How to Make Mothballs Last Longer

Mothballs are made to protect clothing from moths and other pests that eat fabric. When used properly, the mothballs are sealed inside an airtight container with the clothes. The active ingredient, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, vaporizes into the air, fumigating the clothes and killing any insect larvae that may be present. Mothballs should last a year or more.

Instructions

- 1
  Keep the mothballs in an airtight container such as a jar when you are not using them to make them last longer. The chemicals in the mothballs evaporate in the air. If you eliminate the flow of fresh air, the chemicals will dissipate more slowly.
- 2
  Seal your clothes in an airtight container when you add mothballs. Not only will this slow the dissipation of the mothballs, it will also provide better protection against moths. A side benefit is that it will also reduce the odor from the mothballs and cause less exposure to humans and pets. Long-term exposure to mothballs can cause health problems.
- 3
  Keep the mothballs in a cool place. Mothballs are designed to dissipate at room temperature. The hotter they get, the quicker they will disappear.

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