Once you wash them in vinegar and laundry soap (use lots of vinegar) you may have to wash again, with soap only, to get the vinegar smell out. I have done that successfully in the past for cat pee. Not sure if it'll work for mothballs. Do let us know! I really hate that smell, too. Gosh, what is it with some people and mothballs? Are moths really such a problem, lol? I hardly ever see moths.