Removing the moth ball smell

[Hat Head]

I recently procured a wool overcoat from eBay. I love the coat, but it smells strongly of moth balls.

I've already had it dry-cleaned, which seemed to help some. But, I was out in the snow today, and the wetness brought the smell back again.

Is there anything that takes out the moth ball smell, other than time?

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

I think we have a thread about this somewhere. Lots of help in there...I'll see if I can find it.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=19395&highlight=mothball

http://thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=15123

 

[Peacoat]

Thanks Miss Bella, some good tips there. I use the outdoor hanging method for my musty/mothball items and it has always worked for me. I would think that several days in the outside air would solve your mothball problem if you have access to a good place to let it air.

When I would pull a tuxedo out of the plastic bag with mothballs at the last minute (I can't remember to do everything in advance), I have had good luck putting the trousers and the jacket in the dryer on a no heat setting for an emergency fix. Best to let it air outside for several hours before the event, though. Might try the dryer if hanging outside is not an option.

 

[Nick D]

I've just had good results with airing and then spraying several times with 50/50 water and vodka. That got rid of the mothball smell and, once that was gone, the musty sweat smell that lay underneath.

 

[Kitty_Sheridan]

I like a sprinkle of fullers earth or Bicarb of soda on the garment (outside if poss)

Then after a few hours give the garment a good brushing. Seems to work for me.

K

 

[Edward]

I suspect I'm alone in that I actually rather enjoy the smell of moth balls...

 

[Peacoat]

I suspect I'm alone in that I actually rather enjoy the smell of moth balls...

From the look of your most recent avatar, I don't think that comment surprises any of us!

 

[Carlisle Blues]

My mothball frown was turned upside down

From the look of your most recent avatar, I don't think that comment surprises any of us!

lol lol lol lol lol lol

 

[Edward]

lol

 

[BigHairyFinn]

This seems to be an "UK thing" for me, as I buy from Germany and UK and occasionally the US, and UK - even new stuiff - has that mothball smell. A few weeks on the balcony do wonders