Naphthalene balls — those small, white, strongly scented spheres often found in cupboards and storage trunks — are one of the most familiar household items in the world. Yet, despite how common they are, most of us barely know what they’re actually made of, how they work, or what hidden risks and lesser-known facts come while using them. Naphthalene balls uses
This article explores naphthalene balls with their practical uses, where they came from, surprising science insights, fun facts, and important safety notes that rarely make it into typical online guides. Let’s dive deep into a product almost everyone has seen but few truly understand.
What Exactly Are Naphthalene Balls?
Naphthalene balls (often called mothballs) are small, white, volatile solid balls made primarily from naphthalene, a carbon-based organic compound derived from coal tar or petroleum. They release a strong, instantly recognizable smell that repels insects—particularly moths and silverfish—which is why they are commonly placed in wardrobes, storage boxes, and old trunks.
What makes naphthalene balls unique is that they don’t melt like wax. Instead, they sublime—turning directly from solid to gas—which is how they slowly release fumes over weeks or months.
This vapor is what does the job of repelling or killing insects.
Most people use them without knowing this basic chemistry, but this sublimation process is the key to everything naphthalene balls do.
Why Do Naphthalene Balls Smell So Strong?
If you’ve ever opened a cupboard filled with naphthalene balls, you know the smell hits you instantly. That “sharp” or “chemical” scent comes from naphthalene vapors. Because the substance evaporates continuously at room temperature, even a few balls can fill a closed space with fumes.
These vapors serve two purposes:
- Repelling pests: Clothes moths hate the smell and stay away.
- Preserving stored items: The fumes are strong enough to prevent insects from breeding or damaging fabric.
Interestingly, the smell doesn’t just repel insects—it also signals sublimation. As long as you smell it, the balls are actively working. When the smell fades, the naphthalene has fully evaporated.
Naphthalene Balls Uses in Everyday Life
While most people associate them with protecting clothes, the uses actually extend far beyond that. Here are the most common—and some surprisingly lesser-known—ways naphthalene balls are used.
1. Protecting Clothing in Wardrobes and Storage
This is the classic use. Wool, silk, cotton, and other natural fibers are vulnerable to moth larvae. Naphthalene vapor kills larvae before they can create holes in clothes.
2. Keeping Books and Papers Safe
Old books and stored documents attract silverfish and termites. Many people place a few naphthalene balls inside bookshelves, trunks, or storage cartons to keep pests away.
3. Repelling Cockroaches in Corners and Cabinets
While naphthalene is not officially classified as a cockroach killer, its strong odor is effective at keeping roaches out of closed areas like kitchen cabinets and shoe racks.
4. Preventing Mold and Musty Odors
An unexpected but practical use: because naphthalene vapor dries out moisture-loving pests, it helps keep stored spaces fresh and less prone to moldy smells.
5. Protecting Stored Vehicles and Equipment
People storing cars, old electronics, tools, or machinery in sheds sometimes place naphthalene balls inside the cabin or storage trunk to keep insects from nesting.
6. Outdoor Uses
Some people scatter naphthalene balls around gardens to repel snakes, rats, or stray animals. However, this is not recommended, as outdoor use allows naphthalene vapors to disperse into the environment and can harm soil and animals.
7. Keeping Shoes Fresh and Pest-Free
Many households tuck 1–2 balls into rarely-used shoes to prevent odor and protect against insects.
The Fascinating Chemistry of Naphthalene Balls
Let’s break down the interesting chemical properties that make naphthalene balls so effective and widely used.
Sublimation: The Key Process
Unlike ice or wax, naphthalene doesn’t melt into liquid. It sublimes, meaning:
- Solid → Gas (without becoming liquid)
- Happens slowly at room temperature
- Fumes spread uniformly within closed spaces
This property allows naphthalene balls to last for weeks or even months.
Aromatic Hydrocarbon Structure
Naphthalene is made of two fused benzene rings. This structure gives it:
- A strong scent
- High volatility
- Ability to repel pests sensitive to chemical odors
- Stability and long shelf life
Flammability
Many people don’t know this: naphthalene is flammable. Right conditions—like long exposure to heat—can cause the solid fumes to ignite.
This is one reason they should never be kept near stoves, irons, or direct sunlight.
