Between the shoes, boots, dirty jackets, coats, scarves, hats, and extra ‘junk’ crammed into the average person’s closet, odors are bound to become an issue sooner or later.
Table of Contents:
Common Causes of Closet Odors
Smelly shoes come to mind when you think of the most common problem in bedroom and coat closets. Stuffiness from lack of air circulation is another major factor. Putting even slightly damp clothing and linens in the closet can lead to mildew as well as the dampness activating the natural odors of the other fabrics or fragrances left behind from cleaning products. And, then, there are the clothes you’d like to get one more wear out of before taking to the cleaners. If you’re a smoker or you let one share your space, just one item will affect the rest of the closet.
There are other unexpected possibilities such as pests, leaks, and curious pets. Insects and rodents will leave droppings. Even though the droppings will be very small, enough of them will cause odors. Mice are oily and leave their scent wherever they go. If the mouse population increases, you’ll definitely be able to tell by the smell. And, not all mice will make it out of your closet. One may get inside and die. The tiny decomposing body will leave a really big stench. If there are any leaky pipes or a leaky roof that drains down a wall in your closet, there will be a lot of dampness with mold and mildew. And cats are very good at snooping into closets and finding discreet areas to pee in.
With linen closets and utility closets, there may be spills from cleaning supplies, pest sprays, paints and oils. Some scents permeate the boxes they are in, like soap powder and mothballs, and others will affect the rest of the closet area. If you use your linen or utility closet to store your vacuum cleaner, brooms, mops, and/or power tools, you’re just marinating everything that tight space.
How to Get the Stink Out
The first thing to do is clean out the closet. For clothing and linens, you may have to wash everything. Hopefully it is a very nice day outside because line drying fabric is one of the best ways to get rid of odors. In fact, if you have removable shelves or storage boxes, letting them sit out in the sun can rid them from odor. For help, see “How to Clean Your Closets.”
Stuffiness
If the closet smells a little musty, a good airing will generally handle it. Just by cleaning and organizing you’ll pretty much eliminate the problem. Use potpourri sachets, scented cedar blocks, or charcoal deodorizers to help keep the closet fresh. Putting shoes in shoe boxes that still have their silica packets; or using Odor Eaters Products will keep the smelly shoe problem in check.
Smoke
If you won’t quit smoking for your lungs, do it for your clothes. The smoke gets trapped in everything around you and that includes your closets.
- Air everything out.
- Neutralize the remaining odor with white vinegar. Don’t worry, you won’t smell like a salad; the vinegar smell will quickly dissipate. You can mix 1/2 cup in a bucket of warm-to-hot water and wipe down the shelves, walls and floors. If the floor is carpeted, sprinkle baking soda on it and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming.
- Even if you do not smell it after your thorough cleaning, you could still benefit from using an odor absorber like charcoal or baking soda to get what’s left.
- If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to get hardcore. Pour 1/2 cup of straight bleach into a bowl or a bucket that you feel you will not accidentally tip over. Sit it inside the closet, shut the door and leave it overnight. You can also use white vinegar or coffee grounds, but bleach is a fail-safe.
Pests
If you find evidence of pest-infiltration wipe the shelves and walls down with a strong household cleaner like Pine-Sol. Not only will it kill the odor, it will leave a strong scent that bugs and mice do not want to be around. The scent will eventually fade so identify the type of pest that has invaded your closets and look into extermination or deterrent methods designed especially for your situation.
Mold and Mildew
What’s the difference between mold and mildew? Well, Wisegeek.com says, “Mold and mildew have many similar characteristics, but they are different types of fungi, and are often different in color and texture. Mold and mildew are often mentioned together as they can both grow in many of the same moist and warm locations… Mold is often black, green, red or blue in color while mildew is usually gray or white.” Whatever it is, you’re going to have to stay on top of it with bleach. Fill a spray bottle 3/4 full with hot water and pour in two capfuls of bleach. Shake it up and spray it directly on stains then let sit until they disappear. The odor will go with it.
Pet urine
After finding the exact location of the stain, use a pet urine neutralizer from a pet supply store. There are hand held black lights you can purchase to help locate urine (among other things). Spray the area down really well and let it sit. If the urine has seeped into wood, you may have to repeat this process 4 or 5 more times until the odor is gone. You can also sand a layer or two off of the wood and then shellac the area. The shellac will cover any remaining odor and seal it from ever bothering you again. Just keep kitty out of the closet.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
pet urine stains: spray full strenth vinegar on the stain and let sit for 15 minutes. sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar and spray a few squirts over the soda. it will bubble. let dry completely, then vacuum up. after vacuumng, spritz a 1 part lemon juice/1 part vinegar/2 parts water over the affected area, let dry. the lemon odor will discourage pets from reusing the area. make sure to take the animal to the vet if this happens in a high traffic area more than once, as your animal may be trying to tell you something.