You open your closet to grab a shirt — and there it is again. That musty, old smell that makes even clean clothes feel dirty. It’s one of those odors that sneaks up slowly, and no matter how much perfume or air freshener you use, it always comes back.
The truth is, a musty closet isn’t just about “bad smell.” It’s a sign of trapped moisture — from damp clothes, sweaty shoes, or poor air circulation. That hidden humidity gives mildew and bacteria the perfect place to grow. And once that smell settles into your clothes, it’s hard to ignore.
I had this same problem during the rainy season. No matter how tidy the closet looked, my sweaters smelled like they’d been stored in a basement. But once I learned a few simple tricks — removing moisture, cleaning naturally, and using homemade deodorizer packs — the smell disappeared for good.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get rid of that musty smell in your closet using natural, safe, and affordable methods. You’ll learn how to dry, deodorize, and keep your closet fresh week after week — all with things you already have at home.
Causes: Trapped Humidity, Dirty Shoes, Stored Damp Clothes
That musty smell in your closet doesn’t just appear out of nowhere — it’s usually a mix of moisture, poor air flow, and a few everyday habits that let odor build up over time.
The main culprit is trapped humidity. Closets are small, closed spaces with little to no ventilation. When moisture sneaks in — from damp clothes, steam from showers, or even humid weather — it gets trapped. With nowhere to go, that moisture seeps into fabrics, shoes, and even the wood of your shelves. Over time, mildew starts to grow, and that’s what gives off that old, musty smell.
Another common reason is dirty or sweaty shoes. We often slip shoes off and tuck them straight into the closet without letting them dry first. The moisture and bacteria from shoes easily transfer to the air inside, making the whole space smell stale. I made this mistake often until I started leaving shoes out for an hour before putting them away — it made a huge difference.
And finally, stored damp clothes are a big problem. Folding laundry before it’s completely dry might save time, but it also traps moisture between layers. Even a little dampness is enough to start that “closet smell” in just a day or two.
In short, moisture is the real enemy — whether it comes from humidity, shoes, or clothing. Once it settles in, it feeds bacteria and mildew that cause that unmistakable musty scent. But don’t worry — with a few simple steps, you can fix it and keep your closet fresh all year long.
Step 1: Empty & Inspect for Moisture or Mold
The first and most important step is to start with a clean slate. You can’t fix a musty smell if everything inside the closet is holding onto it. Begin by removing every single item — clothes, shoes, boxes, hangers, everything. It might feel like extra work, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Once the closet is empty, take a good look — and even a sniff — around the space. Check the walls, corners, and floor for any signs of moisture or mold. You might notice small dark spots, a damp feel on the wall, or a stuffy smell that’s stronger in certain areas. These are all clues that humidity has been trapped for a while.
If you find any visible mold, put on gloves and wipe it gently with a vinegar and water mix (1:1) using a soft cloth. Vinegar kills mold naturally without the harsh fumes of bleach. Let the area dry completely before putting anything back.
Don’t forget to inspect shelves, drawers, and shoe racks too. Sometimes the musty smell hides in wooden or fabric storage boxes. If anything feels damp, leave it out in the sun for a few hours — sunlight naturally kills odor-causing bacteria.
When I first did this with our hallway closet, I was surprised how much moisture had gathered near the bottom where shoes were kept. After cleaning and airing it out for just one afternoon, the smell already faded by half.
This first step clears the space and makes sure you’re not just covering up the problem — you’re actually removing it from the source.
Step 2: Clean Surfaces with Vinegar-Water; Dry Fully
Now that your closet is empty and inspected, it’s time to wash away the hidden odor and bacteria that cling to the surfaces. Even if you can’t see dirt or mold, tiny particles can still hold that musty smell. Cleaning with a simple vinegar and water mix is one of the safest and most effective ways to freshen things up.
In a spray bottle, mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water. Spray this lightly over the walls, shelves, and corners of your closet. Don’t soak it — just mist enough to cover the surfaces evenly. Wipe everything down using a clean cloth or sponge. Vinegar works wonders because it kills odor-causing bacteria and neutralizes mildew naturally.
If your closet has wooden shelves, wring your cloth out well before wiping so it’s just damp, not wet. For metal or plastic shelves, you can spray a little more freely. Make sure to also clean around door frames and corners where dust and moisture often hide.
