The Problem with Traditional Mothballs
Mothballs have been a wardrobe staple for generations - but most people don't know what's actually inside them. Traditional chemical mothballs contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, both of which are toxic chemicals that release fumes classified as potential carcinogens by the US EPA.
The strong chemical smell isn't just unpleasant - it's the toxin doing its job. When you put chemical mothballs in your wardrobe and breathe in that distinctive odour, you're inhaling a pesticide. For homes with babies, young children, or pets, this is a serious concern.
The good news? There's a far better option that Kiwi families are switching to: cedar wood moth balls NZ.
How Cedar Wood Naturally Repels Moths
Cedarwood has been used as a natural moth deterrent for centuries, long before chemical alternatives existed. The science behind it is straightforward.
Cedar wood contains natural oils - primarily cedrol and cedrene - that are toxic to moth larvae and repel adult moths from laying their eggs in treated areas. These same oils are completely harmless to humans and pets at the concentrations found in cedar balls.
Unlike chemical mothballs, which work by releasing toxic gas, cedar works through its aromatic oils. The scent you smell from a cedar ball is the same compound that's doing the repelling — and it smells genuinely pleasant, not like a chemical factory.
Cedar Wood Balls vs Chemical Mothballs — Side by Side
| Feature | Cedar Wood Balls | Chemical Mothballs |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Natural cedar oil (cedrol, cedrene) | Naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene |
| Safe around children? | Yes | No - toxic if ingested or inhaled |
| Safe around pets? | Yes | No - especially toxic to cats |
| Scent | Fresh, pleasant wood fragrance | Strong, unpleasant chemical smell |
| Environmental impact | Biodegradable, sustainable | Persistent environmental contaminant |
| How long it lasts | 1–2 years (refresh by sanding) | Until fully evaporated (weeks to months) |
| Reusable? | Yes - sand lightly to refresh | No - single use only |
Scent Options — Which Cedar Ball is Right for You?
Not all cedar balls are the same. At KiwiBargain, we offer four variants to suit different preferences:
Cedar Wood Balls - Lavender -Our most popular option. Cedar oil blended with lavender for a calming, fresh wardrobe scent. Perfect for bedrooms and linen cupboards. Pack of 32, $14.99.
Cedar Wood Balls - Jasmine - A lighter, floral scent for those who prefer something softer. Ideal for clothing wardrobes. Pack of 32, $14.99.
Cedar Wood Moth Balls - Natural - Pure cedar scent with no added fragrance. The best choice if you're sensitive to scents or prefer the authentic cedar aroma. Pack of 32, $10.99.
Red Cedar Wood Moth Balls - Made from red cedarwood, which has an even higher natural oil concentration than standard cedar. Stronger, longer-lasting protection. Pack of 32, $22.99.
How Many Cedar Balls Do You Need?
A pack of 32 cedar balls is more than enough for a standard wardrobe. Here's a rough guide:
- Small wardrobe (under 1m wide): 8–12 balls
- Standard double wardrobe: 16–20 balls
- Large walk-in wardrobe: 24–32 balls
- Storage boxes or suitcases: 4–6 balls per box
- Under-bed storage: 6–10 balls
Place the balls in a small mesh bag or scatter them among your clothes. Avoid direct contact with silk or leather, as cedar oil can occasionally leave slight marks on delicate fabrics.
How to Refresh Cedar Balls
Over time, the surface of cedar balls can become coated with dust and oxidised oils, which reduces their effectiveness. Unlike chemical mothballs (which you simply throw away when used up), cedar balls are reusable.
To refresh them, simply take some sandpaper and lightly sand the surface of each ball. This removes the outer layer and exposes fresh cedar wood underneath, releasing a burst of new oil. After sanding, the balls will smell as strong as new.
Most cedar balls last 1-2 years before they need replacing entirely. That makes them significantly more economical than chemical mothballs over time.
Are Cedar Balls Safe for All Fabrics?
Cedar balls are safe for the vast majority of fabrics including wool, cotton, synthetics, and most natural fibres. As mentioned above, exercise caution with:
- Silk - Cedar oil can occasionally leave faint marks. Place balls in a small bag away from direct contact with silk garments.
- Finished leather - The oils can affect leather finishes over time. Keep cedar balls away from leather items.
- Unfinished wood - Not a fabric concern, but worth noting: cedar oil can occasionally affect unfinished wooden surfaces.
For everything else - your woollen jerseys, cashmere, cotton shirts, linen - cedar balls are perfectly safe and will help preserve the quality of your garments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cedar balls actually work on moths?
Yes - cedar oil is a proven natural moth repellent. It's most effective as a preventative measure (keeping moths away from clean clothes). For an existing moth infestation, a combination of thorough cleaning, washing all affected items, and then using cedar balls to prevent re-infestation is the recommended approach.
How long do KiwiBargain cedar balls last?
Typically 1-2 years. You can extend their life significantly by sanding them lightly every few months to expose fresh cedar oil beneath the surface.
Are cedar balls safe if a child touches them?
Yes. Cedar oil is non-toxic at the concentrations in cedar balls. While we wouldn't encourage children to eat them (they are small balls and a choking hazard for babies), skin contact is completely safe.
Are they safe for pets?
Yes - unlike chemical mothballs (which are highly toxic to cats and dogs), cedar wood is safe around pets. In fact, cedar is commonly used in pet bedding for its natural flea-repelling properties.
Make the Switch Today
Your family's health and the safety of your home matters. If you're still using chemical mothballs, now is the perfect time to switch to a natural alternative that works just as well - without the toxic fumes.
Browse our full cedar moth balls NZ range at KiwiBargain. We also stock a wide range of baby feeding products, baby playpens, and kids toys NZ - everything for your Kiwi family, all shipping fast from Auckland.
