Alternatives to Mothballs (And Why You Should Use Them)

Mothballs can often leave your yarn, fabric, and other supplies with a pungent odor that's not as easy to get rid of as it is with clothing (that you can dry clean). Not only is this odor unpleasant, it can actually be bad for your health. That bothersome smell is actually fumes from a toxic chemical.

Since mothballs contain chemicals, they can react with popular storage containers for yarn like plastic tubs and bags. The combo of these chemicals might cause plastics to melt and fuse to your supplies (especially wools). It can also cause similar reactions in acrylic yarns, felt, or other plastic-based materials. Exposing your items of clothing and other materials to these can actually have a destructive effect if you're not careful.

Storing Yarn? Check out AllFreeKnitting's guide to Clothes Moths & Yarn: How to Protect and Preserve Your Yarn.

If you do use mothballs, be sure to take precaution. Mothballs contain a toxic chemical called naphthalene (which is also found in jet fuel and burning coal). A high concentration of this can make you sick (especially kids or the elderly) and can even cause anemia. If you do use mothballs, be sure to wash the yarn or garments thoroughly before using or wearing them. If you live in a small space like an apartment, mothballs are not recommended since it will cause a higher concentration of the fumes. 

Older mothballs that have been stored with clothing for 10+ years are especially dangerous as they were likely manufactured with a higher concentration of chemicals. If you do have these in your storage or attic, be sure to air it out and clean the clothes thoroughly.

Mothballs work because they hide the smell of the yummy fibers moths larvae love to munch on. Moths pretty much exclusively eat animal fibers which is why they love yarn (wool, alpaca, angora). What you can use instead of mothballs is organic ingredients to do the very same thing. Some of the best scents to use are cedar and lavender. 

Homemade Lavender Sachets: Lavender is an excellent pest deterrent and has a pleasant smell. These simple sachets fit perfectly in pockets to protect your clothes.

Simple Sewn Lavender Sachets: This quick and simple little sewing project is an ideal ten-minute project. They make great gifts too.

Modern Mothballs Herbal Sachets: This simple combo of herbs is guaranteed to keep bugs away. Combine cedar, lavender, and cinnamon in simple muslin bags.

Cedar Sachets: Follow along with this easy tutorial for how to make a mothball alternative that is chemical free.