Washing your clothes properly with your favorite laundry detergents or fabric softeners is the best way to keep them smelling fresh. The fresh laundry smell however does not always last that long. Closets can also start to smell musty if not well aerated. If you’ve cleaned out the closet and can’t get rid of the stale smell, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are our top 10 secrets to keeping your closet and clothes smelling fresh.
1. Scented Dryer Sheets
Scented dryer sheets are ideal for absorbing unpleasant odors and keeping laundry smelling fresh. Place used dryer sheets that still have a fragrant smell in your closet shelving, drawers, and shoe racks for a refreshing whiff every time you open your cupboard.
2. Soap
A bar of soap will release its fragrant scent when warm, especially in small spaces. Set a paper towel, bowl, or napkin in your closet and place an unwrapped scented bar of soap on top of it. You can leave it here permanently, but three hours is usually long enough for your closet and clothes to absorb the smell.
3. Essential Oils
Not only do essential oils smell great but they can also elevate your mood. Essential oils can be some of the best laundry scent boosters when dotted onto dryer balls instead of using dryer sheets. Another way you can use essential oils is by adding a few drops of your favorite scent onto cotton balls or napkins and placing it in your closet. If you have a walk-in closet you can get a small essential oil diffuser to refresh the entire space.
4. Herbs
While herbs such as lavender have a calming effect, ginseng is known to increase your energy. Place fresh herbs in a breathable fabric bag, or on a paper towel in your closet and drawers to harness their fragrant features.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda does not release any fragrant aromas, but it does absorb unwanted odors and moisture. This trick is especially helpful if you live in a humid climate. Pour baking soda into a container. Leave the top open and place the container in your cupboard. The baking soda will keep your clothes from smelling musty by absorbing moisture in the air.
6. Linen Spray
Some of the best laundry scent boosters are linen sprays. You can buy these ready-made or make your own by filling a clean spray bottle with water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Make sure it is mixed and diluted well since getting oil directly on your clothing can cause small stains. Spritz the solution lightly on linen and around your closet.
7. Homemade Potpourri
Choose a variety of herbs and spices to make your own potpourri. Include lavender to feel calm, spearmint for a pick-me-up, or basil and rosemary to repel bugs. Keep your mixture in breathable fabric bags or in a small bowl in drawers or closet. Replace them every other month.
8. Vinegar
Although you do not want your clothes to smell like vinegar, it is an easy and natural way to remove unpleasant odors in small spaces. While you are doing laundry, add one tablespoon of white distilled vinegar to any of your fabric softeners to rid clothes of unpleasant smells during the wash cycle. To eliminate odors in your closet you can mix equal parts water and vinegar into a clean spray bottle and lightly spray your closet.
9. Air Fresheners
Strongly scented air fresheners are a convenient way to bring fragrance to your closet, drawers, and clothes. Hang a few small air fresheners in between your clothing and place them between your shoes.
10. Coffee Grounds
Use a container with small holes in the lid and fill it with fresh coffee grounds. Place it in the corner of your closet for a warmer comforting scent if the floral notes are not quite your thing. Replace the grounds every month for best results.
Whether you are using fabric softeners, dryer sheets, laundry detergents, or natural herbs and oils, keeping your clothing and closet smelling fragrant can start your day off with a pleasant mood and fresh feel.
