Like the streetwalker in the cartoon above, I too hate the smell of mothballs.
Big time.
And what I can't figure out is why people still use mothballs when storing their clothes.
Seriously, when was the last time you saw a moth? I mean, do moths even exist anymore because I haven't seen one since I was 12 years old in science class?
Has anyone else noticed how the smell of mothballs escalates during the winter months as people start wearing their coats, jackets, scarves, and gloves that have been packed in bins laced with mothballs all summer? And for some reason, this winter I've been smelling mothballs more than previous years.
Oh my god, last week someone in a store walked past me and I thought I was going to drop dead from the scent of mothballs permeating his coat. It was as if I had been hit head-on by a speeding truck containing a 4-year supply of mothballs.
And I'm thinking to myself, "Is he not aware of the way he smells?!?!" "Or perhaps for some strange reason, he enjoys smelling like the balls of a moth."
I feel about mothballs as I do about cilantro. Whenever I smell either one of them, it feels as though someone is throwing sharp knives at me.
It's utterly painful.
My history with mothballs -
My dislike of mothballs goes back to my childhood when our family would visit my grandmother (my father's mother) whose house WREAKED of mothballs.
This is not an actual picture of her but it's very much what she looked like body, mind, and spirit...
She had a horrible addiction to placing a box of mothballs in her vacuum cleaner bag so that whenever she would vacuum the carpets, it smelled as if a mothball nuclear bomb had been dropped there; killing not only the moths but anyone who walked into her house. And because she would always vacuum right before we arrived, the aroma would linger for the entire duration of our visit.
The worst part of the day was when we would all sit down for dinner and have to inhale mothballs as we ate her homemade lasagna.
Sorry, but mothballs with lasagna don't mix.
In fact, mothballs with nothing don't mix.
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Before posting this today, I went online and researched ways to get rid of the mothball scent on your clothes.
Here are some helpful tips:
Someone asked: Does mothball smell ever go away?
One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in the open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.
Get Rid of Mothball Smells in Clothing
Prepare a solution of vinegar and lemon juice, and then dab this mixture on the areas of clothing that have a mothball smell. Let the solution sit for a while before you rinse it off with warm water.
Heat can also help to remove the mothball smell, so you can use a hot iron to press through the clothing or hang the clothing out in the sun. Another option is to put the clothes in the washer using vinegar instead of laundry detergent.
Remember that mothball odor can take weeks to get off. Make sure you do this several times. You can also mask the odor temporarily with deodorants or perfumes.
What Can I Use Instead of Mothballs?
Here are some of the most effective options:
- Store your clothing with cedar chips
- Use essential oils such as lavender, cloves, and mint in your storage areas
- Store your clothing in vacuum-sealed bags
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In conclusion -
I have the best idea for getting rid of mothball scent - don't ever use them.
But if you do, just BURN your clothes and buy all new ones. It's quicker.
Yes, I don't like the smell of mothballs. Can you tell?
Have a faaaaabulous rest of your week, y'all!
💗
Ron, this post is HYSERTICAL! ---- ""Or perhaps for some strange reason, he enjoys smelling like the balls of a moth." " --- ROFLMAO! How do you think of this stuff?
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the small of mothballs. And it must be a 'grandmother thing' because my granny (my mom's mom) uses them too. She doesn't use them in her vacuum cleaner (thank god), but she does store articles of clothing and things like blankets and pillows. Horrendous!
I like your idea for getting rid of mothball scent - don't EVER use them.
Fun post, Ron! And I needed this today because I'm at work and not having a good day so far. Thanks for the laughs.
That cartoon is stellar! LOl!
Gooood morning, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteOMG, that guy WREAKED of mothballs. The smell hit me so hard, I almost keeled over! And as I said, for some reason, this winter I've been smelling mothballs much more than previous winters.
"She doesn't use them in her vacuum cleaner (thank god), but she does store articles of clothing and things like blankets and pillows. Horrendous!"
I think you're right, it must be a grandmother thing. Particularly Italian grandmothers. Ha!
The vacuum cleaner thing was the worst because anytime she would use it, the smell would projectile vomit all over the house.
Thanks so much for stopping by this morning, my friend. Hope you're day gets better!
X
I love the looks on your face in that final photo, Ron! Your face is so expressive. The streetwalker cartoon made me laugh out loud.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever met anyone who actually likes the smell of mothballs, so you're not alone. And have you ever read information on mothballs. They're toxic. Especially around children or pets.
I like what you shared about alternative options. I used lavender a lot, so I may have to try that. I use a diffuser, which I got years ago. Makes my apartment smell so fresh and clean.
