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Closets are the storage space that often goes unnoticed until unpleasant odors emerge. But maintaining a fresh and pleasant-smelling closet doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. With simple tips and clean habits, you can transform your closet into a space that complements your clothes and your home.
Multi-Cleaning & Freshening Powder
Declutter Regularly
Keeping your closet organized is the first step towards maintaining a fresh smell. Remove items you no longer use, and give everything a place. This will allow the air to circulate, preventing musty odors.
Wash Clothing Before Storing
Putting away clothes that aren’t completely clean can contribute to bad odors. Even if it doesn’t smell to you, residual sweat and oils can become a problem over time. Always wash and completely dry clothes before putting them away. Use a laundry detergent with enzymes to completely clean clothing. This will ensure that your clothes are truly clean when you put them away. Here are my favorite laundry products.
Use Natural Fresheners – Here are several natural ways to keep your closet smelling great:
- Lavender Sachets: Fill small fabric bags with dried lavender for a calming and fresh scent.
- Charcoal Bags: These bags are amazing for absorbing odors in closets and other areas of the home.
- Cedar Blocks: If you like the smell of cedar, these smell great, they also also deter moths – I prefer cedar for long term storage, not for regular closets. This product has a convenient hanger for hanging on a closet rod.
- Baking Soda: Place an open box or small container filled with baking soda to absorb odors.The Multi-Purpose Cleaning & Freshening Powder is great for this – just pop open the top!
- Essential Oil: Put a couple drops of essential oil on a cotton pad and tuck it into a spot in the closet to naturally freshen it up.
- Bar Soap: Open a bar of soap (keep the wrapper on and just expose the top) and leave it in the closet or a drawer to freshen. Look for a naturally scented soap like castile soap.
Maintain Shoes
Shoes can often be the culprit behind unpleasant smells. If you store shoes in a closet, consider placing cedar shoe inserts to keep the odors at bay or add a couple drops of essential oil on a cotton pad and store it in the shoes.
Ventilation is Key
If possible, allow some air to flow into your closet. Even cracking the door slightly can help circulate air and prevent that damp or stale musty smell.
Regular Deep Cleaning
At least twice a year, take everything out of the closet, wipe down shelves, and vacuum the floors. Consider a gentle wipe with a 50:50 water to white vinegar solution to kill any lingering bacteria. The white vinegar will absorb any odors – don’t worry, once the solution dries you’ll no longer smell the vinegar.
Seasonal Clothing Rotation
Rotating your clothing according to the season not only helps you stay organized but also ensures that you are regularly going through everything, reducing the chance of unnoticed smells building up.
Keeping your closet fresh and smelling great doesn’t have to be a tedious task. Simple and regular maintenance combined with these handy hacks can transform your closet into a pleasant part of your Daily Routine. Join us in Homekeeping Society this month, the Monthly Focus is Closets and we’re working on them all month long.
