Until now, we hadn't given much thought to this question: What to put in the closet to make clothes smell good? Not until we had the problem. Because, I don't know about you, but for us, a closet is much more than drawers, shelves, and hangers:
A wardrobe is the 1,001 stories crammed into every piece of clothing. We've lived so much together! And the 100,001 stories left to live. Hundreds of possible combinations ready to make us feel good, whatever the situation, however we wake up.
For a reason, our motto, Elisa Muresan's motto, is " For every heartbeat behind your clothes ."
However, we're not going to get philosophical or revolutionary today, are we? ;). Either way, today it's time to get practical. Or are you going to let the clothes in your closet smell bad?
Stay here and discover how to prevent unpleasant odors in your wardrobe with natural solutions. The kind that don't mask odors or harm the planet. Here we go...
The importance of a good smell in your closets
If you're one of us, a lover of sustainable fashion and eco-friendly clothing , this will surely resonate with you. Because keeping our closets odor-free is necessary for more than just ensuring fresh, ready-to-wear clothes. Preventing unpleasant odors in closets is important for several reasons:
- For the sake of our clothes : If choosing environmentally friendly clothing matters to us, so does keeping our wardrobes odor-free. This extends their lifespan by avoiding unnecessary washings that can damage their quality and durability.
- To promote hygiene and self-care : We know that smelling good isn't just about wearing perfume. When clothes smell bad, we lose that feeling of freshness, cleanliness, and even security, which freshly washed clothes don't provide when they touch our skin after a shower.
- Because health and well-being matter: Bad odors can indicate moisture, chemical, toxic, or mold problems that are harmful to our health and that of our families.
In short, keeping our closets odor-free isn't just a matter of comfort or cleanliness, but also of sustainability, well-being, and personal image.
Reasons why your closet may smell bad
Do you know why your closet is giving off those unpleasant odors? Find out which of these problems is yours.
- Lack of cleaning : Sometimes we forget that the inside of closets, including shelves, drawers, and corners, also needs to be cleaned. The accumulation of dust, lint, and dirt can contribute to unpleasant odors.
- Lack of ventilation : Do you keep your closet closed to prevent dust or moths from entering? Lack of fresh air can cause the unpleasant odors you notice in your clothes.
- Dirty or damp clothes : Who hasn't left a dirty or damp garment in the closet and regretted it later? Fabrics with traces of dirt, sweat, or moisture are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
- Excessive humidity : Do you live in a humid, rainy area, or near the sea? Then you've probably struggled with mold and mildew in your closet. It's one of the main causes of unpleasant odors in clothes.
- Spills or leaks : Accidents happen, but don't let them ruin your wardrobe! Although it may seem strange, liquids like perfumes, lotions, cleaning products, etc. can cause unpleasant odors.
- Presence of moths, cockroaches, mice , etc. A headache and also a sore nose.
- Chemicals or construction materials : Some construction materials release unpleasant odors that can also be toxic, especially when new. This is also true for certain cleaning products and synthetic air fresheners.
Do you already know what's causing your closet odor? Then all that's left is to figure out how to fix it while respecting nature and protecting your health and that of your loved ones.
Our sustainable tips to make your closets and clothes smell good
Now that you know where those bad odors come from, let's see how to address and eradicate them one by one, simply and without toxic chemicals.
- When it comes to poor cleanliness, schedule regular cleanings ; once a month is sufficient. To do this, use cleaning products made with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
- When ventilation is lacking: Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate . You can also use natural fans, such as bamboo or wicker ones.
- For dirty or wet clothing: wash with eco-friendly detergents and hang clothes outdoors (avoiding direct sunlight) until completely dry , whenever possible.
- Against excessive humidity : Use reusable silica bags that absorb moisture without harming the environment.
- If accidents such as spills or leaks occur: In this case, clean it up as soon as you notice it. Use natural solutions such as vinegar diluted in water or baking soda; they are effective and environmentally friendly.
- When you encounter moths, cockroaches, mice , etc.: first, stay calm; there's a solution. You can also eradicate them with natural formulas like pheromone traps or repellent essential oils. Once they're gone, thoroughly clean your closet and renew your repellents regularly to prevent them from recurring.
- If chemicals or building materials are the problem: If you have the opportunity, select building materials free of harmful chemicals and avoid synthetic air fresheners. Herbal tea bags or activated charcoal bags give off a fresh, natural scent and are environmentally friendly.
Did we forget anything? Maybe you use a surefire remedy, one you learned from your mother or grandmother. If so, let us know. They're often the most effective and natural.
Common problems related to closet odors
And since we know that when your closet smells bad, you get impatient and don't want to waste a minute trying to save your clothes, here are the three most common problems and their solutions in just a few lines. Eliminate musty, musty, or paint smells with eco-friendly and effective remedies.
How to remove the musty or stale smell from a closet?
Here are some natural and effective methods to remove the musty or musty smell from a closet:
- Thoroughly clean the cabinet with a solution of water and vinegar or baking soda and make sure it is completely dry before using it.
- Make sure to ventilate the closet well by opening doors and windows.
- Place open containers of baking soda or white vinegar inside the closet to absorb and neutralize the odor.
- Or if you prefer, you can also put:
- Activated charcoal bags. Open containers with ground coffee . Pieces of lemon or orange peel .
- Dried herbs such as lavender, mint or rosemary .
By applying these tips, you'll eliminate the musty or stale smell from your closet naturally and without using harsh chemicals.
How to avoid the smell of paint in a closet?
Here are some natural and effective methods to remove that paint smell, which can also be harmful to your health and the environment:
- Before painting, thoroughly clean the cabinet to remove dust and dirt. Use a mild soap and water solution and make sure the cabinet is completely dry before you begin painting.
- Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints . These are chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature, contributing to strong paint odors and poor indoor air quality.
- Before, during, and after painting your closet, make sure there is good ventilation in the room.
- After painting, let the paint dry and cure completely before closing and organizing your closet . If possible, leave the doors open for a couple of days to allow any residual odors to dissipate.
- Place open containers of activated charcoal or baking soda in the closet to absorb paint odors. They're excellent natural deodorizers.
- Use natural air fresheners such as herb sachets, dried citrus peels, ground coffee, or essential oils to reduce or mask any lingering odors.
Follow these tips to achieve a fresh, healthy environment in your closet, free of paint odors.
Anything else? All that's left to do is enjoy the 1,001 stories that lie beneath each of your garments. Or the 100,001 stories you'll have yet to experience alongside them. Hundreds of possible combinations ready to make you feel good, whatever the situation, however you wake up.
Elisa Muresan, “ For every heartbeat behind your clothes .”
