How to Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh in Drawers, Storage, & Closets – 2025 Edition

Is your laundry coming out fresh, but going into a musty drawer? You’re not alone. Many people wash their clothes with the best-smelling detergents, only to find them losing their scent—or picking up strange odors—after a few days in storage. Whether you’re dealing with damp dresser drawers, overstuffed closets, or poorly ventilated storage bins, your clothing can start smelling off without the right setup.

While there are plenty of simple tricks to keep odors at bay, it often starts with the space itself. Closet America designs custom closet systems that improve airflow, reduce clutter, and make every drawer and shelf more functional. Their professionally installed closets are built locally and tailored to fit your home and lifestyle down to the inch.

This guide covers practical, low-cost ways to keep your clothes smelling fresh long after laundry day, no matter what kind of storage you have.

Why Do Clothes Smell Musty in Storage?

Before jumping to solutions, it helps to understand why this happens. Your laundry might be clean, but your storage space might not be.

Common odor culprits include poor ventilation, leftover moisture from laundry, mold or mildew in wood or fabric, dirty or smelly shoes nearby, an overabundance of synthetic fabrics, and overcrowding that prevents airflow. Fresh-smelling clothes start with fresh-smelling spaces. Here’s how to achieve that—starting today.

Repurpose Used Dryer Sheets

Don’t toss that dryer sheet! Even after one cycle, they still carry fragrance and static-fighting properties. Try placing used dryer sheets in overlooked spots like drawer corners, jacket sleeves, pants pockets, or even near your shoe rack to keep scent circulation strong. You can also tape a sheet to the inside of your closet door for continuous scent refresh.

Bonus: They help repel insects, too!

Use Natural Air Fresheners (Non-Aerosol)

If you’re looking for something with a bit more punch than dryer sheets, opt for non-aerosol air fresheners. A few sprays can go a long way in small, enclosed spaces. Pick a scent that matches your detergent—lavender, cotton, or citrus are all solid choices. A quick mist before storing laundry or reorganizing your closet can leave a fresh impression for days.

Avoid anything with heavy chemicals, which can irritate sensitive skin or cling too strongly to fabrics.

DIY Vodka Spray for Odor Removal

Yes, really—vodka is one of the best DIY deodorizing sprays. It kills bacteria, dries quickly, and doesn’t leave a strong scent once evaporated. Just mix one part vodka with one part water in a spray bottle and lightly mist drawers, closet interiors, or garments from a distance. Let the surface dry completely before closing drawers or rehanging clothes.

Caution: Test vodka spray on a small hidden patch of delicate fabrics (like silk or rayon) before wider use. For ultra-light materials, mist into the air around garments instead of spraying directly. You still get the odor-killing benefit without risking marks or discoloration.

Essential Oils for Lasting Fragrance

Essential oils aren’t just for aromatherapy—they’re perfect for keeping small spaces smelling clean and calm. Popular picks include lavender for its calming scent, peppermint for its energizing, mold-fighting properties, and lemon or eucalyptus for a bright, fresh feel.

To use them, simply put 10 to 20 drops on a washcloth or cotton pad and tuck it into a drawer or closet corner. Replace weekly or when the scent fades. You can also use wool dryer balls with a few drops of oil during laundry to pre-scent your clothes. Try rotating oils monthly to prevent scent fatigue and keep things interesting.

Scented Bar Soap Hack

This old-school trick still works. Place an unwrapped bar of soap in your drawer to gently perfume your clothes. Wrap the bar in a paper towel or thin cloth to prevent residue, and choose a scent like vanilla, rosemary, or sandalwood for best results. Store it alongside your folded garments and enjoy a subtle scent that can last for months.

Tuck a bar of soap into off-season storage bins, like those used for sweaters or coats, to keep everything smelling fresh until you’re ready to wear them again.

Baking Soda to Absorb Odors

Baking soda is a household staple for a reason—it absorbs, neutralizes, and deodorizes. Fill a small jar or breathable sachet with baking soda and place it in your drawer or closet corner. Replace it every 30 to 60 days.

Want a boost? Add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to the mix for light scenting and dual odor-fighting action.

Use Cedar or Charcoal Deodorizers

For long-term freshness and mildew protection, try cedar blocks or activated charcoal pouches. Cedar naturally repels moths while adding a clean, woodsy scent. Activated charcoal is ideal for areas with low airflow and high humidity, trapping moisture and neutralizing smells over time. These are perfect for deep drawers, under-bed storage, or seasonal clothing bins you rarely open.

Keep Your Clothes Fresh for the Long Haul

Small habits make a big difference. Fold clothes loosely, since overpacking traps moisture and limits airflow. Wipe drawer interiors monthly with a vinegar and water mix to cut down on mold and bacteria. Vacuum your closet floor and check for damp corners that might be harboring hidden odor sources. If you store clothes for long periods, rotate them every few weeks and avoid keeping dirty or damp shoes near clean laundry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Clothes

Even if you’re doing most things right, these small missteps can undo your efforts:

• Stashing damp clothes before they’re fully dry, which encourages mildew
• Spraying air fresheners directly onto fabrics, which can leave marks or irritate skin
• Ignoring shoe odors that transfer to nearby clothes in shared spaces
• Sealing items in airtight containers without moisture absorbers or ventilation
• Using fabric softener excessively, which can trap buildup and lead to odor over time

Avoiding these mistakes is just as important as using the right hacks!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to keep drawers smelling fresh?

Use a combination of dryer sheets, baking soda, and essential oils. Also ensure you clean drawers regularly and allow occasional airflow.

Why do my clothes smell musty in drawers?

It’s usually due to trapped moisture, poor airflow, or residual odors from shoes or fabrics stored nearby.

What can I put in drawers to keep clothes smelling good?

Try dryer sheets, bar soap, baking soda, or natural air fresheners. Even unused tea bags or cedar chips can add fragrance and absorb moisture.

What is the safest method for sensitive skin?

Stick to baking soda, unscented dryer sheets, and natural essential oils like lavender or chamomile. Always test on a small area first.

Need a Better Closet to Start With?

Even the best hacks won’t mask the problems caused by old, overstuffed, or poorly designed storage. Closet America builds custom closets and drawers that promote airflow, organization, and clean living.

Serving homeowners across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, we create solutions that are not only beautiful but functional.

Whether you need a custom-built walk-in closet or simple drawer upgrades that let your clothes breathe, Closet America offers personalized solutions made for your space. Start with a free design consultation and take the first step toward a fresher, more functional home.