Every home has its unique scent, but we often don't notice it because we're so used to it. Closets, on the other hand, can develop a musty or stale odor, especially if they've been closed for a while. And if your closet smells terrible, chances are your clothes will too.
Scents have a powerful effect on our emotions and energy. A closet that smells good can make getting dressed a more pleasant experience, boost confidence, and leave a lasting impression. No one wants their clothes to carry an unpleasant odor, right?
Washing your clothes with a quality detergent usually does the trick, but sometimes the issue lies within the closet itself. If musty smells persist despite clean laundry, it's time to tackle the root cause. Here are ten simple and effective closet deodorizer hacks that keep your closet and clothes smelling amazing every day!
How to stop clothes from smelling musty in your wardrobe :
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are a great way to keep your closet and clothes smelling fresh while adding a touch of natural fragrance to your space. These plant-based oils not only smell amazing but can also help create a more uplifting atmosphere.
So, how to keep a closet smelling fresh? Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer during the final rinse cycle. Another simple trick is to soak cotton balls or small pieces of paper towel in the oil and tuck them into the corners of your closet. Some essential oils, like lavender, cedarwood, and peppermint, even have natural moth-repelling properties—so you'll be keeping pests away while enjoying a fresh scent. Just be sure to replace the cotton balls every few weeks to keep the fragrance strong. With this easy hack, your clothes will always smell clean and inviting!
SCENTED DRYER SHEETS
Dryer sheets do more than soften clothes—they can also absorb bad odors and leave your closet smelling fresh. Even after they've been used in the dryer, they still hold enough fragrance to improve the scent of your storage spaces. Place a few dryer sheets on closet shelves or tuck them into the pockets of your clothes.
For long-term storage, like packing away winter clothes, try placing a dryer sheet inside an envelope and tucking it in with your garments. This is how to get the musty smell out of the closet and keep your clothes smelling clean and fresh until you need them again.
SOAP BARS
Turn your closet into a fragrant oasis with a simple bar of soap! Strongly scented soaps, like lavender, citrus, or vanilla, can naturally freshen up your space and keep your clothes smelling great. Just wrap a bar in a thin cloth to protect your fabrics while still allowing the scent to flow freely. Tuck it into a closet corner, a dresser drawer, or even inside a packed suitcase for a burst of freshness. As the fragrance fades, gently scrape the soap's surface or swap it out for a new one. It's an easy, mess-free trick and one of the best air fresheners for closets to keep them smelling clean and inviting every day!
SCENTED WOODEN HANGERS
If you're looking for an easy way to keep your clothes smelling fresh and your closet organized, scented wooden hangers are a great option. Unlike cheap wire hangers that can damage your clothes over time, wooden hangers are sturdy and can handle even heavier items like wool sweaters, men's suits, and knit dresses. Cedarwood hangers, in particular, are an excellent choice because they naturally absorb moisture, leaving your clothes with a fresh scent while preventing moths from causing damage. Cedar is a fantastic alternative to chemical insect repellents, making it a natural and safe option for your wardrobe. For seasonal storage, you can even find lavender-scented wooden hangers to add a touch of fragrance.
To take your closet organization to the next level, consider adding a functional tool like Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST). This simple yet innovative product helps maintain neatness by keeping your hangers spaced apart, allowing you to move clothes around without shifting or getting wrinkled. With properly spaced clothes, the air in your closet can circulate better, helping to maintain a fresh and odor-free environment. Plus, it makes finding your outfits easier! Just stick RST to your closet rod, and you're all set for a more organized, fresh-smelling wardrobe.
BAKING SODA
Baking soda is a standard solution for tackling stains on clothes, but it also does wonders when it comes to absorbing odors. By simply placing 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda in a container that allows airflow, such as a fabric pouch or an open bowl, you can put it in your closet to neutralize unwanted smells. It's also great for soaking up moisture, preventing that damp, mildew-like scent from lingering on your clothes. Plus, it's a low-maintenance, natural closet deodorizer to keep your closet smelling fresh and clean! Remember to replace or refresh it every few weeks for the best results.
