Mothball facts for kids
Mothballs are small, solid balls made from special chemicals. People use them to protect clothes and other items. They stop tiny insects like moth larvae and mold from damaging things stored away. Mothballs also have a strong smell that helps keep pests away.
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What Are Mothballs Made Of?
Long ago, most mothballs were made from a chemical called naphthalene. But naphthalene can catch fire quite easily. Because of this, modern mothballs usually use a different chemical. This chemical is called 1,4-dichlorobenzene. Both of these chemicals have a very strong, unique smell. This smell is what most people think of when they hear "mothballs." Sometimes, another natural insect repellent called camphor is also used.
Why Do People Use Mothballs?
Mothballs are like tiny guardians for your stored items. They release a gas that keeps away pests that might eat or damage fabrics. This is why they are often placed in closets, chests, or storage containers. They are especially useful for clothes that are stored for a long time. This could be winter coats put away for summer, or special blankets.
The Strong Smell of Mothballs
The chemicals in mothballs create a very strong, distinct smell. This smell is often described as pungent. It's the smell that tells you mothballs are at work. While effective, it's important to use mothballs in well-ventilated areas. This helps the smell from building up too much.
What Does "Mothballed" Mean?
The idea of putting clothes away with mothballs led to a common saying. When something is "mothballed" or "put into mothballs," it means it's put into storage. It also means its normal use is stopped for a while.
For example, an old factory might be "mothballed." This means it's closed down, but kept ready to open again later. Some people think this saying came from the navy. When warships were stored, their gun barrels were covered with white material. This was to stop water from getting in. These white covers looked a bit like mothballs.
