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How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell in Fabric—For Good!

/13 Comments/in , , /by Mary Hunt

If you’ve ever tried washing mothball-scented fabric, you already know—it doesn’t just disappear. In fact, it might make things worse! But don’t worry, I’ve discovered how to get rid of mothball smell for good. No endless washes, no lingering odors—just a proven solution that actually works (and no, it’s not vinegar!).

clothing hanging in closet how to get rid of mothball smell

I love fabric and fine textiles of all kinds, but mostly, I love cotton—cotton yard goods, sheets, towels, and quilts. You might say I’m a collector, but only in the best sense of the word. My friends know me as a recovering “fabricholic,” which is exactly why a recent email caught my attention.

“Dear Mary: Recently, I was given the most gorgeous assortment of cotton fabrics that have been stored in mothballs. Any advice on how to get the smell out? I tried washing and ended up with a whole load of laundry that smelled of mothballs. Thanks!”

–Lucille

 

Oh, the joys of a fabric haul! Whether it’s a thrift store find or a gift from a well-meaning friend, nothing beats the thrill of fresh cotton sheets, vintage quilts, or beautiful yardage. But when that “treasure” smells like it came straight out of a mothball museum? Yikes.

Let’s not kid ourselves—this is a tough problem. In fact, getting rid of that overpowering scent is one of the trickiest fabric dilemmas out there. So tricky, in fact, that I called in the pros to find out how to get rid of mothball smell once and for all. Here’s what I learned.

Why Does Mothball Smell Linger in Fabric?

Mothballs may have been a go-to for protecting fabric from hungry moths, but they come with a serious downside—their overpowering, chemical smell. That stubborn odor isn’t just unpleasant; it clings to fabric like it’s never planning to leave.

The culprit? The active ingredients in mothballs—either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, depending on their age. Both are petroleum-based pesticides that release strong fumes designed to kill insects in enclosed spaces. When fabric is stored in an airtight container with mothballs, those fumes soak in, creating that signature (and stubborn) mothball stench.

The bad news? Regular washing won’t cut it. The good news? There is a proven way to get rid of mothball smell for good—without endless washing or masking it with other scents.

The Best Way to Get Rid of Mothball Smell for Good

If you’ve tried everything to get rid of mothball smell—washing, airing out, dousing in vinegar—only to have that stubborn scent linger, you’re not alone. The only way to truly eliminate it is oxidation—breaking down the odor-causing chemicals into harmless, odor-free oxygen.

Unfortunately, baking soda won’t do it. Laundry detergent won’t do it (as you’ve probably learned the hard way). Even soaking in vinegar may require repeated treatments with no guarantee of success.

So, what does work? Nok-Out. It’s the only product I’ve found that truly eliminates mothball smell by oxidizing the harmful chemicals, not just covering them up. Unlike air fresheners or scented detergents, Nok-Out neutralizes the odor at its source—leaving your fabric completely fresh and odor-free.

Nok-Out Odor Remover
Nok-Out Odor Remover
    $43.00
    Buy on Amazon

    (Disclosure: This post includes an Amazon Creator Connections product. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link, at no additional cost to you.)

    Step-by-Step: How to Remove Mothball Smell by Hand

    1. Spray thoroughly: Generously spray the fabric or clothing with Nok-Out (or SNiPER) until it’s evenly damp but not soaking.
    2. Work it in: Gently massage the solution into the fabric to ensure full coverage.
    3. Treat both sides: Turn the item inside out and repeat the process to reach all layers.
    4. Let it dry: No rinsing! Allow the item to air dry completely.
    5. Repeat if needed: For stubborn mothball smells, you may need three to four cycles to fully neutralize the odor.

    How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell in the Washing Machine

    For a top-loading washer:

    1. Fill with cold water: Start the cycle, then pause once the machine is filled.
    2. Add Nok-Out: Pour in ½ to 1 cup and swish it around to distribute evenly.
    3. Soak the fabric: Submerge your items completely, ensuring they are fully saturated.
    4. Let it sit: Allow the fabric to soak for 20–30 minutes.
    5. Resume the cycle: Restart the machine and wash as usual on cold, but skip detergent or other laundry products.
    6. Repeat if needed: For stubborn mothball odors, additional treatments may be necessary.

    For a front-loading washer:

    1. Start with a pre-wash: Add 1 cup of Nok-Out to the detergent compartment and set the machine to a cold pre-wash cycle.
    2. Run a normal cycle: Without adding detergent or other laundry products, wash the items using cold water and a regular wash cycle.
    3. Repeat if needed: If any trace of mothball smell remains, repeat the process until the odor is completely gone.

    Don’t Forget the Dryer! How to Deodorize It Too

    Even if your fabric is fresh and clean, lingering mothball odor in the dryer can transfer right back onto your laundry. Here’s how to deodorize it properly:

    1. Spray generously: Mist the entire interior of the dryer with Nok-Out, paying close attention to vents, seams, baffles, and drum holes.
    2. Don’t forget the details: Spray the dryer door, rubber seals, and lint filter area to ensure no odor lingers.
    3. Let it air out: Leave the door open and allow the dryer to air dry completely before using it again.

     

    Question: Got a tricky odor problem of your own? Drop a comment below—I love a good fabric challenge!

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    13 replies
    2. Mary says:

      The best remedy is prevention. I have never known anything to get that smell out, not a couple hours of sunshine, not anything. I used to have sweaters from yesteryear, and I finally just gave up on them and got rid of them. Nastiest smell ever, especially if the item gets wet or damp.

      Reply
    3. Patricia says:

      Thank you, Mary, for all your research into this problem. I wondered as I read —might Nok Out remove the odor of dry cleaning chemicals from clothing as well? Thank you for your help.

      Reply
    4. DEN says:

      I agree one hundred% with Lois and Cathy – mothballs are first-rate for removing skunks which have decided to stay underneath your own home or porch. possibly exceptional to throw a handful of mothballs in the ones areas when the skunks are away Works perfectly.

      Reply
    5. Linda D Radosevich says:

      And I agree 100% with Mary and Fabric.com. I love the selection and the ‘board’ where you can save images of your favorite fabrics and patterns, to see how they will look together.

      Reply
    6. Linda D Radosevich says:

      I agree 100% with Lois and Cathy – mothballs are great for getting rid of skunks that have decided to live under your house or porch. Probably best to throw a handful of mothballs in those areas when the skunks are away…

      Reply
    8. Lois says:

      As a whiff of mothball hit me while I turned out of my parking lot the other day and I felt a surge of joy, I reflected on how context can completely change things. I, too, used to hate the smell of mothballs. That was until last year when the very aggressive squirrel population in my condo property decided my engine was a perfect place for them to nest and play. The second time this occurred the mechanic who cleaned it out and inspected the wiring suggested I place a bag of mothballs in a corner near where the nest had been. Apparently rodents abhor the smell too, and stay clear. Every time I smell them now, they are a delightful reminder that my engine is safer from the squirrels, and that they are still there. Other residents have had their wiring chewed through at a cost of $300 an incident to fix. After one man had it happen three times he bought a garage, but even then the squirrels can find a way in.

      Reply
      • Cathy says:

        I’ve had a trailer in a seasonal campground for a couple of years and sprinkle mothballs all around the skirting and deck to sway critters from living underneath or getting into the trailer. So far no critter problems!

        Reply
    9. Lorriw says:

      The other product which removes Mothball odors is sunshine! Take your garments and expose them to several hours of sunshine. Works perfectly. But hard to do today for folks without clotheslines, or lawn space.

      Reply

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