Sometimes when I work with people who are struggling with clutter, they are embarrassed by the mess. I’ll be the first to tell you there’s no need for embarrassment! One particular topic people are often hesitant to bring up is closet odor. Since closets are small areas that are usually closed off, it’s very common for odors to crop up on occasion. I’m happy to tell people that first, they’re not alone, and second, there are ways to prevent and defeat odors in custom closet systems.
Some of the ways I recommend my clients to keep unpleasant smells at bay include:
- Addressing moisture issues
- Cleaning the closet
- Maintaining footwear
- Using natural deodorizers
Let’s delve a bit more deeply into these tips, so you know exactly how to keep your custom closet system smelling fresh.
Address Moisture Issues
One reason for a musty odor in the closet system can be humidity and moisture. Closets are generally small spaces, and most of us keep the doors shut. Putting away clothing when it’s still warm (either from the dryer or from wearing) and a lack of ventilation can cause some excess humidity, which can lead to a stale odor. The problem is compounded during warm, humid weather, especially if there’s no air conditioning in the closet.
First, look for any signs of mold. PuroClean describes some of the signs as visible black, white, or green marks on the walls or ceilings; brown or black spots on the floor; musty or earthy odors; and unexplained health issues, like headaches or respiratory problems. If you see or otherwise suspect mold, contact a mold remediation specialist to remove it.
Most of the time, though, a musty odor without signs of mold can be remedied by opening the closet door, adding a small fan, running the air conditioning (and keeping the door open if there’s no vent in the closet itself), or opening a window in the room.
Clean the Closet
Another way to keep closet funk at bay is to give it a good cleaning. Dust in the room can settle in the closet because there’s often not a lot of movement. Wipe down your shelves, racks, and hanging rods periodically to remove dust, which can cause a stale smell. Also, be sure to vacuum the floor and, if you have a hard floor, give it a quick mop every month or so.
While you’re cleaning out the closet itself, be sure all of the clothes are clean. Many times, items don’t need to be washed after only one wearing, so it’s natural to simply hang them back in the closet. It’s best to let items air out outside of the closet, though, if you’re noticing odors in the closet. Simply hang worn-but-not-dirty items on a rack overnight before re-hanging in the closet.
Finally, if you have items stored in the closet for a long period of time without wearing them, it’s possible they’re getting dusty. Wash them or take them to be dry-cleaned, then cover them with a breathable cover. This will help ensure rarely worn items won’t be harboring unpleasant scents.
Maintain Footwear
We all know that our shoes can get a bit smelly, particularly if they go directly from our feet to the closet. It’s best to rotate footwear; try not to wear the same pair several days in a row if you can help it. This will allow your shoes to air out in between wearings – leading to less odor overall.
If you have shoes that you’re wearing to do yard work or to go running regularly, it might help to not store those in your bedroom closet. They’re the shoes most likely to get damp and odorous, so if you can store them in a mudroom, a covered entry, or the garage, this will help keep their smell out of the closet.
You can also consider using inserts or baking soda in your shoes to fight odors at the source. If you can keep your shoes smelling fresh, this will extend to the closet as well.
Use Natural Deodorizers
If you’ve done all you could to prevent bad smells in your custom closets and you’re still not happy with the results, you can add some natural deodorizers to help keep things smelling fresher. A bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal can absorb unpleasant odors – leaving the closet smelling neutral.
You can also place a bowl of unused coffee grounds in a bowl to both absorb smells and also add the scent of coffee to your closet. Other items you could add to make the closet smell better include cedar blocks and lavender sachets. Avoid spraying air fresheners, as these can get on your clothing and cause spots or, when you wear them, skin irritation.
Conclusion
Unpleasant odors can accumulate in the closet; it’s just a part of life. Try the tips I’ve outlined above to see if you can eliminate the odors by removing the source, or consider some of the natural deodorizers I’ve mentioned. Remember that whatever your closet smells like is what your clothing will smell like, so be sure to only choose fragrances that won’t clash with your lotion, cologne, or anything else you like to add to your daily self-care routines.
