12 Simple Techniques to Fresh Smelling Closets

Rob Dunn • Jun 19, 2020

There have been numerous studies conducted that indicate that scents can evoke emotions within people. Why not utilize the power of smell to boost your mood every day? This can be done through the simple act of making your custom closets smell fantastic.

While washing your clothes the proper way with detergent or fabric cleaner is the best way to keep them smelling fresh, how do you maintain a pleasant aroma in your closet? In most cases, using all-natural cleaning products should do the trick. However, some musty smells require further action.

Here are 12 simple techniques to make your closets and clothes, smell fresher and cleaner for longer periods of time

1. Scented Dryer Sheets

Scented dryer sheets are ideal for thoroughly absorbing bad odors and keeping your laundry smelling fresh. You can even utilize used dryer sheets that have a pleasant fragrance to help moderate the smell of your closet.

Simply stick the dryer sheets in the closet shelving or in sweater, coats, or pants pockets. Voila! It’s an easy trick to keep unpleasant smells at bay.

2. Bar Soaps

When warm, a bar of soap will release a sweet scent throughout small spaces to make your clothing, and your closet, much more fragrant. Select a bar of soap that you enjoy the smell of and follow these simple steps:

Set a napkin or paper towel in an area where you hang your clothes
Place the soap on top of it
After about three hours, the clothes in your closet will have absorbed the soap’s scent

If you tuck the soap in a drawer, be sure to wrap it in a thin fabric so that it won’t harm your clothing, while allowing the scent to pass through.

3. Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural oils that are derived from plants or other sources. They have a pleasant smell that can elevate your mood and keep your closet smelling ahh-mazing. Simply add a few drops of your favorite scented oils to the dryer during the last rinse cycle.

You can also soak cotton balls or napkins in the essential oils and place them on your closet shelves. If you have a large walk-in closet, also consider purchasing a small essential oil diffuser for your small space.

4. Herbs in Small Baggies

Did you know that herbs, such as lavender, can make you feel peaceful and calm? Ginseng is also known to increase your energy. To harness the power of these great herbs, fill a small plastic baggie with your favorite kind and place it in a corner of your closet.

You can also try adding a few packets in pockets of clothes you don’t wear that often to keep them smelling fresh.

5. Baking Soda

While baking soda is great for removing stains in clothing, it also absorbs unwanted odors like a champ. Add three tablespoons of baking soda into a container, with holes in the lid (or skip the lid all together) and put it inside your closet. The baking soda will absorb the moisture in the air and keep your clothes from smelling musty.

6. DIY Linen Spray

To make your own linen spray at home, grab your favorite essential oils and a clean spray bottle. Add a couple of drops of the oils to the spray bottle and then fill it with water. Spritz the solution lightly on your clothing and around your closet.

If making your own linen spray doesn’t appeal to you, there are lots of pre-made sprays available on the market that are ready to go.

7. Strongly Smelling Wood

Some types of wood, such as sandalwood, just smell wonderful. Bring that earthy scent into your home by stashing a small piece of it inside of your closet. You can get sandalwood at a local lumberyard or your neighborhood hardware store.

Or opt for scented wooden hangers! They look great, protect your clothing, and also give your clothes a pleasant scent.

8. Homemade Potpourri

DIY potpourri is an excellent way to fill your closet with natural smells. Though it’s sold in many perfume stores, it’s easy to make your own at home. You can use a large variety of herbs and spices to concoct your own special recipe for your exact needs.

For instance, include lavender to feel peaceful. Add spearmint for a quick pick-me-up. Basil and rosemary can repel bugs. Keep small packets of your mixture in dresser drawers or closets and replace them every other month to keep the gorgeous scents going strong.

9. Vinegar

Vinegar can naturally do away with unwanted odors in small spaces. Simply add one tablespoon of white distilled vinegar to your fabric softener to get rid of bad smells even after your clothes come out of the washer.

To eliminate bad odors in your closet, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle and mist throughout the area. Be sure to turn your clothing inside out before spraying the solution onto them.

10. Activated Charcoal

This type of deodorizer and air purifier is one of the most effective. It can also filter out mold spores to keep your closets safe and smelling great. Place a small block of activated charcoal into a breathable container or baggie and keep it inside of your closet.

Every few months, take it outside and place it in direct sunlight to release the bad odors. This process will give the activated charcoal more ability to further keep bad odors at bay.

11. Air Fresheners

Strongly scented air fresheners can give your clothes and closets a lovely smell. Simply hang a few small air fresheners throughout your closet or place them in drawers to keep your closet smelling fantastic.

12. Coffee Grounds

Starting your day with a delicious cup of coffee is never a bad idea. The smell of the coffee fills your room. Not only that, the coffee grounds smell great too. Poke holes in a small container top, add the coffee grounds to the container and place it in the corner of your closet.

For best results, replace the grounds every month.

What Causes My Closet to Smell?

If you’re wondering what causes your closet to stink, you’re not alone!

The answer is dampness. Excessive moisture in the air can lead to musty and muggy odors inside of your closet. Since your closet doesn’t have a window and is darker, it also makes the perfect haven for colonies of mold and mildew to grow and thrive.

It’s important to check your closet periodically for signs of mold. Mold isn’t just disgusting, but it can lead to some serious health complications.