Why Your Closet Smells Musty—And How To Fix It

Discover the common causes of musty odors in your closet and learn effective solutions to freshen up your space. From humidity issues to improper storage, we’ll help you eliminate odors and keep your closet smelling clean and inviting. Say goodbye to bad closet smells for good!

Why Your Closet Smells Musty—And How To Fix It

Have you ever opened your closet door and been hit with an unpleasant, musty odor that made you cringe? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too, standing in front of my closet, perplexed as to why something so simple could smell so bad. It’s a frustrating problem.

After countless experiments with air fresheners and essential oils that did little more than mask the scent, I decided it was time to dig deeper and find the root of the issue.

I’ll share what I discovered about the common culprits behind that musty smell infiltrating our precious wardrobe space, as well as effective solutions that really work. From humidity problems to inadequate ventilation and improper storage, these factors can create an environment that invites unpleasant odors. Let’s not just cover up the smell; it’s time to tackle it head-on and restore your closet to being fresh and clean.

closet full of clothes creating musty smell

Reduce Humidity Levels

One major reason for that musty scent is humidity. I live in an area where the weather can change on a dime, and the humidity levels tend to creep up, especially in the summer months. This excess moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive, which immediately explains those smells. If you live in a similar climate, you might want to invest in a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers to help keep your closet as dry as possible.

Also, just a side note. When our humidity level rises in our home, it is so strange, but it sets our smoke alarms off. So we have our dehumifier running on top of using central air.

Increase Airflow

I also started paying attention to the airflow in my closet. It dawned on me that I had been cramming clothes in there without giving them room to breathe. Closets, by their nature, can be closed-off spaces, and insufficient air circulation can lead to stagnation and unwanted odors.

After realizing this, I purged a few items I no longer wore or needed, and I ensured that the remaining pieces weren’t cluttered together so tightly. It always feels good to purge. The plus side gave us more space and allowed for better airflow. This has made a noticeable difference in the freshness of the closet.

Check on Your Shoes

Another factor I discovered was the importance of cleaning forgotten items. I had some shoes tucked away at the back of the closet. I completely forgot about them. A quick evaluation revealed that they we dusty and I could smell some must. I now make it a habit to clean, use shoe powder, and inspect items that I don’t wear frequently. A little wipe-down or a gentle wash can go a long way in eliminating stale scents.

Get A Good Odor Absorber

Some specific products helped me along the way as well. I began using natural odor absorbers like baking soda and activated charcoal. Placing an open box of baking soda in the closet helped absorb some of the unwanted smells, and I even put some activated charcoal bags on the shelves. Both are relatively inexpensive solutions that tackle odors naturally, without any overpowering fragrances.

Establish a Cleaning Routine

Once I had established a routine of cleaning out my closet, ensuring proper airflow, and managing humidity levels, I turned to scent. Instead of masking odors with chemical-laden sprays, I now use essential oils. A few drops of lavender or cedarwood oil make a difference. I add a few drops to the activated charcoal odor absorber. Viola, kill two birds with one stone.

If you’ve been dealing with a similar situation, I hope these insights and tips can guide you to enjoy a fresher, more pleasant closet! FYI, the same tips hold true to musty dresser smells, too.