How to Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh in Your Wardrobe

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has childhood memories of visiting grandparents and getting a hug from them only to be hit by the smell of mothballs and musty clothes. I loved seeing my grandma and grandpa, but yikes, did I hate that smell! As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to accept that clothes can sometimes take on a stale, musty smell while sitting in closets or drawers. With that knowledge,I have vowed never to be the parent or grandparent with the stinky clothes!

I’ve learned that the keys to keeping your clothes smelling fresh in the wardrobe comes down to proper airflow, appropriate storage based on fabric, wardrobe fresheners, and regular cleaning. I share all the details in this guide, so let’s get started.

Why Clothes Lose Their Freshness in Wardrobes

First, let’s explore why clothes can lose their freshness in storage. Closets, wardrobes, and clothing drawers are often closed off from airflow, which can create the perfect environment for musty smells to develop. 

Here are a few reasons why your clothes may smell less than fresh:

• Lack of Airflow: Without proper ventilation, closets trap stale air, leading to an unpleasant, lingering smell.
• Moisture Build-up: High humidity or damp conditions can lead to mold and mildew growth, which is one of the main causes of musty odors.
• Improper Storage: Tossing damp or dirty clothes into the closet will spread smells to nearby garments.
• Sweat and Body Oils: Even if clothes look clean, residual body oils or sweat can cause odors over time if they’re not thoroughly washed.

Understanding why clothes lose freshness is the first step to preventing it. Now, let’s get into some effective tips for keeping your stored clothing smelling fresh.

Top Tips to Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh in Your Wardrobe

Here are tried-and-true methods to maintain that fresh scent, no matter how long your clothes stay in storage:

1. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Ventilation is key to keeping closets and wardrobes fresh. If your wardrobe doesn’t have built-in airflow, try a few of these options:

• Leave Wardrobe Doors Slightly Open: Letting a bit of air circulate can prevent that stale smell.
• Install a Small Dehumidifier: If humidity is a problem, a dehumidifier can absorb excess moisture and help keep musty smells at bay.
• Use a Fan or Ventilation Fan: If you have a walk-in closet, a small fan can work wonders for circulating air.

Proper airflow can make a huge difference in keeping your wardrobe and clothes smelling fresh.

2. Choose the Right Hangers and Storage Solutions

Believe it or not, your choice of hangers and storage materials can affect the smell of your clothes. Here are some tips that can help your clothes smell fresh throughout storage.

• Use Breathable Garment Bags: For delicate or seasonal items, opt for fabric garment bags over plastic bags. Fabric permits airflow, preventing odors and conditions that can make your clothes smell musty.
• Pick Natural Materials: Hangers made of wood, especially cedar, are naturally resistant to odors and even repel insects.
• Avoid Plastic Storage Containers: Unless you’re using vacuum-sealed bags, plastic storage containers can trap moisture and contribute to mustiness. Instead of these airtight storage bins, go for breathable, fabric storage bins for long-term freshness.

With the right hangers and breathable storage, you’re setting your clothes up for long-lasting freshness and a well-organized closet that smells as good as it looks.

3. Use Wardrobe Fresheners

Wardrobe fresheners add a pleasant, subtle scent to your closet without overwhelming your clothes. Here are a few natural options:

• Lavender Sachets: Lavender is known for its calming scent and can keep clothes smelling lovely.
• Cedarwood: Cedar blocks or sachets are great for both freshness and insect control.
• Activated Charcoal: Charcoal pouches absorb moisture and odors without adding any scent, making them a great option if you prefer fragrance-free freshness.

These natural wardrobe fresheners are easy to find and can keep your clothes smelling great between washes.

4. Avoid Storing Damp or Dirty Clothes

This one is simple but so important! Always make sure your clothes are completely dry before putting them away. If possible, air-dry clothes briefly before storage, even if they just came out of the dryer.

• Double-Check for Dampness: Sometimes clothes feel dry but can still have lingering moisture. Give them a quick feel test before putting them in the closet.
• Don’t Store Worn Clothes with Clean Ones: If you’ve worn an item but it’s not quite ready for the laundry, hang it separately from clean clothes to avoid transferring any odors.

5. Wash Clothes with Odor Killing Detergents

Keeping clothes fresh starts with a good wash. Choose detergents with odor-neutralizing properties to lock in that clean scent. Some detergents, like HeySunday detergent sheets, are designed with natural enzyme cleaning formulas. With a proper clean, you’re going to be able to stave off the mildew and musty odors!

