Naphthalene balls — those tiny white balls with a strong smell — have been a staple in Indian homes for decades. You might remember them from your grandmother’s cupboard or your travel bag during monsoon season. But did you know these simple mothballs have more uses than just keeping clothes fresh? From pest control to odor removal and even garden protection, naphthalene balls can work wonders in ways you probably never imagined.
In this blog, we’ll explore 12 surprising practical uses and magical household hacks of naphthalene balls. Whether you want to keep your home pest-free, fresh-smelling, or organized, these little white balls can be your budget-friendly solution. Let’s dive in and discover the magic hidden inside every naphthalene ball!
What Are Naphthalene Balls?
Naphthalene balls, also known as mothballs, are small, round white balls made from naphthalene, a hydrocarbon compound derived from coal tar or petroleum. They have a distinct, strong aroma that repels insects and prevents the growth of mold and fungus.
When exposed to air, naphthalene balls slowly turn into vapor. This vapor is what keeps pests like moths, cockroaches, and silverfish away from your clothes, books, and other stored items. They’re highly effective in closed spaces like cupboards, shoe racks, and storage boxes.
However, since naphthalene is a chemical substance, it must be used carefully — never consumed or kept near food. When handled properly, these tiny balls can protect your belongings and keep your home fresh and hygienic for months.
Why People Use Naphthalene Balls in Their Homes
Naphthalene balls have been trusted for generations because they’re affordable, long-lasting, and multipurpose. Here’s why they’re still found in almost every household:
- Prevents damage caused by moths, cockroaches, and silverfish.
- Removes bad odor and adds a clean fragrance to clothes, shoes, and rooms.
- Easy to use — just place a few in closed spaces.
- Budget-friendly and effective compared to pest sprays or expensive repellents.
- Long shelf life — lasts for months without maintenance.
Whether it’s your wardrobe, bathroom, or car, naphthalene balls can easily freshen up and protect your space with minimal effort.
Practical Uses of Naphthalene Balls
1. Keeps Clothes Safe from Moths
This is the most common and effective use of naphthalene balls. Place a few inside your wardrobes, drawers, or suitcases to keep moths and fabric pests away. They’re especially useful for woolen clothes and silk garments, which are easily attacked by moth larvae. Not only do they protect your clothes, but they also leave them smelling clean and fresh.
2. Removes Bad Odor from Shoes
If your shoes smell after a long day, try this trick! Place one or two naphthalene balls inside each shoe overnight. The next morning, you’ll notice the unpleasant odor is gone. Naphthalene helps absorb moisture and odor, leaving your footwear smelling better. Just remember to remove the balls before wearing your shoes again.
3. Prevents Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets
Tired of seeing cockroaches near the sink or in your storage cabinets? Drop a few naphthalene balls in kitchen corners, under the sink, or behind the dustbin area. Their strong vapors repel cockroaches, ants, and even lizards. It’s a natural and low-cost way to keep your kitchen clean and pest-free.
4. Keeps Books and Documents Dry
Old books, photo albums, or important papers can easily develop a musty smell or fungus in humid weather. To prevent this, store naphthalene balls inside your bookshelf or document box. They absorb excess moisture, protecting your books from mildew and keeping them in good condition.
5. Protects Leather Items
Leather bags, jackets, and belts often catch fungus or odor during rainy seasons. Keeping one or two naphthalene balls in your leather storage area helps prevent this issue. The balls fight humidity and fungal growth, ensuring your leather accessories stay soft and fresh.
6. Repels Silverfish and Ants
Silverfish love dark, damp areas like bathrooms and book corners. Scatter a few naphthalene balls in these areas to drive them away. The same trick works for ants and small crawling insects that sneak into your pantry or cupboards.
Magical Household Hacks Using Naphthalene Balls
1. DIY Car Freshener & Rodent Repellent
Want to keep your car smelling good and rodent-free? Place 2–3 naphthalene balls in a small mesh pouch and tuck it under the seats or in the trunk. The strong scent keeps rats and mice away while giving your car a clean, refreshing aroma. Just make sure the pouch isn’t within reach of kids or pets.
2. Freshens Bathroom Corners
Bathrooms can easily trap bad odors, especially near drains or behind the flush tank. Place a few naphthalene balls in these corners. The vapor acts as a natural bathroom freshener and prevents insects from breeding in damp spots. It’s a quick and cheap hygiene fix!
