How to remove the smell of mothballs from carpets

All textile fibers, as well as wood, are subject to wear and deterioration. Time is not a friend of either furniture or fabrics, in addition to the natural aging of the material, both woodworms, and moths, annoying insects capable of puncturing the structures, contributing to the damage operations. There are many anti-moth and woodworm products but, for clothes and fabrics in general, it is customary to use mothballs.

Naphthalene is certainly a very effective product, but despite this, it usually leaves a nasty smell, which sometimes needs to be removed. In this regard, in the following guide, I will show you some valid remedies on how to remove the smell of mothballs from carpets. So let’s see how to proceed.

First of all, the first intervention to operate is to open the carpet and place it in the air: the wind and the sun will reduce the mothballs’ unpleasant smell. It is also advisable to keep the carpet in the air for several days.

Once this is done, proceed as follows, making sure of the type of yarn with which the carpet was woven: cotton, wool, silk, the latter is the brightest fiber, but also the most delicate, and it is preferable to wash it with a swab soaked in water, vinegar and detergent. If the carpet can be washed, wash it by hand, using delicate detergents with white wine vinegar to rinse water.

Finally, finish the wash with a scented softener and finish with further rinses. Unfortunately, it is not advisable to wash all carpets for reasons of size, yarn, or quality. To remove the smell of mothballs from non-washable carpets, proceed by exposing them to air and sun for at least a week.

Every two days, sprinkle them with baking soda that you will leave to act for about an hour and then obliterate it with a vacuum cleaner. In addition to distilled water, you will need to add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the aforementioned appliances boiler.

Then, pass the steam jet over the entire surface of the carpet at least a couple of times. Finally, let it dry and ventilate in the sun for another day or two. Before storing the carpet, or setting it up at home, spray it with a good air freshener: the carpet will shine again and smell pleasant.

In the following days, carry out normal cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. Once a month, reinvigorate the color and cleanliness by rubbing a damp cloth soaked in water and vinegar, together with a small amount of detergent.