Not a fan of cilantro either. But I have friends who love it!
Thank you for the morning laughs, Ron! xo
Hey there, Candice!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that cartoon hysterical hilarious? I laughed out loud as well!
"And have you ever read information on mothballs. They're toxic. Especially around children or pets."
Yes, I have read that. They say that even just smell alone is toxic.
"I like what you shared about alternative options. I used lavender a lot, so I may have to try that. I use a diffuser, which I got years ago. Makes my apartment smell so fresh and clean."
I do the same thing!!! I have two diffusers. I was gifted my second one from a guy I work with who gave me the one someone gave him because he has two cats and a dog, and didn't want have essential oils around them. You have to be very careful using essential oils around animals, even though they are a great option.
I know LOTS of people who love cilantro too. But personally, I can't stand it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice! Have a faaaaaabulous rest of your week!
X
Ronnie, you SLAY me with your humor! I'm sitting at my desk, laughing, and my coworkers are asking me WHY I'm laughing. I hope you don't mind, but I shared your post with them and they laughed too.
ReplyDeleteCartoon - hysterical!
""Or perhaps for some strange reason, he enjoys smelling like the balls of a moth." - hysterical!
"But if you do, just BURN your clothes and buy all new ones. It's quicker." - hysterical!
And the picture of what your grandmother looks like - hysterical!
I can't even imagine what her house smelled like because mothballs make me GAG. I still see them sold in stores, but to be honest, I don't know of anyone who uses them.
That final photo of you looks like an poster for a horror movie! LOL!
Thank you, funny man! xoxo
PS Ron, I'm watching Capote vs The Swans too! Isn't it GREAT? I love anything Ryan Murphy does. I'm up to episode 4.
ReplyDeleteYes....it's freaking AMAZING! I agree, anything Mr. Murphy directs/produces is ALWAYS top-notch!
ReplyDeleteI too am up to ep.4. And so far, it's my favorite episode. I liked it so much, I watched it twice. Looking forward to ep.5 and all the rest!
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't mind at all. Thanks for sharing it. And I'm glad they had a laugh.
"I can't even imagine what her house smelled like because mothballs make me GAG. I still see them sold in stores, but to be honest, I don't know of anyone who uses them."
Me too, I still see them sold in stores, but don't know of anyone (personally) who uses them. However, some people must use them because I keep smelling them on people's clothes. GAG!
I created that final photo collage last minute. I took the photos with my cell phone and then added the other stuff on a photo editing website I use CANVA. I've been using it for years!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Have a great day and upcoming weekend!
X
"If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in the open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate" - Holy moly, a YEAR?!?
ReplyDeleteRon, I'm familiar with the smell of mothballs but have never (and would never) use them myself. It seems like something people used in the caveman days. LOL! I'm with you, I haven't seen a moth in forever. Probably due to climate change, like everything else!
Only YOU can tell a story and always make it funny! - " he enjoys smelling like the balls of a moth." - that cracked me up!
And so did that "The Horror of Mothballs" picture of you! I would have loved seeing you perform onstage during your acting days. I bet you had them rolling in the aisles.
As always, thank you for brightening up my day, Ron!
Hiya, Robert!
ReplyDeleteI know, can you BELIEVE that.....TWELEVE months!!!! That's why I said it's just quicker to burn your clothes and buy all new!
My mothers' mother used to store her things in cedar chests she had in her house. Things like clothes, sheets, blankets, etc. Now THAT smell I love! I love the smell of cedar. It's a cozy scent. In fact, quite a few of my fall and winter colognes have cedar in them.
" It seems like something people used in the caveman days. LOL! I'm with you, I haven't seen a moth in forever. Probably due to climate change, like everything else!"
HA! Caveman days! Hilarious! You're right (like everything else people are blaming it for) it's probably due to climate change.
Thanks. I'm such a HAM! Comedy was my favorite thing onstage. However, I really enjoyed some of the more serious/dramatic roles I did in plays.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Enjoy the rest of your day and have a great weekend!
X
OMG, that cartoon is CRAZY!!! Bahaha! I can't believe you found that! Your grandmother's mothballs sure left a lasting impression on your nose! UGH! I have to say that I more remember the smell of cedar in my grandma's closet or just plain mustiness in the upstairs of her cape cod home that was just used for storage.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my MOM was a huge fan of mothballs and put them everywhere. The closets reeked of mothballs and she would just buy boxes of them and leave the box open. I threw away quite a few boxes of them when I was going through her condo. But I'm saving the worst for last . . . she had about 25 mothballs in the bottom of her kitchen garbage can underneath the bag. So, when you'd step on the pedal to open the lid, you'd smell the mothballs. I think in her dementia, she started having hallucinations about smells and she was always thinking her garbage smelled bad (it didn't). She is constantly telling me her room smells bad at assisted living (it doesn't). But my god, the smell of that garbage can. I had to just throw it away, even though it was a perfectly nice kitchen garbage can.
