Have you ever reached into your closet for an item of clothing you haven’t worn in a while, only to find that it has a bad odor? Instead of putting on that clean item of clothing, you have to wash it again before wearing it. To avoid this annoyance, let’s look at some ways you can keep the clothes and other items in your closet smelling fresh.
Check for mold and mildew
Mold or mildew could be behind those musty smells your clothes come out with. This is common since closets don’t usually have much ventilation. Try to clean inside your closet on a regular basis and check thoroughly for mold and mildew when you do so. You can get rid of this using a combination of bleach and warm water.
Properly dry clothes before putting them away
After you’ve washed your clothes, make sure that they are completely dry before you put them away in your closet. Damp clothes, shoes, or towels will develop that damp smell and are likely to spread that smell to surrounding items of clothing.
Use a dehumidifier
If moisture is a problem in your closet (a common cause of mold and mildew), then adding a dehumidifier to the closet can help to reduce the moisture levels and combat this problem. Closets that are next to the bathroom could particularly benefit from this.
Place dryer sheets in your closet
If your closet isn’t big enough to house a dehumidifier, then dryer sheets can be effective at absorbing bad odors and keeping your clothes smelling fresh. You can simply place dryer sheets in drawers with your clothes, drape them over hanging clothes, or place them in the pockets of your clothes. Similarly, an open bowl of baking soda or coffee grounds can absorb moisture and bad odors. Just make sure you replace them at least once a month.
Switch to wooden hangers
Wood hangers can be better for your clothes than alternatives like wire hangers, in terms of maintaining the shape of the clothing. Not only this, the fact that they are porous means they will also absorb some of the moisture that builds up in your closet, helping to deodorize your clothes.
Add nice scents to your closet
There are some common household items that effectively deodorize your clothes when you spray them or place a container of them in your closet. You can spray vinegar inside your closet, place a bowl of potpourri, put herbs inside a small, permeable bag, or apply an essential oil or perfume to tissues or cotton balls and leave those inside your closet.
If you’re looking for a custom closet system for your home, you can contact The Kitchen Center for our design and installation services, creating storage solutions that are tailored to you in Winston Salem, NC.