Mothballs Are Outdated: Here’s What to Use Instead
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Sorry, Grandma — science has moved on.
There’s nostalgia…
…and then there’s the smell of old-school mothballs.
If you’ve ever opened a storage bin only to be greeted by a toxic cloud of “eau de chemical warfare,” you know exactly what we mean.
The Problem With Mothballs
Traditional mothballs contain ingredients like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene — chemicals linked to:
- Breathing issues
- Skin and eye irritation
- Toxicity for kids and pets
Plus, that smell never really leaves clothes.
It clings. Like a bad ex.
What Moths Actually Want
Clothes moths aren’t targeting your closet —
they’re targeting keratin, a protein in:
- Wool
- Cashmere
- Silk
- Leather
- Some blends and linings
Translation:
They’re after your most expensive items.
Natural Protection → Modern Closet
Luckily, you don’t need to fumigate your wardrobe to defend it.
Better alternatives exist — like aromatic cedar.
Why Cedar Wins
✔ Naturally repels moths & pests
✔ Absorbs excess moisture (another moth magnet)
✔ Neutralizes unwanted odors
✔ Smells fresh and earthy — not toxic
It’s what mothballs want to be when they grow up.
How to Use It
- Place cedar in drawers & storage bins
- Hang near wool coats, sweaters & dresses
- Refresh scent by lightly sanding every few months
Safer for your closet. Safer for your home.
Your grandmother did her best.
You get to do better.
Explore the cedar difference → Shop Ward & Wilde