I have never once bought mothballs, as even 30 years ago, I knew they were toxic! I can't believe they are still being sold! I've always used cedar blocks in my closet. But, we do have moths here and they have eaten sweaters I've had hanging in the closet and even a few blazers of my husband's. The moths seem to get in the house in the summer, especially at night, so you have to be careful when opening doors. They are gross because when you kill them, they leave a powdery dust stain. Yuck!
Have a super de duper weekend, Ron and I will talk to you in mid-March! XOXO
I know, can you believe that? I simply Googled i hate mothballs and viola...that cartoon appeared! Isn't it HYSTERICAL?
ReplyDelete"I more remember the smell of cedar in my grandma's closet "
Funny you should mentioned that because my other grandmother (my step-mothers' mother) stored her clothes and other things in cedar chests that she had in all the bedroom. However, I really like the smell the cedar, so that didn't bother me. But MOTHBALLS?!? Gag me!
You mom liked mothballs?!? OMG, that must have been hard for you because I know you went through a long period of cleaning out her house. Bless you!
" So, when you'd step on the pedal to open the lid, you'd smell the mothballs. "
YIKES!!!!
Maybe with dementia if something happens to our olfactory glands and changes the way we smell?
" I knew they were toxic!"
I know. And when I was a kid, EVERYONE used them in their homes. Who knew back then?!
" But, we do have moths here and they have eaten sweaters I've had hanging in the closet and even a few blazers of my husband's. The moths seem to get in the house in the summer, especially at night, so you have to be careful when opening doors."
Interesting! And thank you for sharing that because I honestly have not seen a moth in like a billions years. I wonder if it's because I live in a city? Maybe it's more of a burbs things. Maybe moths don't like city life. LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. LOVED your comment! Have a wonderful time on your break. See ya mid-March! You'll be missed!
X
What a funny post, Ron!!! And the hysterical looks on your face! OMG, can you even believe that I used to use moth balls!?! LOL I'm pretty sure it was mostly just in the vacuum cleaner, but could have had some in a closet or two as well. Never had any concern about moths though. The reason I think is because a woman I met when our kids were real young (we became fast friends and she's still a dear friend) used them and her house was always immaculate and it always had that unique smell, so I tried them for a while. I used Carpet Fresh way back, too, and now I can't stand that smell either. Bleh. If I feel our carpets are needy, I'll put down baking soda to absorb any odors. I was glad to find out about essential oils many years ago and use them now for a lot of things.
ReplyDeleteAs for cilantro... I don't like it, I don't buy it, BUT they use a lot of it at an Indian restaurant we go to for buffet.. so, I do eat it there. Lots of other flavors going on so maybe that's why I can have it there. And, at some Mexican restaurants I've eaten it in salsa. Anytime it's optional though, I always ask for them to NOT sprinkle any on top of my food.
Thank you, Mary! Glad to hear it gave you a giggle! I had fun putting this post together. I started TWO weeks ago, but kept getting distracted.
ReplyDelete" OMG, can you even believe that I used to use moth balls!?! LOL I'm pretty sure it was mostly just in the vacuum cleaner, but could have had some in a closet or two as well. Never had any concern about moths though. "
Yes, I totally can believe that because was the THING to do back then. I'm older than you, so the whole mothball things goes way back in childhood. NIGHTMARES! Lol!
" I used Carpet Fresh way back, too, and now I can't stand that smell either. Bleh. If I feel our carpets are needy, I'll put down baking soda to absorb any odors. I was glad to find out about essential oils many years ago and use them now for a lot of things."
OMG, meeeeeeeee too! I used to use Carpet Fresh as well. Especially living in the humidity of Florida. And like you, I just narrowed it down to using baking soda because that's what's in most of those products anyway. I also used to use Febreze, in my apartment AND my car. I smoked cigs back then and it really helped to get rid of nasty cigarette odor.
" Anytime it's optional though, I always ask for them to NOT sprinkle any on top of my food."
Me as well. I do the same thing. I love quesadilla, but minus the cilantro.
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! I am really enjoying this cold snap we're having. But I see that next week it goes into the HIGH 60s. YUCK!
