Last updated on October 11th, 2022
Naphthalene balls are used regularly in most households to keep clothes fresh and safe from insects. They are excellent at absorbing excess moisture and removing musty odors from nooks and crannies. However, these balls also have major disadvantages. Firstly, they can be carcinogenic. Secondly, since they are made of chemicals, they contribute to environmental pollution.
Hence, if you’re looking for an alternative to naphthalene balls, look no further! In this article, we’ll introduce you to five different options that can do the job just as well – if not better. From cedar chips to lavender oil, read on to find out which one is right for you.
1. Cedar Balls
Cedar balls or chips are a great alternative to naphthalene balls. They have a fresh, natural scent that helps keep your home smelling nice and are also environmentally friendly. These balls can be placed in closets, drawers, or storage containers, keeping your clothes fresh and safe from insects and rodents. Moreover, cedar balls are long-lasting and will not need to be replaced as often as naphthalene balls. They are also less likely to cause harm to your clothes or belongings. You can find cedar balls at most home improvement stores or online retailers. If you can’t find cedar balls, simply get some cedar chips, place them in a sachet, and keep them in different areas of the house where odors and pests are causing you trouble.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a strong, fresh smell that will keep your home smelling nice and also help deter mice and other pests. Apart from peppermint oil, other variants of essential oils, such as citrus or lavender, can also be used interchangeably, as they both have a strong odor.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another great alternative to naphthalene balls. It is a natural product that is safe to use around children and pets. Besides maintaining freshness and keeping the pests at bay, tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. So it can also protect you from illnesses while simultaneously preventing musty smells in your home.
To use tea tree oil, add a few drops to a water bowl. Place the bowl in the area where you want to prevent musty smells. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your laundry detergent to avoid musty odors in your clothes.
4. Natural Herbs
Herbs can be used as natural repellants against moths and other insects. Some of the most effective herbs include rosemary, thyme, and spearmint. Not only are they effective in keeping the pests away, but they also don’t release chemicals and harmful discharges that can potentially stain your clothes. To use these herbs, place them in sachets around your home. However, do remember to change them regularly to ensure their effectiveness.
5. Homemade Spices
Another great alternative to using naphthalene balls is to place spices in sachets. This will help keep your clothes and belongings smelling fresh and free of any foul odors. The most popular ones used for this purpose include clove, cinnamon, and rosemary. As for sachets, you can easily make your own using various fabrics. Choose a fabric that you like and fill it with your favorite spices. Then, sew the sachet shut and place it in your drawer or closet.
A notable benefit of spices over herbs is their longevity. A sachet of fresh spices will continue to be effective for at least six months, if not more.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading about these five alternatives to naphthalene balls. As you can see, plenty of options are available to keep your home smelling fresh and free of unwanted pests. While these are great options, the list isn’t exhaustive by any means. There are other alternatives to naphthalene balls available in the market, so be sure to do some research to find the best option.
To know more about different tips to keep your home odor free or to remove musty smells from the bathroom, explore our vast collection of home improvement blog posts at Homebliss.in.
