Getting the Smell of Mothballs Out of Furniture

Moths can seriously damage furniture and clothing.

Mothballs commonly are used to keep destructive moths out of closets and storage areas where fabric items are kept. Mothballs work well for keeping moths at bay, but they can generate a heavy odor that is capable of lingering long after the mothballs themselves have been removed from the area. The smell of mothballs can permeate rooms, clothing and furniture in the area surrounding where the mothballs were used.

Things You'll Need

• Fans
• Activated charcoal
• Liquid laundry soap or detergent
• Fabric freshener
• Air freshener or potpourri
• Washcloths

Instructions

1. Thoroughly examine the piece of furniture to make sure there are no mothballs left. Some people believe mothballs can be used to ward off pests such as snakes and rodents, and insert mothballs deep into the depths of furniture items in hopes of keeping pests away.

2. Disassemble the furniture as completely as possible. This involves removing cushions, drawers and any other small pieces. Wash removable cushion covers and pillows with laundry detergent in cool water. Wash by hand or with a machine, depending on the durability of the fabric.

3. Take the furniture outside and leave it there for several days to air out, if possible. If you cannot place the furniture outside, open all the windows in the room and use fans to ventilate the room as completely as possible. Place activated charcoal in the room to help absorb the smell.

4. Completely wash the furniture item with a mixture of liquid laundry soap and cool water or an item-specific cleaning product such as wood polish or leather cleaner. If you are cleaning fabric furniture, you may use a carpet cleaner to clean the upholstery. Spray the furniture down with a fabric freshener if desired.

5. Hide air fresheners or potpourri in the depths of the furniture, out of sight. This helps keep pleasant smells coming from the furniture to mask any lingering mothball smells.

Tips & Warnings

• The more of the furniture you can wash, the better chance you have of removing the smell.

References

• Oregon State: Mothballs -- Proper Use and Alternative Controls for Clothes Moth; D. Stone and T. Stock; 2008
• Heloise: Heloise Hints
• House Beautiful; Organizing Your Home; Eve M. Kahn