Strong Mothball Smell in Old Chests

I have 3 antique chests that I inherited. Each one had at least 3 bags of mothballs that had nearly disinigrated over about 60 years of storing things in them. How do I get rid of the strong mothballs smell? My daughter is an asthmatic as well.

Dode from Burnaby, B.C.

Answers: Strong Mothball Smell in Old Chests

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By (Guest Post) 11/09/2008

Ok, I understand the coffee grounds, but new or wet? Closed lid or open?

By Anna from Maine (Guest Post) 09/16/2006

I have excellent results with removing odors from different things by putting fresh coffee grounds (right from the bag or can) put into a shallow dish and let set for a week, may have to stir up coffee and let set longer or even get fresh and put in, may take some time but I think it will work. I hate moth balls, am allergic to them so know how how they can effect your daughter.

By 09/14/2006

Put several plates of Arm and Hammer in it, and close the lid for a week. Open your chest, empty plates and replace with New A & H (yellow box). Try 2-3 times.
Hope this is helpfull, Sherry.

RE: Strong Mothball Smell in Old Chests

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Strong Mothball Smell in Old Chest

I have an old chest with a strong mothball smell. I have tried sunshine, Odorxit, and any other thing I could think of but it still smells. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Alex from Kentucky

RE: Strong Mothball Smell in Old Chest

Have you tried baking soda? Also I have heard that potting soil will absorb odors. (10/07/2004)

By Marti

RE: Strong Mothball Smell in Old Chest

Have you tried any of the following: crushed newspapers, coffee grounds and/or a few sheets of fabric softener. All of the above have removed odors from various "stinky" things which I have jumped to purchase before smelling them. (10/08/2004)

By Norma