How do I get naptha (mothballs) odour out of my wool blanket? Tried 2x Woolite/ Borax wash, hung out to dry.?

Answer 1

Gah! I was baffled by this.

Alright. It's not naptha or even naphthalene that is the source of your irritation. Were that the case all you would have too do is hang it up out of doors for betteween 10 and 12 hours and you wouldn't be able too detect even the barrest scent.

But you didn't get this reaction when you hung it out too dry. So! I went and had a look at what is ***actually*** in moth balls. It's a substance called 1,4-Dichlorobenzene. It is a pretty solid desicant and a pestiside specifically designed too combat moths. So... buy washing the blanket you kinda compounded your problem. Now the molicules are kinda fat and wedged into the the firbers of the wool good and tight.

The only way too fix it is too leave it out too dry (like full on ***dry***) and get all kinda moving air about it. p-DCB's brake down in air. It's just going too take a bit of time.

Next time what you want too do is hang it up ***before*** you wash it. Know that sounds messed up... just consider it poor people dry cleaning!

Liked the question! Thanks!

Answer 2

The odour is residue of the naptha left on the clothing. A few days in strong sun with help get rid of it. (Ozone) Naptha is insoluble in water so 'washing' it will do you no good.

Answer 3

Hang or lay it outside in the sun for a couple of days, switching sides facing the sun each day. After a couple of days wash again and add 2 cups of distilled vinegar the the final rinse.

Answer 4

I agree with refresherdownunder. I have never had any trouble getting moth ball smell from material by hanging outside for a full day.
Good Luck

Answer 5

Use a hefty dose of Gain liquid fabric softener in the rinse water. Have you tried Febreeze? It's pretty good at getting odor out of fabrics!!

Answer 6

Try washing in vinegar. Get rid of the moth balls use cedar.

Answer 7

try febreeze, i have pets and its worked on elimanating strong oders and "accidents"