Many things cause unwanted odors in closets; fortunately, there are simple and cheaper ways to get rid of these odors. There are those clothes that you put back in the closet after being worn once such as coats and jackets, these clothes may have the scent of your perfume or they could have picked up some smell from outside which the wearer does not notice. Shoes and sneakers greatly contribute to the musky smell in your closet. Here are tips you could use to keep your close smelling fresh.
Clean It
Most closets are stuffed with clothes, accessories, storage boxes and footwear. If your closet is poorly ventilated, it can get stuffy. Remove all your clothes and air them on a line; it’s an effective way to get rid of odor. If you have removable shelves, you can air them in the sun too.
Use Scented Soap
If your closet is musty, a little airing and organization could solve the problem. You can use cedar blocks, scented soaps, potpourri sachets and charcoal deodorizer to keep your closet smelling fresh. Placing a bar of scented soap within your clothes keeps them smelling fresh.
Dryer Sheets
When folding your clothes, tuck some dryer sheets between your clothes to keep them smelling fresh longer. You can also staple the dryer sheets to your hangers before hanging clothes. To keep shoes smelling fresh, air them for 15 minutes then put some scented dryer sheets in your shoes when storing them. You could also use a shoe spray specifically designed to neutralize foot odors.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a non-toxic, multi- purpose cleaner that absorbs odors from mold and mildew. If your closet is carpeted, you can sprinkle baking soda on it and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming.
Get Rid of Pests
If pests have infiltrated your closet, wipe the shelves and walls with a strong household cleaner such as Pine-Sol. Besides killing the odor, it leaves a strong scent that bugs and mice cannot tolerate. The scent fades eventually so make sure you identify what type of pest has invaded your closet.
Remove Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew thrive in warm, moist places; mold could be green, black, red or blue in color while mildew is grey or white in color. Bleach is effective in eliminating mildew and mold. Fill a spray bottle ¾ full with hot water then add 2 capfuls of bleach. Spray it on the stains; let it sit for a while until they disappear. The odor goes with the stain.
Clean Pet Urine
Use a hand held black light to find the exact location of the stain. Spray the stain with a pet neutralizer and leave it for a while. If the urine has seeped into wooden floors, you will have to spray it for 4 or 5 times until the odour is gone.