How to Get Mothball Smell Out of Wood

You’ve just inherited a beautiful antique dresser or pulled a wooden chest out of storage, only to be hit with a powerful, unmistakable scent: mothballs. This pungent, chemical odor can cling to wood for years, making furniture unusable and unpleasant to have in your home.

Because wood is a porous material, it readily absorbs these smells, trapping them deep within its fibers. Getting rid of the smell requires more than a simple wipe-down; it calls for methods that can neutralize or draw out the odor-causing compounds. This guide will provide ten effective strategies on how to get mothball smell out of wood, so you can rescue your furniture and enjoy its natural beauty once again.

Understanding Mothball Smell in Wood

To effectively remove the smell, it helps to understand why it’s so persistent. Mothballs are small pellets of chemical pesticide and deodorant. They work through a process called sublimation, where the solid pellet slowly turns into a gas. This gas is toxic to clothes moths and their larvae, which is why mothballs have traditionally been used to protect stored clothing and textiles.

The strong, characteristic smell comes from one of two active ingredients: naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both of these chemicals are highly volatile and easily absorbed by porous materials like wood. When a piece of furniture is stored in an enclosed space with mothballs for a long time, the wood acts like a sponge, soaking up the chemical vapor. Even after the mothballs are removed, the trapped compounds continue to release the odor, making it a difficult and stubborn problem to solve.

8 Methods on How to Get Mothball Smell Out of Wood

Method 1: Ventilation and Air Circulation

The simplest and most important first step is to let the piece air out. Move the furniture to a well-ventilated area, like an open garage, a covered porch, or a room with several open windows. Open all its drawers and doors to expose as much of the interior surface area as possible. If you can, use a fan to create a constant flow of air over and through the furniture. This continuous circulation helps the trapped chemical gasses to dissipate more quickly. While this method alone may not completely eliminate a strong odor, it is a crucial foundation for any of the other techniques you use.

Method 2: Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a well-known natural odor absorber. It works by neutralizing acidic odor molecules. For this method, you can either sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda directly onto the wooden surfaces inside drawers and cabinets, or you can fill several small, open bowls with baking soda and place them inside the furniture. Close up the piece and let the baking soda sit for several days to a week to absorb the smell. Afterward, simply vacuum up the powder. This method is inexpensive, non-toxic, and surprisingly effective for mild to moderate odors.

Method 3: Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is even more powerful than baking soda when it comes to absorbing odors. Its surface is incredibly porous, which allows it to trap a wide range of odor-causing compounds. You can purchase activated charcoal in bags or as loose briquettes (be sure to get the kind without lighter fluid). Place several charcoal bags or open containers of loose charcoal inside the furniture, then close the doors and drawers. Let it work its magic for at least a week, or longer for very strong smells. This is an excellent, long-lasting solution for continuous odor control in enclosed spaces.

Method 4: White Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is a fantastic natural deodorizer because its acetic acid content works to break down and neutralize odor molecules. Create a solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Dampen a clean, soft cloth with the solution, wring it out well so it is not dripping, and wipe down all the interior and exterior surfaces of the furniture. The vinegar smell will be strong at first but will dissipate as it dries, taking the mothball smell with it. For unfinished wood, always test this solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Method 5: Fresh Coffee Grounds

If you’re a coffee lover, this method comes with a pleasant bonus. Fresh, dry coffee grounds are excellent at absorbing and replacing unwanted odors. Fill a few shallow bowls with the grounds and place them inside the drawers and cabinets of the affected furniture. Close it up and leave them for several days. The coffee will absorb the mothball odor while leaving behind its own rich, pleasant aroma. Be careful not to spill the grounds directly onto the wood, as their oils could potentially stain unfinished surfaces. This is a great-smelling, natural deodorizing option.