X
"Just burn your clothes and buy all new ones..." I AM LAUGHING. And I agree 10000 percent.
ReplyDeleteI hate the smell of mothballs. HATE. IT. When I think of mothballs, I also think of bad breath. I don't know why the two go hand in hand, but in my mind, they do. 🤣
I hate that your lasagna eating experience was ruined by mothballs. That is a darn shame.
Oh, I loved this post. You made me laugh so hard tonight. Thank you for that, my friend. I'm so grateful for you. ❤️
Helloooooooooooo there, Kari!
ReplyDelete"I hate the smell of mothballs. HATE. IT. When I think of mothballs, I also think of bad breath. I don't know why the two go hand in hand, but in my mind, they do. 🤣
You are SPOT ON about that, yes, ....bad breath!!!!
"I hate that your lasagna eating experience was ruined by mothballs. That is a darn shame."
It is a shame because although I was not a fan of my grandmother, she was an EXCELLENT cook. But the mothballs ruined it. HA!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Know that I am grateful for you too!
Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!
X
Ron, Ron, Ron, only YOU could share a post on something like mothballs and make it not only interesting, but HILARIOUS! That cartoon is so damn funny.
ReplyDeleteNever used mothballs. Never will. I know what you mean about smelling it during the winter months because I too experienced that on peoples' clothes.
But I have to say that I have met people (very few) in my life who actually like the smell of mothballs, can you believe that? They say it's a comforting feeling.
Thank you for the morning laughs, Ron! Hope you're enjoying a great weekend! xo
Good morning, Abby!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that cartoon the BEST? I found it online and instantly knew I wanted to use it for this post.
"But I have to say that I have met people (very few) in my life who actually like the smell of mothballs, can you believe that? They say it's a comforting feeling."
Yes! Although, I haven't ever met anyone (personally) who said they liked the smell of mothballs, I did see online (when I was searching for things about mothballs) that there are people out there who LOVE the smell. To each his/her own I guess!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby! Hope you're enjoying a great weekend too!
X
Ron, that cartoon is so freaking FUNNY!!! And it totally caught me off-guard!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of mothballs and have never heard of people putting them in a vacuum cleaner?! I'm sure the smell was INTENSE, especially when you're trying to eat. Gross! Isn't it something how we all have things (positive and negative) from our childhood that stick with us forever? Certain smells, songs, and foods?
Love the photos of your face! lol!
Hey there, Clair!
ReplyDeleteI know, it caught me off guard as well. It took a few seconds for it to register, but when it did, I laughed so hard!
"Isn't it something how we all have things (positive and negative) from our childhood that stick with us forever? Certain smells, songs, and foods?"
Yes, it is! And as you said, it can be many things that trigger a memory from our childhood. They say that smells and music are the two biggest sensory triggers. And I believe it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair! Have a super weekend!
X
Ron, did you see episode 5 yet? I did over the weekend and loved it. The episodes just keeping getting more and more revealing about the relationships Capote had with each swan. Three more episodes to go!
ReplyDeleteYup, I most certainly did! And like you said, each episode reveals more and more about his relationships with the swans. I've seen Truman Capote portrayed by four different actors over the years and each one was wonderful. However, Tom Hollander, in my opinion, is mind-blowing because his portrayal is almost as if he is "channeling" the spirit of Capote, it's chilling - the voice, the body movements, everything, is SO Capote!
ReplyDeleteOkay Ron, the mothball thing HAS to be an "Italian grandmother" thing because BOTH my grandmothers did the same thing, putting them in their vacuum cleaner bags. Oh my god, it stunk like holy hell in their homes. And I have to ask you, did they also have that horrendous plastic coverings on their living room couch and chairs? Mine did! And that's another thing I hated, especially in the summer when your bare legs would stick to the plastic because you were sweating. LOL!
ReplyDeleteNo lie, one of my grandmothers looked that photograph too. My mom's mom.
Because of my childhood memories of the smell, I never used them in any of my homes. I didn't want to subject my kids the horror of the aroma!
This post made me (and hubby) laugh our asses off.
""Or perhaps for some strange reason, he enjoys smelling like the balls of a moth." --- ROFLMAO!
Thanks for your humor, Ron! You're always like a ray of sunshine, brightening my days! xo
YOU TOO, Elaine?!?! And yet, I'm not surprised. And I think you're right, it's such an Italian grandmother thing because I hear that a lot from people from our generation.
ReplyDelete"did they also have that horrendous plastic coverings on their living room couch and chairs? Mine did! And that's another thing I hated, especially in the summer when your bare legs would stick to the plastic because you were sweating. LOL!"