3. Revives Musty Suitcases
Got an old suitcase that smells musty? Put two naphthalene balls inside, close it for a day or two, and then open it. You’ll notice the stale odor disappears completely. It’s one of the easiest ways to refresh old travel bags without using perfume sprays.
4. Protects Garden Pots from Insects
Naphthalene balls can also be used in gardens! Crush a few and sprinkle them around the base of flower pots. This repels soil pests, snails, and flying insects that might harm your plants. However, avoid direct contact with roots or soil to protect plant health.
5. Keeps Pet Areas Rodent-Free
If you have outdoor pet shelters, garages, or balconies where rodents visit, naphthalene balls can help. Place a few in corners or under furniture to repel rats and cats from marking those spots. But remember: always keep them away from your pets’ reach to avoid accidental ingestion.
6. Closet Freshener Hack
Instead of throwing naphthalene balls directly into your closet, try this simple hack. Put them inside a small cotton pouch or net bag and hang it near your clothes. This prevents staining and provides a mild, consistent fragrance while still protecting against moths.
What Safety Tips You Must Follow with Naphthalene Balls?
While naphthalene balls are effective, they must be used carefully to avoid health risks. Follow these essential safety tips:
- Keep out of reach of children and pets: Naphthalene is toxic if swallowed or inhaled in large amounts.
- Avoid direct contact with skin: Always handle with dry hands or use gloves.
- Use only in well-ventilated areas: Ensure proper airflow to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Never use in food storage or kitchen utensil cabinets: The vapors can contaminate food.
- Do not mix with other cleaning products or air fresheners: This may cause harmful chemical reactions.
Always read packaging instructions and store unused balls in airtight containers away from sunlight.
Conclusion:
From protecting clothes and shoes to keeping pests away and freshening up your home, naphthalene balls truly are small but mighty! Their affordability, effectiveness, and versatility make them a must-have in every household. Just remember to use them safely and responsibly to avoid any health risks.
So next time you see those little white balls, don’t underestimate them — they’re your secret weapon for a cleaner, fresher, and pest-free home.
For more smart household tips, cleaning hacks, and lifestyle solutions, visit HerDuniya — your go-to space for everyday inspiration and women’s lifestyle ideas!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Naphthalene Balls
Naphthalene balls are small white balls made from a chemical compound called naphthalene. They work by slowly turning from solid into gas (a process called sublimation). The strong smell released helps repel insects like moths and silverfish, especially in closed spaces such as wardrobes, cupboards, and storage boxes. This is why naphthalene balls are commonly used to protect clothes and stored items.
Naphthalene balls are mainly used to keep insects away from stored clothes, books, and fabrics. Many people also use them in shoe racks, cupboards, toilets, and kitchen corners to reduce bad odour and prevent pests like cockroaches. Some households use naphthalene balls as a low-cost solution for keeping storage areas fresh and insect-free.
Yes, naphthalene balls can be used around clothes, but only with proper care. They should never be placed directly on clothes. Always keep them inside a breathable pouch or wrapped in paper and place them in a corner of the wardrobe. Before wearing stored clothes, it is important to air them out properly to remove any strong smell.
Yes, naphthalene balls can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled in large amounts. They are toxic for children and pets, especially cats and dogs. Always keep naphthalene balls out of reach, use them only in closed storage areas, and avoid placing them in open spaces where children or pets can access them.
Naphthalene balls may help repel some insects like cockroaches temporarily due to their strong smell. However, they are not a permanent solution for pest control. For serious infestations, professional pest control or natural alternatives like neem oil, boric powder, or bay leaves are more effective and safer options.
If someone inhales strong fumes or accidentally eats a naphthalene ball, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms may include nausea, headache, dizziness, or breathing difficulty. Do not try home remedies. Quick medical attention is very important, especially in the case of children.
Author: Muqaddar Khan
Hi, I’m Muqaddar Khan, a result-driven and visionary professional aiming to achieve excellence in the field of SEO, branding, and digital marketing. With several years of hands-on experience, I’ve built strong expertise in developing data-driven marketing strategies, enhancing brand visibility, and optimizing digital performance across multiple platforms. You can also find me sharing digital insights and professional updates on LinkedIn, where I enjoy connecting with like-minded professionals and creative thinkers.
I’m deeply passionate about sharing practical insights through my writings on HerDuniya, where I connect with readers who love learning about lifestyle, trends, and digital innovation.