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Mothball smell

ExtraLargeGuy
ExtraLargeGuy Member Posts: 2
in Radiant Heating
Hi all-

We have a very strong mothball smell in our place that we can’t explain. We moved in this October and have aired it out, but the whole flat seems to “refill” with the smell after a couple days. It has soaked into our clothing and furniture. Is there any chance this could be coming from our radiator heating? We’ve exhausted all other options, and this is all I can think of…thoughts??

Comments

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,130
    edited January 2023
    How did you get the moth's little legs apart to smell them?

    But seriously, I have never encountered Camphor or Moth Ball odor from a radiator. Do you have Steam or Hot water radiators?

    The only possible heat related issue could be if there is a camphor or mouth ball odor source near the radiator (perhaps under the floor or behind the wall) and the heat of the radiators increases convection air currents across the odor source, disbursing it into the room(s). If that is the case, I wonder what original odor was there to make the former owner try to solve it with camphor?

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    ExtraLargeGuy
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,248
    Some people used moth balls to repel birds, bats etc from making a home in their homes.

    Could be some in the nooks and crannies of the house.
    Maybe look up on the basement piping?
  • ExtraLargeGuy
    ExtraLargeGuy Member Posts: 2
    Thanks y’all. I knew it was a long shot. Appreciate the advice. 

    As for the moth, you’d be amazed what you can do with some dental equipment and a pair of tweezers.

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