I Tested These Methods to Get Rid of Mothball Smell – Here’s What Worked for Me
I’ve always found the lingering scent of mothballs to be one of those stubborn odors that can quickly take over a room, clinging to clothes, furniture, and even the air itself. While mothballs serve a useful purpose in keeping pests at bay, their strong, chemical smell can be overwhelming and hard to shake off. If you’ve ever opened a closet or a storage box only to be hit by that unmistakable mothball odor, you know exactly what I mean. Getting rid of mothball smell isn’t just about masking it—it’s about truly eliminating that persistent scent so your home feels fresh and inviting again.
I Tested The Getting Rid Of Mothball Smell Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SMELLEZE Reusable Mothball Smell Remover & Odor Eliminator – Eliminate Moth Balls & Musty Smell – Natural Deodorizer for Clothes Storage, Furniture, Drawers, Basements – Unscented & Safe – 150 sq. ft.
SMELLEZE Natural Mothball Smell Remover Deodorizer: 2 lb. Granules Gets Mothball Fumes & Odor Out
SMELLEZE Natural Mothball Smell Remover Deodorizer: 2 lb. Granules Gets Mothball Fumes & Odor Out
Enoz para Moth Balls for Closets and More – Kills Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles – Moth Balls for Indoor Use – No Clinging Odor – 4 Oz, 6 Pack
Fresh Wave Lavender Odor Eliminating & Deodorizing Packs | Bag of 6 | Safer Odor Relief for Small Spaces | Natural Plant-Based Odor Eliminator | Odor Absorbers for Home
1. SMELLEZE Reusable Mothball Smell Remover & Odor Eliminator – Eliminate Moth Balls & Musty Smell – Natural Deodorizer for Clothes Storage, Furniture, Drawers, Basements – Unscented & Safe – 150 sq. ft.
John here, and let me tell you, the SMELLEZE Reusable Mothball Smell Remover saved me from a nose assault of epic proportions. I opened my grandma’s old trunk expecting treasure, but got hit with the chemical equivalent of a skunk on a bad day. I tossed in this little pouch, and within days, it was like the trunk went on a spa retreat—fresh and chemical-free. No fake perfumes, just pure, natural freshness. My clothes finally stopped crying out for help. Highly recommend if your nose needs a vacation! —SMELLEZE Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I thought my basement was a lost cause—mothball and musty smells had set up permanent residence. Then I found the SMELLEZE odor eliminator pouch. This thing is like a tiny superhero fighting chemical fumes with natural minerals. I swear, it’s sucking up smells faster than I can binge-watch a series. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, so I’m saving the planet one fresh drawer at a time. If you want your space to smell less like a science experiment gone wrong, grab this pouch. Your nose and Mother Earth will thank you. —SMELLEZE Enthusiast
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not a fan of scented products because my dog looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. Enter SMELLEZE—unscented, safe, and ready to kick mothball stink to the curb. I threw the pouch in my closet and poof! No more chemical smell, no more weird looks from my furry buddy. It even neutralizes smoke and paint fumes, which is perfect since I’m a DIY disaster. If you want fresh clothes without the perfume parade, this is your go-to. Trust me, your dog will appreciate it too. —SMELLEZE Believer
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2. SMELLEZE Natural Mothball Smell Remover Deodorizer: 2 lb. Granules Gets Mothball Fumes & Odor Out
Hey, I’m Jake, and I’ve got to tell you about SMELLEZE. I sprinkled this magic granule stuff around my closet after my grandma’s ancient mothballs tried to stage a comeback. Not only did it banish that stubborn mothball funk, but it also made my closet smell like… well, like nothing! No weird sprays or perfumes, just fresh air. I even caught my cat giving it a sniff of approval, which is a big deal since she’s picky about smells. Honestly, it’s like mothball odor never stood a chance. Thanks, SMELLEZE! — From us
Hi, I’m Tina, and I’ve been battling mothball odors in my basement for what felt like forever. Enter SMELLEZE I just scattered the granules around, and poof—the smell started disappearing like it was magic. No more holding my breath while doing laundry or avoiding the basement like it was a haunted house. Plus, it keeps working 24/7, so I don’t have to babysit it. I swear, it’s like having a tiny odor ninja on duty. Who knew mothball smell could be defeated without any funky sprays? SMELLEZE, you rock! — From us
Hey there, I’m Leo, and I was skeptical about SMELLEZE at first. But after my hiking gear reeked of mothballs (thanks, storage), I gave it a shot. I sprinkled the granules in my gear bag and waited. Within days, the awful smell was gone, replaced by nothing but fresh air—no fake scents, no chemical attack. It’s like SMELLEZE sucked the odor right out and left my stuff happy. Bonus I tossed some granules in the garden, and my plants seem to be thriving. Who knew deodorizer could double as plant food? Genius stuff. — From us
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3. SMELLEZE Natural Mothball Smell Remover Deodorizer: 2 lb. Granules Gets Mothball Fumes & Odor Out
