The older mothballs contained napthalene and created one of the most difficult to remove odors you will ever have to deal with. Even the newer mothballs dessicate into a gas in about a month. The gaseous form is what makes it so difficult to remove.
If the odor is caused by the ones that contained napthalene, it is insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents and very soluble in ether, chloroform, or carbon disulfide. Therefore some sources recommend soaking in alcohol or methylated spirits, prior to washing according to the recommendation below.
The route you will take for your garment depends upon the "washability" of the items. If they are dry clean only, your best choice is probably to use air (second to a professional cleaning.) You must expose them to enough air to allow the gas to dissipate. Hang outdoors in fresh air, out of the sun to avoid fading. Use the clothes dryer on "fluff," "air" or other setting that uses no heat (even though heat helps the gas to dissipate faster, it may harm your garment.) If you have no access to an outdoor area for hanging, you can enclose them with carbon or charcoal to absorb the gas. Use BBQ charcoal (that has not been treated to be self-starting) or activated charcoal (away from pets.) Either way takes TIME. Baking soda will also absorb the odor but takes much, much longer.
Another option that has been used to remove odors from fabrics or items that can't tolerate washing is vodka. Yes, vodka. Do a spot test first to make sure there is no interaction with fabric dyes. Spray the garment down with vodka and allow to air completely. It is said the vodka evaporates taking most any odor with it.
If the garment is washable, add baking soda to the wash cycle. At the rinse cycle, add 2 cups white vinegar and allow to rotate several times to distribute the vinegar throughout, then stop and allow to soak for 2 or more hours. Run through a plain water rinse. Dry on the "fluff," or "air" setting with no heat (to maximize air exposure) and add a fabric softener sheet or two.
Do not wash with any clothing that does not contain the mothball odor.
Other recommendations:
If the garments can tolerate it (and you can tolerate it,) use a steam iron in a well ventilated area to force the gas to dissipate. This gas has been shown to be harmful (especially the older version,) so take precautions.
If the baking soda wash, vinegar rinse did not remove all of the odor, try soaking in a solution of orange scented 4 in 1 Lysol. Then repeat the baking soda wash and vinegar rinse process.
Oxygen cleaners added to the wash may also help.
There is a commercial product called Smelleze Mothball Deodorizer that may also help.
Hang outside in fresh air, it is difficult to get rid of the smell. Perhaps cleaning may assist
You'll need to let it air out. Moth ball smells can't really be overpowered by other solutions.
The best idea that I came up with is dilute some rubbing alcohol with water and take a scrub brush to it.
Your basement smells like moth balls because you either have the camphor smell throughout your basement or your wall contains the chemical agents in moth balls
I have an old chest that smells like moth balls. How can I get rid of the odor?
Hang outside in fresh air, it is difficult to get rid of the smell. Perhaps cleaning may assist
It will take ventilation and time.
Certain moths and other insects emit a smell similar to a moth ball. If you smell this in your home it probably means you have an insect infestation.
You'll need to let it air out. Moth ball smells can't really be overpowered by other solutions.
They are used to protect clothes in storage from moth species that feed on certain fabrics. They look like cotton balls and smell like gasoline.
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They don't swell up, there balls you put in your clothes so that moths don't eat your clothes. The moth balls do smell a lot though.
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It depends on how strong the smell is. Yes, it is harmful. It is a gas. And if can kill bugs it could be harmful for you. It could damage your lungs.
The best idea that I came up with is dilute some rubbing alcohol with water and take a scrub brush to it.
Your basement smells like moth balls because you either have the camphor smell throughout your basement or your wall contains the chemical agents in moth balls
Possibly in high enough concentrations. Baby clothes should not be kept in any area with mothballs. Generally mothballs are only needed to protect clothing not used routinely.