How To Get Mothball Smell Out Of Cedar Chest

How To Get Mothball Smell Out Of Cedar Chest

Opening an old cedar chest can be an exciting experience, but that excitement can quickly turn into disappointment when you’re hit with the overpowering smell of mothballs. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also be harmful to your health. In this article, I will share my personal experience and provide a step-by-step guide on how to get mothball smell out of a cedar chest.

My Personal Experience

A few years ago, I inherited a beautiful cedar chest from my grandmother. It had been in storage for years and had a strong mothball smell. I wanted to use the chest to store my winter clothes, but I couldn’t stand the odor. I tried a few different methods to get rid of the smell but had no luck.

After doing some research and trying different techniques, I finally found a solution that worked. I was able to remove the mothball smell from the cedar chest, and it now smells fresh and clean. Here’s how I did it:

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Air it Out

The first thing you should do is take the cedar chest outside and leave it in a well-ventilated area for a few days. This will help to air out the mothball smell and allow fresh air to circulate through the chest.

Step 2: Clean the Chest

Next, you should clean the chest with a damp cloth. Be sure to use a cloth that has been wrung out well and is not overly wet. You don’t want to saturate the wood with water, as this can cause damage.

If the chest is particularly dirty, you can use a mild soap solution. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth to clean the chest. Rinse the cloth well and wipe down the chest again to remove any soap residue.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help to absorb odors. To use baking soda to remove the mothball smell from your cedar chest, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the chest and close the lid. Let it sit for a few days, then vacuum up the baking soda.

Step 4: Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is another natural deodorizer that can help to remove the mothball smell from your cedar chest. Place a few pieces of activated charcoal inside the chest and close the lid. Leave it for a few days, then remove the charcoal.

Step 5: Use Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural cleaner and deodorizer that can help to remove the mothball smell. Mix equal parts water and vinegar and use a soft cloth to wipe down the inside of the chest. Be sure to wring out the cloth well and not saturate the wood with the vinegar solution. Let the chest air out for a few hours before closing the lid.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Use fresh cedar chips or balls to help absorb the mothball smell.
2. Place a bowl of coffee grounds inside the chest to help absorb the odor.
3. Use a fan to circulate air through the chest.
4. Place a few dryer sheets inside the chest to help absorb the odor.
5. Try using essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint, to help mask the odor.
6. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to wipe down the inside of the chest.
7. Leave the chest outside in a sunny area for a few hours to help air it out.
8. Use a commercial odor eliminator, such as Febreze or Ozium.
9. Try using a UV-C light to help kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
10. Repeat the cleaning and airing out process as needed until the odor is gone.

Pros and Cons

There are both pros and cons to using different methods to remove the mothball smell from your cedar chest. Here are a few to consider:

Pros:

• Many of the methods are natural and non-toxic.
• Most of the methods are easy and inexpensive.
• Using different methods can help to eliminate the odor more quickly.

Cons:

• Some of the methods may take longer than others to work.
• Repeated use of certain methods, such as vinegar, can cause damage to the wood.
• Some of the methods may not completely eliminate the odor.

Personal Review and Suggestion

After trying many different methods, I found that using a combination of baking soda, activated charcoal, and vinegar worked best to remove the mothball smell from my cedar chest. It took a few days for the odor to completely disappear, but the chest now smells fresh and clean.

My suggestion would be to try different methods and combinations to find what works best for your particular cedar chest. And don’t be afraid to repeat the process as needed until the odor is completely gone.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Can I use bleach to clean my cedar chest?

No, bleach can damage the wood and cause discoloration. Stick to mild soap and water or vinegar solutions.

How long does it take to get rid of the mothball smell?

The length of time it takes to remove the odor depends on the severity of the smell and the method used. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Can I use mothballs to help absorb the odor?

No, using more mothballs will only make the odor worse. Stick to natural deodorizers like baking soda and activated charcoal.

Can I store clothes in my cedar chest after removing the mothball smell?

Yes, once the odor is completely gone, it is safe to store clothes in your cedar chest. However, it is important to keep the chest clean and odor-free to prevent the mothball smell from returning.