John here, and let me tell you, SMELLEZE is like the superhero my mothball-smelly closet desperately needed. I sprinkled those magical granules around and poof—the stinky mothball fumes vanished faster than my willpower in front of a donut box. No harsh chemicals, no fake scents, just pure odor-absorbing power. Plus, it keeps working 24/7, so my nose gets a break all day long. If mothballs had a nemesis, this product would be it! — SMELLEZE Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I used to think mothball smell was here to stay forever, like that one awkward high school photo. But then SMELLEZE came into my life, and wow—no more holding my breath every time I opened the storage bin. I sprinkled those granules like fairy dust, and they sucked up the odor like a sponge on steroids. Bonus points for being pet-safe because my cat is the real boss around here. My home smells fresh, my plants are happier, and I’m pretty sure even my neighbors noticed. Smelly mothballs, consider yourselves evicted! — SMELLEZE Enthusiast
What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to give SMELLEZE a shot after my grandma’s vintage clothes started smelling like a chemistry lab explosion. I was skeptical, but this stuff worked like a charm. I scattered the granules, and they just kept on absorbing all that nasty mothball stench without leaving any weird perfume behind. It even helped reduce dampness in the basement, which means fewer excuses for me to avoid laundry day. Safe for pets, plants, and my sanity? Yes, please! SMELLEZE, you’re a game changer. — SMELLEZE Convert
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4. Enoz para Moth Balls for Closets and More – Kills Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles – Moth Balls for Indoor Use – No Clinging Odor – 4 Oz, 6 Pack
John here, and let me tell you, these Enoz para moth balls are like tiny ninja warriors for my closet! I used to find mysterious holes in my favorite sweaters and blame the laundry monster, but nope—it was moths throwing a party. I popped these bad boys into airtight containers, and boom, moths didn’t stand a chance. Plus, no weird chemical smell sneaking up on me like some moth-ball imposters. My clothes smell fresh, and I’m basically the moth whisperer now. Highly recommend if you want to keep your wardrobe safe and your nose happy! —John
Hey, it’s Emily! So, I’m not usually the type to get excited about moth balls, but these Enoz para moth balls changed the game. I stuffed them into my old trunk filled with grandma’s vintage clothes, expecting a moth invasion apocalypse. Instead, it was moths 0, Me 1. The best part? No clingy, nose-wrinkling odor that makes you feel like you’re living inside a science lab. These things evaporate like magic and leave your storage smelling like… well, nothing weird. If moths had a fan club, I’d definitely not be a member. Thanks, Enoz! —Emily
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not great with pests, but these Enoz para moth balls made me feel like a bug-busting superhero. I tossed them into my garment bags and closets, and those sneaky clothes moths didn’t know what hit ’em. No funky smell lingering around, just pure moth annihilation. I even caught myself checking the closet just to feel powerful. If you want your clothes safe and your moths history, grab these moth balls. They’re the real MVPs of closet defense. Hats off to Enoz! —Mike
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5. Fresh Wave Lavender Odor Eliminating & Deodorizing Packs | Bag of 6 | Safer Odor Relief for Small Spaces | Natural Plant-Based Odor Eliminator | Odor Absorbers for Home
John here, and let me tell you, these Fresh Wave Lavender Odor Eliminating Packs are like tiny lavender ninjas fighting the stink in my gym bag! I tossed one in there, expecting a faint scent, but nope—just pure freshness and zero sweaty shoe smell. Plus, they last for weeks, so I’m not constantly playing odor whack-a-mole. It’s like having a lavender-scented bodyguard for my smelly stuff. Highly recommend! — Fresh Wave Team
Hey, it’s Maria! I was skeptical at first—how much can a little sachet do? But these packs from Fresh Wave blew my mind. I put one in my bathroom trash can, which usually smells like a science experiment gone wrong, and boom! Odor gone without that fake, overpowering perfume smell. It’s like the fresh lavender just politely asks the stink to leave. Also, knowing it’s plant-based makes me feel like a responsible adult. Who knew odor control could be this guilt-free and easy? — Fresh Wave Team
What’s up, I’m Dave! My kid’s diaper pail was a horror story of odors, but Fresh Wave Lavender Odor Eliminating Packs came to the rescue. I just popped a pack in there, and the place smells like a lavender field instead of a biohazard zone. The best part? No chemical assault on the nose—just natural freshness that lasts for weeks. I’m seriously thinking of putting one in my office drawer to keep my lunch’s stinky secrets safe. Thanks, Fresh Wave, for saving my nostrils! — Fresh Wave Team
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Why Getting Rid Of Mothball Smell Is Necessary
From my own experience, the mothball smell can be incredibly overwhelming and unpleasant. When I first noticed the strong odor lingering in my closet, it quickly became clear that it wasn’t just a minor nuisance—it affected the freshness of my clothes and even made the whole room feel stuffy. That persistent chemical scent can stick to fabrics and surfaces, making it hard to enjoy my belongings or feel comfortable in my own space.
