You may have noticed a musty smell in your camper or RV. This is likely due to mothballs, which are commonly used to protect clothing and other stored items from moths and other insects.
While mothballs are effective at deterring pests, they can also be difficult to remove once they’ve been used.
In this article, we’ll show you how to get rid of the mothball smell in camper so that you can enjoy fresh, clean air on your next camping trip!
Why mothballs are used in campers
Mothballs are commonly used in campers and RVs because they are an effective way to keep away pests. Mothballs are made of naphthalene, which is a toxic chemical that vaporizes and repels insects.
However, mothballs can also be harmful to humans and animals if they are inhaled or ingested. If you are trying to get rid of the mothball smell in your camper, you can do a few things.
One way to remove the mothball smell is to open all the windows and doors in your camper and let fresh air circulate. You can also try using activated charcoal to absorb the odor.
Place charcoal briquettes in bowls around the camper, or put them in an open container near the source of the smell. Just make sure to keep the charcoal out of reach of children and pets.
Finally, you can try using a natural essential oil like lavender oil to mask the mothball smell. Simply add a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser or spray bottle and use it around the camper.
What Causes Mothball Smells?
Mothballs are designed to protect your clothing and other stored items from moths, mildew, and other insects. But sometimes, mothballs can leave behind an unpleasant smell. If you’ve noticed a musty smell in your camper, it’s likely due to mothballs.
Mothballs are made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are both strong chemicals. When these chemicals evaporate, they can cause strong odors. The problem is compounded if you have a small camper because there’s less ventilation to help clear the air.
If you’re trying to get rid of a mothball smell in your camper, the first step is to remove all the mothballs. Once they’re gone, ventilate the space by opening windows and doors. You can also place bowls of vinegar around the camper to absorb the odor. Finally, clean any affected surfaces with soap and water.
How to get rid of mothball smell in campers
If your camper has been in storage for a while, it may have picked up a mothball smell. This can be off-putting to you and your guests, but there are ways to eliminate it.
One way to eliminate the mothball smell is to air out your camper. If possible, open all the windows and doors and let fresh air circulate through. You may need to do this for several days.
Another way to get rid of the mothball smell is to use charcoal briquettes. Place them in a bowl or pan and set them inside your camper. The charcoal will absorb the mothball odor.
You can also try placing bowls of vinegar around your camper. The vinegar will neutralize the mothball odor.
If you can’t get rid of the mothball smell on your own, you may need to consult a professional. They will be able to help you find the source of the odor and eliminate it.
Ways to Prevent Mothball Smells from Returning
1. First and foremost, make sure to open up all of the windows in your camper to air them out. If you have fans, turn those on to help circulate the air.
2. If possible, take everything out of the camper that smells like mothballs and wash it. This includes all bedding, curtains, towels, and clothing.
3. Once you’ve aired out the camper and washed everything that can be washed, it’s time to start cleaning. Start by dusting all surfaces and vacuuming the floors.
4. To eliminate the mothball smell, you can try using a dehumidifier or an ozone generator. These devices will help to remove the molecules that are causing the smell.
5. Finally, don’t forget to empty out all garbage cans and dispose of anything that could attract pests.
How long does it take for mothball smell to go away?
Several factors determine how long the mothball smell will stay in your clothes. The following steps/products should help you eliminate the smell of mothballs: First, you need to open the windows and air out your room for at least two days.
This would be a good time to launder all your clothes, including sheets, pillowcases, and any clothing left unwashed for several weeks (e.g., exercise or workout gear).
Next, use Murphy’s Oil Soap if you have wooden furniture in your home or just want to freshen it up a bit. It will make the wood look nice and shiny while removing the strong odor that has invaded it.
After removing all your mothballed clothes from drawers and closets, make sure to vacuum every inch of these areas thoroughly. Mothball vapors are heavier than air and tend to sink into carpeting; therefore, vacuuming is key!
If vacuuming does not relieve, try spraying WD-40 on carpets or other cloth materials exposed to mothballs. This should eliminate any lingering odors left by them (WD-40 works by breaking down smells.
Alternatives to using mothballs in campers
There are many reasons why people might not want to use mothballs in their campers. Maybe they are concerned about the potential health effects of exposure to the chemicals used in mothballs, or maybe they simply don’t like the smell.
Whatever the reason, there are alternatives to using mothballs in your camper that can be just as effective at keeping pests away.
One alternative to using mothballs is to use essential oils. Many essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, have natural insect-repelling properties.
Simply put a few drops of any of these oils on a cotton ball and place it in your camper where you would normally put mothballs. The oil’s scent will help keep pests away while being much more pleasant than the smell of mothballs.
Another alternative is to use diatomaceous earth. This is a type of powder made from fossilized algae that can be found in most hardware stores.
It works by cutting through the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. You can simply sprinkle it around the perimeter of your camper for protection against pests.
Whatever method you choose, getting rid of mothballs in your camper will be a breath of fresh air!
Conclusion
If you are dealing with a mothball smell in your camper, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it. Airing out the camper, using activated charcoal, or painting the inside of the camper are all options that might help. If the smell is particularly bad, you may need to consult a professional to see if they have any other recommendations.