How to Find Alternatives to Using Mothballs
Traditional mothballs contain chemicals that effectively kill moths with their fumes, but you may not want to store these toxic substances with your clothes. The alternative is using substances easily found in health food stores or your kitchen. There are a variety of natural items that repel moths, the most common being cedar. Also, there are several herbs that you can use as a mothball alternative. Read on to find the best option for your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Cedar chips
- Cedar essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Dried herbs
- American ginseng
- Cloves
- Lemon peels
- Fabric for sachets
Instructions
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Make a sachet or pouch out of spare squares of fabric that you then tie or sew shut. You can also use cheesecloth or bandanas, or purchase store-bought sachets or muslin tea bags to contain your mothball substitute.
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Purchase cedar chips in a craft store or make your own from a cedar block using a plane. If you can't get cedar chips, dampen an absorbent cloth with cedar essential oil.
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3
Use dried lavender flowers scented with lavender and cedar essential oils.
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Combine dried rosemary, dried mint, dried thyme, American ginseng and cloves for a natural mothball replacement.
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Use dry lemon peels as a very economical and accessible mothball alternative.
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Place the ingredients in your sachets or tie in cheesecloth and leave them in drawers or containers, or hang them in your closets.
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Buy ready-made alternatives, such as cedar balls scented with lavender, or cedar blocks on hangers.
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Tips & Warnings
Natural mothballs are most effective when placed with clothing that is contained rather than on a shelf. An airtight plastic container is the best option.