Once you’re done wiping, leave the closet door open and let the space dry completely. You can speed it up by turning on a fan or opening a nearby window to get some airflow. Never put items back while the closet is still damp — that’s how the smell starts all over again.
I like to do this cleaning once every few months, even if the closet doesn’t smell. It keeps everything feeling fresh and stops mold before it begins. After it dries, you’ll notice the air already feels lighter and cleaner.
Step 3: Make Deodorizer Packs (Baking Soda + Rice + 5 Drops Lavender Oil)
Now that your closet is clean and dry, it’s time to make something that will keep it smelling fresh naturally — DIY deodorizer packs. These little sachets quietly absorb moisture and odors while releasing a soft, pleasant scent. They’re simple, safe, and cost almost nothing to make.
You’ll need just three ingredients: baking soda, uncooked rice, and lavender essential oil. Baking soda pulls out odors from the air, while rice absorbs moisture. The lavender oil adds a light, clean fragrance that makes your closet smell like freshly washed laundry.
Here’s how to make them:
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup uncooked rice.
- Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil (or another scent you like, such as lemon or eucalyptus).
- Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
- Spoon the mixture into small cotton or muslin bags — or even old socks tied at the top.
If you don’t have essential oil, don’t worry. The baking soda and rice alone will still work well. You can also use coffee grounds as an optional add-in if you prefer a more neutral scent.
Once your packs are ready, give them a gentle shake and place them aside for a few minutes so the scent can settle. I like to make a few extra — they’re handy for shoe racks, drawers, and even the car.
I first tried this trick one summer when our linen closet smelled a little off. I placed a few of these sachets on each shelf, and within a day, the air smelled clean and calm again — just like fresh laundry.
Step 4: Place 2–3 Packs per Closet Corner
Once your deodorizer packs are ready, it’s time to put them to work. The goal is to place them in spots where air doesn’t move much — that’s where odors usually hide.
For an average-sized closet, 2 to 3 packs are enough. Put one near the bottom corner (close to where shoes usually sit), one on a shelf in the middle, and another near the top or hanging section. This helps keep the air balanced and prevents musty smells from settling again.
If your closet is large or walk-in style, you can add an extra pack or two in hidden corners or inside storage bins. The baking soda and rice inside these packs quietly absorb both moisture and bad smells, while the lavender scent keeps the space fresh without being overpowering.
For the best results, keep the closet door slightly open for an hour or so after placing the packs. This lets the air circulate and helps the deodorizer begin working faster.
You’ll notice a difference within a day or two — that old “stale” smell fades, and your clothes start smelling fresher each time you open the door. When I did this in our bedroom closet, even my husband commented that his shirts smelled cleaner without any added sprays.
One tip: if you store shoes in your closet, tuck one sachet inside an empty shoe or right beside your shoe rack. It keeps that area from becoming the source of the next odor problem.
Step 5: Add Moisture Absorbers (Silica/Charcoal)
Now that your closet smells fresher, it’s time to tackle the main cause of that musty odor — moisture. Even if the air feels dry, closets tend to trap humidity, especially in warm or rainy weather. The best way to stop that from happening is to add simple, natural moisture absorbers.
You can use silica gel packets or activated charcoal bags — both work great and are completely safe. Silica absorbs humidity from the air, keeping your closet dry, while charcoal helps both absorb moisture and neutralize odors.
If you have silica gel packets (the little “Do Not Eat” bags that come in shoe boxes or electronics), you can reuse them. Place a few on shelves, inside shoe boxes, or even inside hanging storage bins. For a larger closet, a handful of packets spread around will do the job.
If you prefer charcoal bags, place one or two near the back wall or floor of the closet. Charcoal naturally traps moisture and odors without adding any scent — perfect if you don’t like perfume smells. They usually last for a couple of months and can be recharged by setting them in the sun for a few hours once a month.
If you live in a very humid area, you can combine both: charcoal bags for odor control and silica for moisture balance. I started doing this during our rainy season, and it made a world of difference — no damp air, no musty smell, and my shoes stayed fresher, too.
Once these absorbers are in place, your closet will stay consistently dry, making it harder for that mildew smell to ever come back.
Step 6: Weekly Air-Out; Monthly Refill Sachets
Now that your closet is clean, dry, and fresh, keeping it that way is all about simple weekly and monthly habits. These small steps make sure the smell never comes back — no matter the weather.