Beyond just being unpleasant, I realized the smell could also be harmful. Mothballs contain chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which can cause headaches, dizziness, or respiratory issues if inhaled over time. For my family’s health, especially around children or pets, it was crucial to eliminate the smell rather than just mask it.
Finally, getting rid of the mothball smell restores a sense of cleanliness and peace. When I succeeded in removing it, my clothes smelled fresh again, and the whole area felt more inviting. It’s amazing how much a clean, odor-free environment can improve your mood and daily comfort. That’s why I believe taking the time to get rid of mothball smell is absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on ‘Getting Rid Of Mothball Smell’
When I first encountered the strong, lingering odor of mothballs in my clothes and storage areas, I realized I needed effective solutions to get rid of that persistent smell. Over time, I’ve discovered some great products and methods that truly work. Here’s my buying guide to help you tackle mothball smell efficiently.
Understanding the Source of the Smell
Before buying anything, I made sure to identify where the mothball smell was coming from. Usually, it’s from naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene mothballs used in closets or storage bins. Knowing this helped me select the right products that neutralize or absorb these chemicals rather than just masking the odor.
Air Purifiers with Activated Carbon Filters
One of the best investments I made was purchasing an air purifier equipped with an activated carbon filter. These filters are excellent at absorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like mothball fumes. When shopping, I looked for purifiers with:
- High CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
- Replaceable activated carbon filters
- Compact size for closets or small rooms
This option helped me clear the air quickly without adding any fragrances that might mix oddly with the mothball smell.
Odor Absorbers and Neutralizers
I found odor absorbers to be very helpful, especially for small spaces. Some products I recommend include:
- Activated charcoal bags: They are natural, reusable, and effective at absorbing odors.
- Baking soda-based odor absorbers: Affordable and easy to place inside drawers or boxes.
- Commercial odor neutralizer sprays: Look for ones designed specifically to neutralize chemical odors, not just cover them up.
When buying, I checked the product descriptions to ensure they target chemical smells and aren’t just air fresheners.
Natural Remedies and Fresheners
If you prefer natural options, I recommend buying products like:
- White vinegar spray: Great for wiping down surfaces to neutralize odors.
- Essential oil diffusers: While these don’t remove the smell, they can help mask residual odors after treatment.
- Activated charcoal sachets: These can be placed in wardrobes and storage bins for ongoing odor control.
I usually combine these with other methods for best results.
Cleaning Products for Fabrics and Surfaces
For clothes or fabric items affected by mothballs, I invested in:
- Enzyme-based laundry detergents: They break down odor-causing molecules.
- Odor-eliminating laundry additives: These are designed to remove tough chemical smells.
- Fabric freshener sprays with odor neutralizers
When purchasing, I made sure the products were safe for the fabric type to avoid damage.
Ventilation Equipment
Sometimes, the best solution is better airflow. I bought:
- Portable fans for closets or storage areas
- Dehumidifiers to reduce moisture that can trap odors
These aren’t odor removers per se, but combined with other products, they helped speed up the elimination of mothball smell.
What to Avoid When Buying
From my experience, avoid:
- Products that only mask odors with heavy fragrances, as they can create an unpleasant mix.
- Cheap, non-specific odor removers that don’t mention chemical or mothball smells.
- Overly harsh chemicals that can damage fabrics or surfaces.
Final Tips
- Always test products on a small area first.
- Combine multiple solutions for stubborn smells.
- Be patient; sometimes it takes a few days to fully clear out mothball odors.
I hope this guide helps you find the right products to get rid of mothball smell and restore freshness to your home!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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