How to Eliminate Odors in Your Custom Closet

Todd Saieva • Jul 07, 2022

There are few things more disappointing than your new custom closet developing a bad odor over time. It can be easy to toss up your hands in this situation, but it’s important to know that you have options when it comes to preventing and eliminating odors.

The first and most important step is to deal with the source of the smell. Next, you’ll want to take some preventative measures to make sure the odor doesn’t return.

Once you’re ready to prevent and eliminate odors in your custom closet, you should:

Deal with the source of the smell.
Check for mildew or mold.
Create a regular cleaning schedule.
Only store clean, dry garments.
Use baking soda.
Invest in some activated charcoal.

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to look at the details of preventing and eliminating bad smells in your custom closet.

Deal with the Source of the Smell

Even the best strategy for eliminating odors won’t help you much if the cause is still in your closet at the end of the day. You might clear out the smell now, but in time it’ll come back, likely stronger than before. The usual suspects will be damp clothes, but you might also need to invest in a dehumidifier if your closet is just naturally humid.

Check for Mildew or Mold

Another common source of bad odors in custom closets is pervasive mildew and mold. Both form when you have excess moisture in an enclosed space. Once you’ve dealt with the source of the moisture, you can get rid of any mold or mildew patches using a spray bottle mixture of a couple of capfuls of bleach and hot water.

Create a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Once you’ve removed your damp clothes, used a dehumidifier, and cleared out any mildew or mold in your custom closet, it’s time to switch into preventative maintenance mode. Set a calendar reminder on your phone that will go off at least once a week. Try to choose a time of day when you’re most likely to be free so you can vacuum, dust, and clean.

Only Store Clean, Dry Garments

We all have that article of clothing that we wear several times before washing. Maybe you have a favorite sweater or hoodie that’s your go-to for neighborhood walks. Whatever the garment is, consider moving it to a front hall closet or coat rack in the open air. By only storing clean and dry clothing in your closet, you’ll have a better chance of keeping unpleasant smells out.

Use Baking Soda

If you’re on the fence about using baking soda anywhere other than the refrigerator, take it from Martha Stewart: this simple solution works. While you can get away with opening up the container and leaving it in your fridge, you should pour some baking soda into an open bowl and put it in a closet corner for maximum effect there.

The great thing about this solution is that it can work for months before needing to be freshened up. Baking soda is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to keep odors out of your closet. Just be sure to keep the bowl away from any areas where you might easily knock it down.

Invest in Some Activated Charcoal

If you’ve cleared out all the dirty clothes from your closet, handled any mold or mildew spots, cleaned, tried baking soda, and the odor persists, it’s time to go even stronger. Activated charcoal is unique in that it can both eliminate odors and purify your air. It’s easy for air to get stale in your closet, especially if it’s not well-ventilated.

To counter this problem, simply put some activated charcoal into an open container and keep it somewhere safe. The charcoal’s effects will fade over time. When this happens, just put the charcoal in direct sunlight and then place it back in your closet.

Conclusion

Having strong, persistent odors in your custom closet is a nightmare, but a nightmare you don’t have to be stuck with. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to both eliminate bad odors in your custom closet and prevent them from ever returning!