Once a week, take five minutes to air out your closet. Just open the doors wide and, if possible, open a nearby window or turn on a fan for 10–15 minutes. This lets fresh air replace any trapped humidity and keeps fabrics from holding on to stale smells. I usually do this while folding laundry — it takes no extra time and makes a big difference.
Every month, check your DIY deodorizer packs and moisture absorbers. The baking soda and rice inside the sachets lose strength over time, so it’s good to refill or replace them once a month. Just empty the old mix, make a new batch with fresh ingredients, and add a few new drops of lavender oil if you like that soft scent.
For charcoal bags or silica packets, put them out in the sun for a few hours to dry and recharge them. This renews their ability to absorb moisture. If you live in a humid climate, doing this every two weeks is even better.
Also, make it a habit to never store damp laundry or wet shoes in the closet. Even one damp item can undo all your hard work. I always let laundry cool and dry completely before folding it away — it’s the simplest way to prevent that “old” smell from starting again.
With this routine, your closet will stay naturally fresh all year. You’ll never open the door and get that musty surprise again — just clean, calm air and clothes that smell as good as they look.
Prevention: Never Store Damp Laundry; Use Breathable Bins
The best way to keep your closet smelling clean is to stop the musty smell before it even starts. Prevention is easier than deep cleaning — and it saves you time and effort later on.
First, never store damp laundry. Even clothes that feel “almost dry” can hold just enough moisture to start that stale, mildew smell once they’re folded or hung. Always make sure your laundry is completely dry before putting it away. If you air-dry clothes, give them an extra hour in open air before storing. I learned this the hard way after rushing to fold laundry on a rainy day — by the next morning, the closet smelled like wet towels.
Next, switch to breathable storage bins or fabric organizers instead of plastic ones. Plastic traps humidity, while woven or cloth bins allow air to circulate. This small change keeps your closet smelling fresher for much longer.
Avoid overstuffing your closet too. When clothes are packed too tightly, air can’t move between them, and trapped humidity builds up faster. Leave some space between hangers and try using thinner hangers to make more room for air.
If your closet sits against an outside wall or bathroom, consider keeping a small bowl of baking soda or a charcoal bag inside year-round. It quietly absorbs moisture and neutralizes any smell before you even notice it.
And lastly, make fresh air part of your cleaning routine — open your closet doors every few days to let it breathe. It’s the easiest way to prevent that musty buildup and keep your clothes smelling just-washed all the time.
FAQs
1. How long do DIY deodorizer packs last?
They usually stay effective for about 3 to 4 weeks. After that, the baking soda and rice lose their strength, so it’s best to refill or replace them monthly for the freshest results.
2. Can I use charcoal instead of baking soda?
Yes, you can. Charcoal works just as well at absorbing odors and moisture. It’s especially good if you prefer a scent-free option, while baking soda with lavender oil adds a light fragrance.
3. What’s the best way to dry out a damp closet?
Open the doors, set up a fan facing inside, and leave it running for an hour or two. If possible, open a nearby window for airflow. Moisture can’t build up when air keeps moving.
4. How often should I air out my closet?
Once a week is perfect. Just open the doors wide for 10–15 minutes — it helps release trapped humidity and keeps fabrics smelling clean.
5. Are essential oils safe to use in the deodorizer packs?
Yes, but use only a few drops. Lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus are great choices. Avoid strong oils that might irritate sensitive skin or pets.
6. Can I put these deodorizer packs in drawers too?
Absolutely! They work just as well in drawers, shoe racks, and even storage boxes. Just make smaller versions for tight spaces.
Also Read: Get Rid of Damp Smell from Clothes Without Rewashing
Conclusion
Musty closets might be common, but they don’t have to be permanent. Once you understand that moisture is the real culprit, keeping your closet fresh becomes easy. By cleaning with vinegar water, adding homemade deodorizer packs, and using moisture absorbers like charcoal or silica, you can say goodbye to that damp, old smell for good.
The secret is simple — stay ahead of the moisture. A quick weekly air-out and a monthly refill of your deodorizer packs can make all the difference. These tiny habits keep your closet dry, your clothes smelling clean, and your home feeling fresher.
I still follow this same routine every month, especially during rainy weeks. It takes just a few minutes, and I never have to deal with that musty smell anymore. Try it once, and you’ll see how fresh your closet — and your whole home — can feel with just a few natural, homemade fixes.
