How to Make Your Closets Smell Better

Wire hangers may be the more traditional and inexpensive option, but they can ultimately damage your clothes. However, wood hangers are gentler on your clothes and can hold heavier articles of clothing such as full suits or wool coats.

Not only are wooden hangers safer on your clothing, but they work double duty to help combat odors in your closets. Hangers made from cedar absorb moisture and also protect against moths. These hangers also release a pleasant smell that can take out the musty smells from your clothes.

If you don’t care for the cedar smell, you can buy wooden hangers with other scents. They still have the insect repelling quality of natural cedar but have different satisfying smells such as lavender.

Potpourri is another option to keep your closets smelling fresh. You can purchase premade potpourri at any perfume shop, big box, and some hobby stores. Repackage the potpourri into small cloth sachets and store them around your closets. You can even slide them into the pockets of pants and jackets that aren’t worn regularly.

It is convenient to purchase already made potpourri, but you can easily make your own. Depending on what type of potpourri you make, it can take just a few minutes to a couple of hours. Mix a blend of herbs such as lavender, southernwood, spearmint, and rosemary with cedar chips and place into pouches. According to fiftyflowers.com, you can easily make your own blend with dried flowers and oils by doing the following:

1. Take your favorite flowers and remove the petals or just the stems, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 
2. Sprinkle the flowers with your favorite essential oils, such as rose, lemon, or lavender.
3. Add any extras you like, such as orange slices, mint, or cinnamon sticks. 
4. Place in the oven preheated to 200°F and bake for two hours.
5. Remove and add a “fixative,” such as orris root powder or additional essential oils. Mix and place in pouches or leave in a bowl and place the bowl in your closet.

Despite vinegar’s pungent aroma, it is one of the best natural deodorizers available. It is inexpensive, and you can use it in the wash to help take out some of the odors that tend to linger even after washing, by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar to your typical fabric softener.

Adding vinegar to your washing routine will help eliminate stubborn odors in your clothing. However, it is not the only way vinegar removes pungent smells from your closets. By mixing white vinegar with equal parts water in a spray bottle, you can spray your entire closet, including the dresser drawers. While you may notice the sharp vinegar smell at first, it will dissipate as the solution dries, taking the harsh smell with it.

When purging odors from your closets, you may consider a natural air purifier that helps to also prevent mold growth. Activated charcoal absorbs offensive odors and filters out mold spores. To use them, place a brick in a breathable container or pouch and put it on a shelf in your closet.



Unlike other odor-controlling items, you can reuse the same charcoal blocks for up to two years. They are easy to clean, just set them out in bright sunlight for several hours. The sunlight releases the odors, restoring the block’s ability to absorb more smells. With proper cleaning, once a month to two months, charcoal can last up to two years.

Rotating your wardrobe is a fantastic way to keep your closets organized. However, when coming out of four to six months of storage, your clothing may have a musty smell. Washing can help with the smell, but you might not have the time to wash everything before wearing it.



According to Bustle.com, you should consider using vodka. No, not to drink, but to help eliminate the stale smells. Make a mixture of half water and half vodka and pour into a spray bottle. Spritz the area that has a musty smell. Hang clothes that you’ve sprayed in a “well-ventilated area” to allow them to dry.

Another inexpensive odor control option is baking soda. You’ve probably heard of using it in the refrigerator to collect battle smells, but it works just as well in other areas. Spread a small thin layer in the bottom of your dresser drawers and cover it with a breathable fabric. You can also put it in a breathable container and set it on a shelf.



Baking soda works so well because of its pH neutralizing qualities. As most odors are acidic, they react with the soda, and the fragrances are neutralized. Despite the baking soda being the same as what you cook with, you don’t want to use the soda from your fridge or closet in your food. It’ll transfer the foul odors into your meal and make it unappealing.

If you want to keep your stored clothes smelling fresh, you can try bar soap. As the soap gets warm, it releases its scent into an enclosed space. Pick a soap that you think smells good.

Place your clothing into its storage container and cover it with a breathable cloth. Place the bar soap on top and close the box. After a few hours, your clothing will take on the scent of the soap. You can also put a bar of soap in your dresser drawers to help keep those items smelling fresh as well. Replace the bars once a month.

Keeping odors at bay can be an arduous task. Bedroom closets can absorb odors from clothing stored for prolonged periods or clothing not quite dry when you put them away. There are a variety of ways to get the musty smell out of the air. Using charcoal, scented hangers, vodka, baking soda, and vinegar can help.  Bar soap and potpourri can also add a pleasant smell to the area. Try a combination of methods to ensure that you get the best smelling clothing and custom closets possible.

• https://www.fiftyflowers.com/blog/guest-post-make-your-own-potpourri-at-home/
• https://www.bustle.com/articles/161352-7-hacks-that-will-make-your-closet-clothes-smell-amazing