Storing clothes with mothballs is a common practice to protect them from moths and other pests. However, the strong, pungent smell of mothballs can linger on clothes even after they have been washed. This smell can be unpleasant and irritating, and it can make it difficult to wear your clothes.

Here are some tips on how to get rid of mothball smell on clothes:
- Air out your clothes. The first step is to air out your clothes by hanging them outside on a clothesline or in a well-ventilated room. This will help to dissipate the mothball smell.
- Wash your clothes. Once you have aired out your clothes, wash them in hot water with a strong detergent. This will help to remove any remaining mothball residue.
- Add vinegar to the wash. Adding 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash will help to neutralize the mothball smell.
- Dry your clothes in the sun. If possible, dry your clothes in the sun. The UV rays will help to break down the mothball residue.
- Use a fabric refresher. If the mothball smell is still lingering after you have washed and dried your clothes, you can try using a fabric refresher. Fabric refreshers are available in a variety of scents, and they can help to mask the mothball smell.
Here are some additional tips for preventing mothball smell on clothes:
- Store clothes in airtight containers. This will help to prevent the mothball smell from escaping.
- Use cedar chips or lavender sachets instead of mothballs. These natural alternatives will repel moths without leaving behind a strong smell.
- Wash your clothes before storing them. This will help to remove any mothball residue that may have accumulated on the clothes.
If you are still having trouble getting rid of the mothball smell on your clothes, you may need to contact a professional cleaner. A professional cleaner will be able to use specialized equipment and chemicals to remove the mothball smell from your clothes.
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell on Clothes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Air out your clothes. Hang your clothes outside on a clothesline or in a well-ventilated room for several hours. This will help to dissipate the mothball smell.
Step 2: Wash your clothes. Wash your clothes in hot water with a strong detergent. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash to help neutralize the mothball smell.
Step 3: Dry your clothes in the sun. If possible, dry your clothes in the sun. The UV rays will help to break down the mothball residue.
Step 4: Use a fabric refresher. If the mothball smell is still lingering after you have washed and dried your clothes, you can try using a fabric refresher. Fabric refreshers are available in a variety of scents, and they can help to mask the mothball smell.
Step 5: Contact a professional cleaner. If you are still having trouble getting rid of the mothball smell on your clothes, you may need to contact a professional cleaner. A professional cleaner will be able to use specialized equipment and chemicals to remove the mothball smell from your clothes.
Why Does Mothball Smell Matter?
The strong, pungent smell of mothballs can be unpleasant and irritating. It can also trigger allergies and asthma in some people. In addition, the chemicals in mothballs can be harmful if they are ingested or inhaled.
Benefits of Getting Rid of Mothball Smell on Clothes
There are many benefits to getting rid of mothball smell on clothes, including:
- Your clothes will smell better.
- You will be less likely to experience allergies or asthma.
- You will be less likely to ingest or inhale harmful chemicals.
- Your clothes will be more comfortable to wear.
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell on Clothes: Motivations
There are many reasons why you might want to get rid of mothball smell on clothes, including:
- You want to wear your clothes without being bothered by the mothball smell.
- You are concerned about the health effects of mothballs.
- You want to sell your clothes and you don’t want the mothball smell to turn off potential buyers.
Pain Points of Mothball Smell on Clothes
The mothball smell can be a major pain point for many people. It can make it difficult to wear your clothes, and it can trigger allergies and asthma. In addition, the chemicals in mothballs can be harmful if they are ingested or inhaled.
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell on Clothes: Conclusion
If you are looking for ways to get rid of mothball smell on clothes, there are many effective methods that you can try. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can eliminate the mothball smell from your clothes and enjoy wearing them again.