Mothballs are a powerful weapon against tissue-feeding moths. Many people forget that it contains dangerous pesticides and do not take the necessary precautions when using it. Mothballs should not be placed on closet shelves: it must be slipped between clothing inside closed containers. Since moths prefer damp or dirty fabrics, you can also protect your clothing by washing it often and drying it properly. Keep your home and clothes free of lint and stains from organic substances, such as food, drink and sweat.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Protect Clothes with Mothballs
Step 1. Pack your clothes in a sealable container or bag
Mothballs should only be used in closed and confined spaces. Select plastic containers and garment bags that can be sealed and stored in closets or under the bed. Arrange your clothes neatly inside the containers.
Moths feed on animal products, such as wool, leather and felt. If they go into synthetic fabrics it is because they are attracted to organic substances such as sweat
Step 2. Put the mothballs in the containers
Read the instructions on the package to find out how many balls to use. To keep moths away from your clothes, you must respect the indicated doses. Place the mothballs on and around the clothing.
Step 3. Seal the container
Close it and make sure the air can't get out. Once ready, store it in a safe place, for example under the bed or in the closet. Over time, the mothballs will dissolve.
Step 4. Wash clothing with vinegar before wearing again
Once they are taken out of the container they will have a strong smell of mothballs, so you will need to wash them. Soak them in water and vinegar (in equal parts) or add a glass of vinegar to the washing cycle of the washing machine. Pour the water and vinegar into a bottle with a spray nozzle to spray clothes that can't be put in the washer and dryer.
- The slips that you put in the washing machine to capture the colors can also be used to absorb odors. Pack the moth-smelling clothes in a bag along with some of those slips of paper - it should solve the problem.
- Do not put the clothes in the dryer until the smell of mothballs has completely disappeared, otherwise it will set on the fabrics permanently.
Step 5. Also clean containers and garment bags with vinegar
Vinegar is also a valid remedy for eliminating the smell of mothballs from garment items. Mix it with water in equal parts in the plastic container or soak the garment bag in a basin. Let the vinegar sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse thoroughly with hot water. Always clean garment bins before storing them in the closet or using them again.
You can also use vinegar to clean closets or other areas that smell of mothballs
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Moths
Step 1. Wash your clothes regularly
Proper washing after wearing will help remove moth-attracting stains. Wash all your clothes, including synthetic ones. Remove lint from pockets and remove sweat, perfume, food and drink stains with a normal machine wash. Dry your clothes in the dryer to kill any eggs or larvae in the fabrics.
Do not starch your clothes before placing them in the closet. Dressing is a food welcome by moths
Step 2. Store all clothing in airtight containers
Moths cannot get into plastic boxes or sealed garment bags, even if there are stained clothes inside. Storing clean clothes in such containers is a great way to protect them without depending on the toxic substances contained in mothballs.
Some people rely on cedar wood or essential oil as a natural moth repellent. In truth, wooden containers only work because they are closed, while the essential oil is ineffective
Step 3. Once a month, expose the clothes you store loose in the closet to heat
Every 2-4 weeks take out clothes that aren't stored in closed containers. Put them in the dryer and start a drying cycle. Otherwise, leave them lying in the sun for a few hours. The heat neutralizes the moth eggs.
Step 4. Brush your clothes to remove the larvae
After exposing them to the heat of the dryer or the sun, remove any insects. You can shake the garments vigorously one at a time, or you can brush them on the outside and inside to remove any larvae and eggs nested in the fabrics.
Part 3 of 3: Chasing the Moths Out of Your Home
Step 1. Vacuum all over the place
You can't use mothballs in open spaces, so you need to make sure your home is free of moth-attracting substances. Vacuum your drawers, cupboards, and all other furniture. Also clean those areas that normally remain undisturbed, including floors under furniture. Remove every last hair or lint in the house using a vacuum cleaner.
Any dead rats killed by the poison you scatter in the basement or other hidden spaces in the house can become a feast for moths, so make sure you have cleaned all over
Step 2. Wash the inside of drawers and cabinets
Empty them from your clothes and wipe them with a damp rag and mild detergent or detergent. Wash your clothes before putting them back in clean closets and drawers.
Step 3. Put boric acid in the cracks in the walls
It is a powder that you can easily find in stores that sell pesticides and insecticides. Follow the instructions on the package carefully to use boric acid correctly. A minimum quantity will suffice for each opening or slot; it will be used to eliminate the moths present.
Advice
- Moths can also chew synthetic fabrics to reach the organic substances that impregnate them. Wash all your clothes before putting them back in the closet.
- Moths prefer quiet areas where they can remain undisturbed. If you wear your clothes 2-3 times a week you are unlikely to be attacked by moths.
- Never inhale the fumes of mothballs. If you can smell it, it means that you are using it inappropriately and putting your health at risk.
Warnings
- Mothballs can cause health problems that include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
- Children and pets can easily mistake mothballs for food or objects to play with.
- Naphthalene is a pesticide, it releases toxic fumes for people, animals and the environment. In some countries around the world it is illegal to use it outdoors.
- Never use mothballs outdoors or to chase away animals such as snakes or squirrels.
