10 LIFE-CHANGING HACKS FOR A CLOSET THAT SMELLS AMAZINGLY GOOD
Several studies have indicated that smells have a great effect on humans and can even evoke certain emotions in us. Why not use the power of fragrance to uplift our mood and spirit every day? How about making your closet and clothes smell wonderful on a daily basis? After all, no one wants to go anywhere near a person whose clothes smell stale.
Washing your clothes with the right kind of detergent or fabric cleaner is the best way to keep them from retaining dreadful smells. In most cases, using the right cleaning products can work. Sometimes, however, the musty smell in your closet affects your clothes despite using high-quality fabric cleaners.
Here are ten hacks that will make your closet and clothes smell amazingly good:
1. SCENTED DRYER SHEETS
Dryer sheets can absorb bad odor. They can also make your laundry smell fresh. Even used dryer sheets have enough fragrance to lend a better smell to your closet. You can toss a few sheets into the closet shelves or in the pockets of your clothes. When you store away your winter clothes, put a dryer sheet in an envelope and tuck it in them. This trick keeps out-of-season clothes from smelling stale until you need them again.
2. ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are naturally-occurring oils obtained from plants or other sources. They have a peculiar smell that can enliven your mood and keep your clothes smelling fresh. You can add a few drops of your favorite oil in the dryer during the last rinsing cycle. Alternatively, you can soak clean cotton balls or paper towels in the oil and place them in a corner of your closet. Several essential oils also have moth-repelling properties. You can, therefore, enjoy a moth-free closet as well. Just don't forget to refresh the cotton balls every four weeks to keep your wardrobe smelling wonderful.
3. SOAP BARS
Soap bars can lend their aroma to their surroundings. Use strongly-scented soaps to make your closet smell fantastic. You can wrap a bar in clean fabric and tuck it in your closet, drawer or even a suitcase full of clothes. Make sure to use a thin fabric, which allows the fragrance to pass through it while protecting your clothes from the soap.
4. BAKING SODA
Baking soda is often used to remove clothing stains. But, it is also an excellent odor absorbent. Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking powder in a breathable container and place it inside your closet. Baking soda also absorbs moisture, freeing your clothes of the mildew-like smell.
5. SCENTED WOODEN HANGERS
Scented wooden hangers can be used to keep clothes smelling fresh and well-organized. Cheap wire hangers can ruin your clothes over time. Wooden hangers, on the other hand, can be used to store all types of heavy clothing such as woolens, men's suits, and knit dresses. Cedar hangers can absorb moisture, give your clothes a pleasant smell, and prevent moths from destroying them. In fact, aromatic cedar is an excellent natural substitute for synthetic insect repellents. You can buy lavender scented wooden hangers for seasonal storage.
6. HOMEMADE POTPOURRI
Making potpourri is a great way to bring natural scents into your closet. Though potpourri is sold in most perfume shops, it is easy and better to make your own. You can use a variety of herbs to make a blend of your choice. For example, an insect-repellent blend may include lavender, rosemary, southernwood, spearmint, pennyroyal, tansy, and cedar wood chips. Place small sachets of this mixture into closet corners or dresser drawers. Replace them every month to keep the wonderful fragrance going strong.
7. VINEGAR
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer. You can add a tablespoon of white distilled vinegar to your fabric softener to eliminate bad odors that prevail even after washing. You can also add equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use this solution to keep your clothes fresh and odor-free. Be sure to check the mixture on a small portion of the shirt before spraying your closet with it. It is safe to use the solution if there is no visual change in the color and texture of the garment. Turn your clothes inside out and spray this mixture on them. You can also spray your closet and dresser drawers for better results.
8. PERFUMED COTTON BALLS OR TISSUE PAPERS
A pair of small glass jars, a few cotton or tissue paper balls, and a perfume of your choice: these are the three simple things you need to make your closet smell wonderful. Soak cotton balls in the perfume of your choice and place them in glass jars. Seal these jars with a breathable and thin fabric, and keep them inside your closet. Replace the cotton balls regularly for better results. This trick is highly effective in masking dreadful smells in a closet.
9. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Activated charcoal is the most effective odor absorber and air purifier. It also filters out mold spores, making your closet mold-free. Add a block of activated charcoal in a breathable pouch or container and keep it in your closet. These blocks are reusable. Every once in a while, place the used block in bright sunlight for a few hours to release the absorbed odors. This process will restore its ability to further absorb bad odors. Thus, you can use the same block of activated charcoal for almost two years.
10. AIR FRESHENERS AND DISINFECTANTS
Strong air fresheners can render your closet a pleasant smell. Spray these store-bought fresheners directly into your closet every few days. You can also make DIY air fresheners using simple ingredients. Add 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil into a spray bottle containing a mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup of plain water, and your freshener is ready. Shake it well before use.
CONCLUSION
Sometimes your clothes may smell musty even after being washed with a good-quality detergent or fabric cleaner. But, smelly clothes have little to do with the type and the quality of the detergent you use. The foul odors usually stem from your closet and affect your clothes, leaving a strong scent on them. Fortunately, there are several ways to eliminate such bad odors. The above deodorizing tricks can be highly effective in eliminating odor and staleness from your closet.