How To · Fashion · Closet Care
How to Remove Mothball Smell From Clothes
That pungent mothball smell doesn't have to linger on your favorite pieces. Here's how to freshen clothes and reclaim your closet.
5 min read · IrisMothballs are effective at protecting wool and delicate fibers from insects, but their chemical smell—that distinctive, acrid camphor or paradichlorobenzene odor—can cling to fabric long after storage season ends. The good news: the smell is surface-level, not permanent, and responds well to simple household remedies.
Whether you're dealing with a single sweater or an entire winter wardrobe, these methods work fastest when combined. Most require items you already have at home and minimal hands-on time.
Mothball odor lives on the surface of fabric, not inside the fibers—which means it responds quickly to air, moisture, and mild neutralizers.
What you'll need.
- 01Clothesline or flat outdoor surface
- 02Large basin
- 03White vinegar
- 04Baking soda
- 05Activated charcoal or dried coffee grounds
- 06Small cloth sachet or cheesecloth
- 07Fabric spray or handheld steamer
- 08Cedar blocks, cedar hangers, or lavender sachets
Step one · 2 minutes
Air out garments outdoors in direct sunlight
Hang affected pieces on a clothesline or lay them flat on a clean outdoor surface in full sun for 2–4 hours. Sunlight and fresh air break down the chemical compounds responsible for the smell. This works best on dry days with low humidity. Rotate pieces halfway through so both sides get exposure. Even 30 minutes of direct sun makes a noticeable difference.
Avoid this method on delicate silks or pieces prone to fading—use shade or a covered porch instead.
Step two · 3 minutes
Soak in white vinegar solution
Fill a basin with cool water and add one cup of white vinegar per gallon of water. Submerge the garment for 15–30 minutes, gently agitating occasionally. Vinegar neutralizes the alkaline compounds in mothball residue. After soaking, rinse thoroughly in cool water until the vinegar smell fades (usually 2–3 rinses). Gently squeeze out excess water—don't wring—and lay flat to dry.
Test vinegar on an inconspicuous corner first if the garment is dyed or has delicate trim.
Step three · 2 minutes
Use baking soda as a dry neutralizer
For items you can't wet, place the garment in a sealed plastic bag with an open box of baking soda or sprinkle baking soda directly inside folded pieces. Seal the bag and leave it for 24–48 hours. Baking soda absorbs odor molecules without adding moisture. Remove the garment, brush off excess powder gently, and air it out for 30 minutes before wearing.
This method is ideal for delicate knits, vintage pieces, or anything prone to water damage.
Step four · 1 minute
Crumple activated charcoal or coffee grounds inside the garment
Place a small sachet of activated charcoal or dried coffee grounds inside folded garments overnight. Both absorb odor effectively. Activated charcoal is odorless and won't transfer smell; coffee grounds add a neutral scent that can mask remaining mothball odor. Remove the sachet in the morning and air the piece for 15 minutes.
Coffee grounds work best for darker fabrics where any residual powder won't show.
Step five · 2 minutes
Refresh with a fabric spray or steam
Once the garment is mostly odor-free, lightly mist it with a fabric refresher spray (like Febreze) or hang it in a bathroom while you shower—the steam helps dissipate any lingering smell. Alternatively, use a handheld garment steamer on low heat, holding it 6 inches away from the fabric. Steam opens fibers and allows trapped odor to escape into the air.
Avoid over-spraying or over-steaming, which can leave the garment damp or damage delicate fabrics.
Step six · Ongoing
Store with cedar or lavender to prevent future odor absorption
Once the smell is gone, protect your closet by storing garments with cedar blocks, cedar hangers, or dried lavender sachets instead of mothballs. These natural alternatives repel insects without the chemical smell. Keep storage areas well-ventilated and dry to prevent odor from settling back into fabrics.
Replace cedar blocks every 1–2 years as their scent fades, or refresh them by lightly sanding the surface.
How to know it works.
The mothball smell should fade noticeably within 24 hours of starting these methods. Most pieces are odor-free after combining two or three techniques. Your nose is the best judge—if you can't detect the chemical smell when you bring the garment close to your face, it's ready to wear.
Questions at the mirror.
Can I wash the garment in the washing machine instead?
Yes, if the care label allows it. Use cool water, mild detergent, and add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Air-dry completely. However, delicate fabrics or vintage pieces may require the gentler methods listed above.
How long does mothball smell typically last on its own?
Without intervention, the smell can linger for weeks or even months, especially on heavily stored items. Active treatment accelerates the process to 24–72 hours.
Will the smell come back if I store the garment again?
No, as long as you don't use mothballs again. Switch to cedar or lavender, ensure the storage area is clean and dry, and the garment should remain fresh.
Is mothball smell harmful to breathe?
The smell itself is unpleasant but not dangerous in small amounts. However, if you're sensitive to strong odors or have respiratory concerns, prioritize airing garments outdoors and ensure good ventilation while wearing them.