Lesser-Known Facts About Naphthalene Balls
Most online articles repeat the same generic information. But here are some uncommon facts you probably haven’t heard:
1. Naphthalene Balls Don’t Kill Adult Moths
They only affect larvae—not adult flying moths. Adults actually lay eggs on clothes before the vapor affects them. So they work best when clothes are stored clean.
2. They Can Evaporate Without a Trace
People sometimes think naphthalene balls “disappeared.” In reality, they evaporate due to sublimation. No residue, no wax—just gone.
3. The Smell Means the Area Is Saturated
If a cupboard smells very strong:
- It’s working properly
- The vapor concentration is high enough
- Pests will stay away
No smell = time for replacement.
4. Not All “Mothballs” Are Naphthalene
Some are made of paradichlorobenzene (PDCB), which looks similar but smells sweeter and is less flammable. However, both release fumes that require careful handling.
5. They’re More Common in Asia and Africa
In many Western countries, naphthalene balls have been replaced with natural repellents or cedar-based products due to safety concerns. But in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and African nations, they remain a household staple.
6. They Are One of the Oldest Pest-Control Solutions
Naphthalene was first discovered in the early 1800s, and mothballs became common during the Victorian era. That means people have been relying on them for over 200 years.
7. They Are Used in Industrial Settings Too
Factories that store leather, fabrics, and paper often use naphthalene-based repellents to protect large quantities of goods.
Safety Tips: What Most People Don’t Know
While naphthalene balls are effective, they need to be used thoughtfully to avoid health risks.
1. Never Use Them in Open Areas
They are meant only for sealed or closed spaces such as:
- Wardrobes
- Trunks
- Boxes
- Storage containers
Using them in open spaces increases inhalation risk.
2. Keep Away From Children and Pets
Dogs, cats, and young children are especially vulnerable because ingestion can lead to symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Anemia
- Breathing issues
Always store safely.
3. Do Not Mix Naphthalene with PDCB Balls
Some people mix both types of balls. This creates a toxic blend of chemicals and increases risk.
4. Avoid Using Near Food Storage
Never place them in kitchen cabinets where utensils or food items are kept.
5. Air Out Clothes Before Wearing
Because naphthalene fumes cling to fabric, allow stored clothes to air out for a few hours before using them.
6. Do Not Crush or Break Them
Crushing increases the release of vapors and can irritate skin and eyes.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Naphthalene Balls
While naphthalene balls are effective, modern households often prefer safer, natural options. Here are alternatives that also work well.
1. Cedarwood Blocks
Natural oils in cedarwood repel moths effectively and smell pleasant.
2. Lavender Sachets
Lavender has been used for centuries as a moth repellent and freshener.
3. Neem Leaves
Common in South India; dried neem leaves in wardrobes deter insects naturally.
4. Camphor
Like naphthalene, camphor sublimates, but it is plant-based and milder.
5. Clove Oil or Whole Cloves
Many households place cloves in cloth bags inside wardrobes to keep pests away.
Are Naphthalene Balls Harmful?
There is a lot of misinformation floating around—some exaggerated, some based on truth.
Are They Dangerous?
They can be harmful if misused or overused. Proper ventilation and correct placement minimize risk.
Can They Cause Cancer?
Some studies have labeled naphthalene as a possible carcinogen based on long-term industrial exposure. Household use within recommended limits is considered low-risk.
Is It Safe to Touch Them?
Touching briefly is fine, but prolonged skin contact should be avoided.
Do They Damage Clothes?
Not directly. However, if placed directly on fabric, they may leave yellowish spots over time.
How to Use Naphthalene Balls Correctly
Here’s a simple, safe usage method that many people actually get wrong:
- Clean clothes before storing.
- Place naphthalene balls in a small cloth pouch or plastic container with holes.
- Keep them in corners of the wardrobe or storage box.
- Do not let them touch the fabric directly.
- Close the space tightly so vapors stay inside.
- Replace every 3–6 months depending on weather.
This method maximizes effectiveness and minimizes health risks.
Final Thoughts
Naphthalene balls are simple, inexpensive, and easily overlooked—but they carry a fascinating blend of chemistry, usefulness, and caution. They’ve been part of households for centuries, and although modern alternatives exist, millions still trust these tiny white balls to protect their clothes, books, and belongings.
Understanding how they work, where they help, and how to use them safely empowers you to make better decisions for your home. Whether you continue using them or switch to natural repellents, now you know the science and stories behind that familiar sharp smell in the cupboard.