HOMEMADE POTPOURRI
Making your own potpourri is a simple and natural way to make your closet smell good. While you can buy potpourri from stores, crafting your own allows you to create a unique scent blend that perfectly matches your preferences. You can use various herbs and flowers to create your ideal fragrance. For example, if you want a blend that also helps keep insects at bay, you could mix lavender, rosemary, cedar wood chips, and spearmint. Once you've made your potpourri, place small sachets of it in different corners of your closet or inside drawers. To ensure the scent stays strong, replace the sachets every month for a continuous fresh smell.
PERFUMED COTTON BALLS
If you are wondering how to get rid of bad smells in clothes, a quick and effortless way to keep your closet smelling fresh is by using perfumed cotton balls. You only need small glass jars, cotton balls, and your favorite perfume. Here's how to do it: Soak a few cotton balls with your chosen fragrance and place them in the glass jars. Cover the jars with a light, breathable fabric instead of sealing them tightly, allowing the scent to diffuse throughout the closet. Position the jars strategically within your closet, and replace the cotton balls regularly to maintain a long-lasting fresh smell. This simple trick is a great way to banish unwanted odors and keep your closet smelling wonderful.
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Activated charcoal is a powerhouse when it comes to absorbing odors and purifying the air. It works wonders by eliminating unpleasant smells and filtering mold spores, helping keep your closet fresh and free from mold. Place a block of activated charcoal inside a breathable pouch or container and tuck it away in your closet. The best part? These charcoal blocks are reusable. After some time, they'll need a little refresh—just put the block in the sunlight for a few hours to release the trapped odors. This simple process restores its odor-absorbing power, and with this care, a single block of activated charcoal can last up to two years. It's an easy, eco-friendly, and the best closet deodorizer that keeps your closet smelling great!
VINEGAR
Vinegar is an amazing natural deodorizer for closets that can help keep your clothes and closet smelling fresh. You can add a tablespoon of white distilled vinegar to your laundry's fabric softener to eliminate stubborn odors that won't go away. It's an easy trick to make sure your clothes stay smelling clean after every wash.
Another great way to use vinegar is by making a simple spray. Just mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Before spraying it on your clothes or closet, test a small, hidden area of your shirt to ensure it won't affect the color or texture. If all looks good, turn your clothes inside out and spray lightly. You can also spray the inside of your closet and dresser drawers to eliminate any lingering musty smells. This natural solution is a simple and effective way to keep things smelling fresh!
AIR FRESHENERS AND DISINFECTANTS
For closets that smell musty, one easy way to keep your closet smelling fresh is by using air fresheners. Store-bought air fresheners can do the trick, giving your closet a pleasant scent with just a few sprays. However, if you prefer a more natural approach, you can easily make your DIY air freshener at home! Mix 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of plain water. Shake it well to combine, and voilà! You now have an all-natural air freshener that smells great and helps eliminate odors. Just give your closet a quick spray every few days, and it'll keep your clothes smelling fresh and inviting.
CONCLUSION
Even using the best detergent, musty smells can still find their way onto your clothes. This often happens because the odor comes from your closet, not the laundry. The good news is that there are simple and effective ways to get rid of those unpleasant smells. The deodorizing tips above show how to stop clothes from smelling musty in your wardrobe. With these tips, you'll enjoy a fresh and clean-smelling closet—and clothes that smell just as great.
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Author: Stephen Patrick
Stephen is the Founder and CEO of the Roomedys® brand. Stephen’s inaugural, multi-patented invention, Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST), is poised to transform the world of closet organization. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, Stephen is an expert in functional organization. His mantra, “Everything has a place; everything stays in place,” is the key to achieving a realistic & maintainable routine that provides a feeling of balance and well-being.