6. Incorporate Essential Oils for Fragrance

If you’re a fan of natural scents, essential oils are an eco-friendly way to answer the age-old question of how to keep your closet smelling fresh. Try this quick tip:

• Add Essential Oils to a Cotton Ball: Place a few drops of lavender, tea tree, or lemon essential oil on a cotton ball and tuck it into a corner of your wardrobe. Replace every few weeks for a light, pleasant scent.
• DIY Fabric Spray: Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your clothes. This method is perfect for a quick refresh in between washes.

Adding a touch of essential oils to your closet is an easy, eco-friendly way to bring a gentle, natural fragrance to your clothes.

7. Regularly Clean and Organize Your Wardrobe

Keeping your closet clean and clutter-free helps prevent odor buildup. Make a habit of decluttering and organizing your wardrobe seasonally.

• Dust and Vacuum: Dust and lint can accumulate on closet floors and shelves, adding to stale odors.
• Rotate Clothes Seasonally: For better airflow and easier access, rotate seasonal clothes to the front of your closet. This prevents items from getting trapped in the back and forgotten.

A clean, organized wardrobe doesn’t just look good; it also prevents odor buildup and makes it easier to keep your clothes fresh year-round.

Preventative Measures for Long-Term Freshness

Wondering how to stop clothes from smelling musty in your wardrobe? Prevention is the best way to maintain freshness in your closet over time. These habits and tools can help you avoid musty odors for good.

Install Moisture Absorbers or Dehumidifiers

Humidity can make any closet feel like a swamp. To keep moisture at bay, try these:

• Silica Gel Packets: These packets absorb moisture and are perfect for small spaces. Just pop a few in drawers or bins to keep clothes dry.
• Baking Soda or Charcoal Pouches: Both of these are natural moisture absorbers that can sit in your closet without any fuss.
• Small Dehumidifiers: For larger closets, a mini dehumidifier can work wonders by keeping the air dry and fresh.

Keeping humidity in check is one of the best ways to stop musty smells before they start, ensuring a dry and fresh-smelling closet.

Rotate Your Wardrobe

Don’t let clothes sit too long without wearing them. Air out seasonal clothes before storing them, give them a quick wash, and air them out. Then, every few months, switch up the order of your clothes so that everything gets a little circulation.

Giving your clothes a regular airing keeps them from getting stale and makes it easy to enjoy a fresh-smelling wardrobe all year. If you discover that you are not wearing clothes in your wardrobe from one season to the next, consider donating them to clear out space!

Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Seasonal Storage

For clothes you’re not wearing for a while (like winter coats in the summer), vacuum-sealed bags are a game-changer.

Save space and keep your wardrobe fresh with vacuum-sealed bags that protect clothes from dust, odors, and moisture. Just be sure to wash items after removing them from storage, as vacuum sealing can sometimes create a “stale” effect.

Keep Wardrobe Doors Open Occasionally

A simple habit of leaving wardrobe doors open a few hours weekly can make a big difference. You can promote airflow by leaving doors open. Open doors encourage air circulation, which reduces stale odors and keeps your clothes fresh.

Natural Remedies to Eliminate Existing Odors

If you’re dealing with musty-smelling clothes, these natural remedies can help get rid of odors without rewashing:

Baking Soda or Vinegar Treatments

Both baking soda and vinegar are natural odor neutralizers. Using baking soda or vinegar is a simple, natural way to neutralize stubborn odors and bring your clothes back to a fresh state.

• Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on clothes, let it sit for a few hours, then shake off or vacuum.
• Vinegar Soak: Mix water with vinegar in a spray bottle, lightly mist your clothes, and hang them to air dry. Vinegar neutralizes odors without leaving a lingering smell.

Sunlight and Air Exposure

There’s nothing like the power of fresh air and sunlight to banish odors. If possible, hang clothes in the sun for an hour or two. Sunlight acts as a natural deodorizer and can refresh fabrics.

Letting your clothes soak up some sun and fresh air can work wonders, naturally refreshing fabrics and eliminating unwanted smells.

Steam Cleaning for Tough Odors

For fabrics that need extra help, try steam cleaning. To steam clean at home, use a handheld steamer to target tough odors. The steam will refresh fibers and eliminate odors without harsh chemicals.

Conclusion

Keeping clothes smelling fresh in your wardrobe doesn’t have to be a struggle. By combining simple habits, natural fresheners, and smart storage, you can keep that freshly washed scent lasting as long as possible. 

From proper airflow and essential oils to HeySunday’s fresh-smelling detergent sheets, these strategies help ensure that every time you open your closet, you’re met with a fresh, clean scent.

Found these tips helpful? Bookmark this page for your next wardrobe refresh, or share with a friend looking to keep their closet smelling its best. 

Try HeySunday detergent sheets for laundry that smells fresh from wash day to wardrobe!