How to Remove a Mothball Smell From Dresser Drawers

Moths eat holes in clothing.

Mothballs are used to prevent the moth larvae from eating holes in clothing. Mothballs contain paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene. These chemicals have been associated with severe anemia, kidney and liver failure as well as cancer in rodents. Mothballs have a very strong odor that lingers in clothes and anything that the material has come into contact with. Removing the odor is often a challenge.

Things You'll Need

• Zeolite
• Activated charcoal

Instructions

Several Tactics May be Required

1. Remove any mothballs still present. Mothballs are dangerous to your health and the fumes will continue to expel until the mothballs are removed or they finally dissipate.

2. Place zeolite in the dresser drawers for several weeks. Zeolite is used by professional conservators. It is a mineral that absorbs odors and can be found in cat litter. Zeolite can be purchased in bulk from pool supply companies as it is also used in filter systems.

3. Ventilate the room or move the dresser to an area away from people and ventilate the dresser itself. If possible, place the dresser in the sun as heat causes the chemicals to expel.

4. Place activated charcoal in the dresser to absorb the odor. An alternative is granulated charcoal which can be sprinkled in the dresser drawers. This technique typically only works if the mothballs have been removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Mothballs are a health hazard.

References

• Prairie View Prevention Services Inc: Huffing Mothballs
• The Guardian: Researchers Warn of Mothball Cancer Risk
• The Washington Post: How to Eliminate the Mothball Smell in a Blanket Chest

Resources

• Socyberty: Mothballs