Things You'll Need:
- Clothesline and clothes pins
- Combination industrial-strength disinfectant-sanitizer
- Rags
- Small dishes
- Orange cloves or cedar chips
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Step 1
Find the moth balls, dispose of them in a sealed container designed for hazardous waste and place them outdoors.
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Step 2
To the extent possible, move the furniture outside and hang clothing so that it is in direct sunlight for three or four days. The fresh air will circulate through it and help dissipate the scent. You may have to bring the items in at night to avoid them getting wet or damaged.
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Step 3
If you are unable to move heavy furniture outside, move drawers outside and open windows so that air circulates around the items. Slide the furniture near an open door, if possible.
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Step 4
Pull out drawers, open cabinets and apply the industrial-strength disinfectant-sanitizer combination as recommended on the product. Some products may need to be diluted with water. Wipe the solution over the furniture and clean thoroughly to remove the moth ball odor. Put a small amount in a dish and let it sit in the drawers and cabinets for three or four days.
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Step 5
After three or four days, wash garments with the sanitizer-disinfectant, but make sure the product is recommended for clothing. Read the garment care instructions and contact your dry cleaner about any hard-to-clean or specialty materials. In particular, silk, suede and wool may require professional care.
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Step 6
Move the furniture inside. Prevent the moth ball scent from returning by keeping orange cloves or cedar chips in the furniture to keep it smelling fresh.
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Step 7
Ensure that the odor was eliminated by periodically smelling furniture and clothing to make sure it remains free of the moth ball scent. If the odor returns, launder clothing and clean furniture with the disinfectant-sanitizer again. Refresh the cedar chips or cloves if they lose their effectiveness.