Method 6: Sunlight Exposure

Never underestimate the deodorizing power of fresh air and sunshine. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can help to break down the chemical compounds responsible for the mothball smell. On a dry, sunny day, place your furniture outside in a safe spot for several hours. Be careful not to leave it in intense, direct sunlight for too long, as this could cause the wood’s finish to fade or crack. A few hours of sun exposure can significantly speed up the airing-out process and help to naturally neutralize lingering odors.

Method 7: Use Dryer Sheets

While they primarily mask odors rather than absorb them, scented dryer sheets can be a helpful tool for milder mothball smells, especially in drawers. The porous sheets slowly release their fragrance, which can help to overpower and replace the unpleasant chemical scent. Simply place a few fresh dryer sheets inside each drawer or cabinet. Close them up and leave them for a week or more, replacing them as their scent fades. This is an easy, inexpensive way to freshen up the interior of a piece of furniture after you’ve used other methods to remove the bulk of the odor.

Method 8: Kitty Litter

The absorbent clay used in many types of kitty litter is designed to be highly effective at trapping odors, and it can work on mothball smell too. Choose a clean, unused, unscented brand for the best results. Fill a few old socks or nylon stockings with the kitty litter, tie them off, and place these pouches inside the drawers and cabinets. The clay will gradually absorb the airborne chemical compounds. This is a very effective and low-cost method that works on the same principle as activated charcoal, making it a great DIY alternative.

Maintenance Tips for Preventing Future Mothball Smell

Once your furniture is smelling fresh, you’ll want to keep it that way. The best approach is to avoid using mothballs altogether. There are many safer and more pleasant-smelling alternatives for pest control, such as cedar blocks, cedar sachets, or dried lavender. These natural repellents are effective against moths and won’t leave your furniture with a harsh chemical smell.

Store your wooden furniture in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent it from absorbing musty odors. If you are placing items in long-term storage, consider placing an odor absorber, like an activated charcoal bag, inside to keep the interior smelling fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Regular Cleaning Products to Get Rid of the Mothball Smell from Wood?

Most regular household cleaners are designed to remove dirt and germs, but they are not formulated to neutralize the potent chemical odors from mothballs. They may temporarily mask the smell, but it will likely return. Natural absorbers like baking soda, activated charcoal, and vinegar are much more effective at breaking down or trapping the odor molecules.

How Long Will It Take to Completely Remove the Mothball Smell from Wood?

This depends heavily on how long the furniture was exposed to the mothballs and how strong the odor is. For mild smells, a few days of airing out combined with one of the absorption methods might be enough. For deeply ingrained, strong odors, you may need to try several methods and be patient, as it could take several weeks for the smell to fully dissipate.

Is It Safe to Use Vinegar on Wooden Furniture?

Yes, when diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio, white vinegar is generally safe for cleaning sealed wood finishes. However, it is always a wise precaution to test the solution on a small, hidden area of the furniture first to ensure it does not cause any damage or discoloration to the finish before you wipe down the entire piece.

Can the Mothball Smell Permanently Damage Wood?

The smell itself will not cause structural damage to the wood. However, the chemicals in mothballs (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) are harsh and can, over very long periods of exposure, cause the wood’s finish to dry out or become discolored. This is another reason why it’s important to treat the problem and remove the lingering chemicals from the wood.

How Can I Prevent Mothball Smell from Coming Back?

The number one way to prevent the smell is to never use mothballs with your wooden furniture again. Opt for natural, pleasant-smelling alternatives like cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or dried herbs. Storing your furniture in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment will also prevent it from absorbing any strong odors in the future.

Conclusion

The persistent, overpowering smell of mothballs doesn’t have to be a permanent feature of your wooden furniture. With a little patience and the right techniques, you can successfully reclaim your pieces and restore them to their fresh, natural state. Whether you choose to air them out in the sun, use natural absorbers like baking soda and charcoal, or wipe them down with a vinegar solution, there is a method that will work for you. Now that you have a full toolkit of ideas on how to get mothball smell out of wood, you can confidently tackle the problem and enjoy your beautiful, odor-free furniture for years to come.