OMG, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! However, not both my grandmothers, only the one with the mothball fetish! Her living room looked like a preservation museum because every stick of furniture was covered in plastic. And not only the furniture, but the lampshades too! And like you, not only did I think it looked bad, but I hated it more so in the summer because we always wore shorts. So whenever you sat down, your skin would slowly get glued to the plastic. And sometimes if the plastic had a split in it (like along the edges), it would PINCH your legs and hurt like hell!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your family story, my fellow-Italian friend! We seem to have much in common!
Happy Monday to you!
x
Ron, forgot to say that I loved the cartoon! HYSTERICAL!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it BRILLIANT? I'm so glad I found it online!
ReplyDeleteRon, no one, and I mean no one tells a story like you! And this - "Or perhaps for some strange reason, he enjoys smelling like the balls of a moth."- made my girlfriend and I laugh our asses off!
ReplyDeleteNeither one of us likes the smell of mothballs. I mean who DOES?!? But before I left my comment, I google searched perfume that smells like mothballs and found this. Can you believe it?
We may buy this for you next Christmas! LOL!
OH MY GOD, Matt! When I saw where the link brought me, I just about DIED laughing!!!! No, I cannot believe someone would CHOOSE to have that as a cologne?!?
ReplyDelete"We may buy this for you next Christmas! LOL!"
Please, I BEG of you....NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And thanks for sharing the link!
X
Ron, this post made me think about my late mother who did use moth balls in her closets in my childhood home. I suspect that back in those days, this was a popularly accepted practice as the alternatives you mentioned may not have been widely known or shared.
ReplyDeleteYes, the smell was very noticeable whenever a chest or closest was opened. I have seen moth holes in clothing, and did wonder where did the moths come from?
Thankfully, I do not use moth balls, but have small cedar bocks in a cedar chest (overkill) and in fact do not own very much wool clothing, so the moth would most likely starve.
Speaking of moth balls, when we lived in VA, Patrick used them under his workshop to deter critters.
Hey there, D!
ReplyDelete" I suspect that back in those days, this was a popularly accepted practice as the alternatives you mentioned may not have been widely known or shared."
I think you're absolutely right about that because back then, A LOT of people shared this practice. The smell of mothballs was common. I remember seeing shelves of them in hardware stores as a kid!
"Yes, the smell was very noticeable whenever a chest or closest was opened. I have seen moth holes in clothing, and did wonder where did the moths come from?"
My thoughts exactly! I wondered WHERE did moths come from? I should look that up online and see if I can find an answer.
Me neither, I don't own very much (if any) wool clothing. Maybe a scarf or gloves, perhaps?
And speaking of cedar blocks, now that's a smell I LOVE. When I would visit my mother's parents house, my grandmother had a cedar chest in every bedroom. I used to love to empty everything out of them, sit inside. and then close the lid. I felt like I was in heaven! Ha!
Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Hope you're having a fabulous week so far. It's been rather warm here. And humid. Tomorrow the cooler weather rolls back in. Yahooooooo!
X
Ron, thank you for a much-needed chuckle today! I'm right there with you in hating the "aroma" (odor/stink) of mothballs.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I smell them, I think of my former mother-in-law, who seemed to believe they either smelled wonderfully clean or just were terribly useful in keeping the moths away. I guess the latter worked, for I never saw a moth in her home, ha!
You've just got to wonder why stores even sell such nasty things these days. I mean, when there are so many other pleasant-smelling items that protect clothing, who'd think of going out in public (or even hiding away in your own home alone) wearing eau de mothball??
Great rant, my friend. xxx
Goooooooooood morning, Debbie!
ReplyDelete"I'm right there with you in hating the "aroma" (odor/stink) of mothballs."
Isn't it horrendous? One of my reader left a link to a cologne (if you can believe it) that smells like MOTHBALLS! Who in God's name wants to smell like mothballs?!?! Oh well....to each his/her own. LOL!
"I think of my former mother-in-law, who seemed to believe they either smelled wonderfully clean or just were terribly useful in keeping the moths away. I guess the latter worked, for I never saw a moth in her home, ha!"
Isn't it funny how we associate that smell (and many others) with a certain time in our lives?
I know, I can't believe stores even sell mothballs anymore when their are alternatives that smell much better and do the same job - keep moths away from your clothes.
"wearing eau de mothball??"
CRACKED ME UP!
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, my friend. I really appreciate that. As I mentioned in my comment in your most recent post, know that I am sending you LOTS of love and energy during this time.
Have a great weekend!
(((((((((((((((((( X YOU X )))))))))))))))))))