove it can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary damage.
Below, we break down what causes the smell, what actually works to remove it, and when it may be time to call in professionals.
Is Mothball Odor Toxic?
Mothball smell is not just unpleasant. In some cases, prolonged exposure to the chemicals released by mothballs may also pose health concerns, especially in enclosed spaces or when large quantities have been used over time.
Because mothballs release chemical vapors into the air, strong or persistent odor can be a sign that those vapors are still present in the home. This may be more concerning for children, older adults, pets, or anyone with respiratory sensitivities.
That is one reason it is important to take lingering mothball odor seriously. If the smell does not improve with normal cleaning and ventilation, professional odor removal may be the safest and most effective next step.
Why Mothball Smell Is So Hard To Remove
Mothballs contain chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. These substances release gas over time, which is what repels insects. That same gas is also what creates the strong, recognizable odor.
The problem is that this gas doesn’t just sit on the surface. It penetrates deep into porous materials, such as fabric (including carpet and upholstery), wood, drywall, and HVAC systems.
Once absorbed, the smell can linger for weeks or even months if not treated properly. Simply airing things out or masking the odor rarely solves the problem completely.
How To Get Mothball Smell Out Of Clothes
Clothing is one of the most common places where mothball smell lingers. If items have been stored with mothballs, the odor can become deeply embedded in the fibers.
Here are the most effective steps to remove it:
1. Air Them Out First
Start by placing the clothes outside in fresh air, ideally in a shaded area. Sunlight can help, but direct exposure for long periods may damage certain fabrics. Air circulation helps release trapped gases.
2. Wash With The Right Additives
Use a strong laundry detergent and add one of the following:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- A specialized odor removing laundry booster
Avoid mixing vinegar and baking soda in the same load, as they cancel each other out. You may need to wash items more than once for best results.
3. Use Warm Water When Possible
Check care labels, but warmer water can help break down odor molecules more effectively than cold water.
4. Dry Thoroughly
Do not leave clothes damp. Proper drying helps prevent any remaining odor from settling back into the fabric.
If the smell persists after multiple washes, the contamination may be too deep for standard home methods.
Removing Mothball Smell From Closets And Rooms
When mothballs have been used in enclosed spaces, the odor can spread beyond clothing and into the structure of the home.
To address this:
Ventilate The Area
- Open windows and doors to increase airflow
- Use fans to push stale air out and bring fresh air in
Clean All Surfaces
- Wipe down walls, shelves, and hard surfaces with a mixture of mild detergent and water
- Focus on areas where mothballs were stored
Replace Or Clean Soft Materials
- Carpets, curtains, and upholstered items may hold onto the smell
- Steam cleaning or professional cleaning may be necessary
Check The HVAC System
- Odors can circulate through air ducts
- Replace filters and consider a system inspection
Even with these steps, some odors remain because they have penetrated deeper than surface level.
What Not To Do
When trying to get rid of mothball smell, it is easy to make the situation worse by using the wrong approach.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using air fresheners to mask the smell
- Sealing contaminated items in plastic bins without cleaning them first
- Using heat without proper ventilation, which can intensify the odor
- Mixing multiple cleaning chemicals without understanding reactions
Masking the odor does not remove it. In many cases, it just delays proper treatment.
When DIY Methods Are Not Enough
Sometimes the mothball smell becomes overwhelming or spreads throughout the home. This is especially common in situations involving long term storage, inherited items, or heavy use of mothballs in enclosed spaces.
Signs that professional help may be needed include:
- Strong odor that does not improve after repeated cleaning
- Smell present in multiple rooms
- Odor coming through vents or HVAC systems
- Sensitive individuals experiencing headaches or irritation
Professional restoration companies use specialized equipment designed to remove odors at the molecular level. This can include advanced air filtration, thermal treatments, and targeted cleaning methods that go beyond what household products can achieve.
Why Professional Odor Removal Works
Mothball smell is not just a surface issue. It is a contamination problem that requires proper treatment.
Professional odor removal focuses on:
- Identifying where the odor has spread
- Treating both air and surfaces
- Using equipment designed to neutralize odor particles
- Preventing the smell from returning
This approach is especially important in homes where indoor air quality is a concern. Lingering chemical odors can affect comfort and, in some cases, health.
Restore Your Home With Axel Works
Persistent odors like mothball smell can affect more than just comfort. They can impact how your home feels, how your belongings smell, and how confident you are in your space.
Axel Works provides professional odor removal and restoration services designed to fully eliminate stubborn smells at the source. Our team uses advanced equipment and proven methods to treat both surfaces and indoor air, ensuring the problem is resolved completely.
If you are dealing with a lingering mothball smell that will not go away, contact Axel Works today. The sooner the issue is addressed, the easier it is to restore a clean, fresh environment.
