Proven Ways to Keep Your Walk-In Closet Smelling Great All Year Round

1.   Prioritize Ventilation

Airflow is so important. If the air in your closet gets stagnant, the space quickly becomes a breeding ground for excess humidity and lingering odors. Even the cleanest clothes can start to smell a little “old” in those conditions.

I always advise clients to look into simple solutions. For some, I recommend adding a passive vent or swapping in a louvered door. Another easy fix could be installing a quiet fan near the base or ceiling. If your closet connects to your home’s HVAC system, make sure airflow actually reaches it. Small upgrades in airflow can drastically cut back on musty smells.

2.   Keep Clothes and Shoes Clean Before Storing

If you toss dirty clothes or damp shoes into your closet, you’ll regret it. A lot of funky smells in closets usually start at the pile on the floor.

From gym clothes you meant to wash to shoes that got rained on, these items sneakily introduce bacteria and odor to the room. Make it a habit to wash or wipe down anything before it goes back in, and if you’re short on space, use breathable racks or hanging shoe bags that won’t block airflow. Closed bins are for clean and dry things only.

3.   Use Natural Deodorizers

I don’t recommend any artificial scent sprays. Natural odor neutralizers are gentler on fabrics, plus they tend to last longer and do a better job at controlling smell without overwhelming the space. A few of my go-to’s include:

• Activated Charcoal: This is one of your best options in terms of odor control. Place pouches on high shelves or in corners to suck up excess moisture.
  
• Baking Soda: An open jar, tucked out of sight, works wonders for general freshness. Also, if you have carpet in your space, sprinkle a bit on the floor before you vacuum. You’d be surprised at how it lifts out lingering smells and makes the space feel cleaner.
  
• Cedar Blocks or Balls: These not only fight odors but also help deter moths. They’re great for sweater shelves or drawers.
  
• Essential Oils on Cotton Balls: Lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon are subtle and refreshing scents for any space (just avoid direct contact with fabric).

You need to replace each of those occasionally to stay effective, but they’re low-effort and budget-friendly.

4.   Incorporate Moisture Control Solutions

Humidity is the sneaky culprit behind that earthy, moldy smell nobody wants. Often, you won’t even notice moisture building up until it’s too late and shoes or shelves start to feel damp.

One of the simplest fixes? Use silica gel packets or hanging moisture absorbers. In especially humid homes, a small dehumidifier placed just outside your closet’s entrance can help regulate moisture levels inside.

It’s also smart to do a quick scan using a flashlight every so often. Check behind shelving and along baseboards. More than once, I’ve found hidden leaks or seepage that had been quietly ruining the space for months

5.   Remember Regular Cleaning and Dusting

Closets may be tidy, but that doesn’t mean they’re clean. Dust, lint, stray hairs, and carpet fibers accumulate over time and contribute to a stale smell. It’s easy to overlook until it becomes obvious.

I clean my own closet once a month, and here’s the routine I recommend: Vacuum the carpet (or mop if you have hardwood), wipe down all shelves and drawer interiors with a mild cleaner, and don’t skip the baseboards. They collect more grime than you’d think.

If you can, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to really capture allergens and fine particles. Bonus points for freshening up the air without kicking dust back into it.

6.   Rotate and Refresh Seasonal Items

When you leave clothes untouched for months, there are consequences. You’ve probably noticed that stored items tend to take on a dusty, “closet-y” scent. That’s time plus a lack of airflow at work.

My rule is simple: when the seasons change, rotate and refresh. Launder anything that’s been in long-term storage, even if it was clean when you packed it away. And use garment bags, preferably breathable ones, for delicate or rarely worn pieces. It keeps them protected and helps maintain that freshly laundered feel.

7.   Invest in Proper Storage Solutions

Not all storage is created equal. Some containers lock in freshness. Others trap odors and moisture like a sealed jar. I’ve tested just about everything in my own home and with clients, and here’s what works:

• Closed Drawers: Great for undergarments and folded clothing, especially if lined with a scent sachet.
• Breathable Bins: Fabric boxes or baskets allow airflow, which helps prevent stale odors in stored items.
• Open Shelving: It’s smart to keep certain shoes and accessories exposed to air, reducing buildup.
• Shoe Organizers: Hanging or tiered organizers lift shoes off the floor and prevent dampness from seeping into carpeting.
• Avoid Plastic Bags: Unless they’re specially ventilated, plastic bags create a sauna effect, which is certainly not ideal.

A well-structured walk-in closet system that supports airflow is your best defense against odor. Need help designing that kind of space? I always recommend working with a pro who has the skill and materials to optimize your closet space.

8.   Add Pleasant Scents Strategically

A little bit of fragrance goes a long way (and I mean a little bit). Too much scent clings to clothes or mixes with other smells. It just becomes overwhelming in a small space.

Stick with light and versatile options like sachets or essential oils placed on absorbent pads. I like to change the scent with the seasons, so it feels fresh: citrus in the summer, cedar or sandalwood in the colder months, and lavender in spring.

9.   Monitor Closet Climate

Closet climate requires the right balance. If your walk-in gets too hot or too damp, the air inside can spoil quickly. Fabrics suffer, wooden shelving warps, and you’re left chasing smells that just keep coming back.

I use a small digital humidity and temperature monitor in my closet. They’re inexpensive, easy to read, and incredibly helpful. Here’s what I keep an eye on:

• Humidity Levels: Aim for 30% to 50% for both comfort and material longevity.
  
• Temperature Swings: Avoid closets that regularly hit extremes. Clothes like stability.
  
• Vent Circulation: If it feels stuffy when you open the door, it’s worth adjusting airflow.

10. Use Air Purifying Plants or Technology

Yes, even your closet can benefit from a little greenery. Some plants act as natural air filters, absorbing toxins and improving the overall air quality. Peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants are small and low-maintenance. Just make sure they have some light if they’re going in a walk-in with windows. If your closet doesn’t get natural light, consider placing one just outside the door.

And if you’d rather not water anything, a mini air purifier designed for tight spaces is another option. They’re quiet and compact, making an instant difference in the closet’s freshness.

Conclusion

I look at a fresh-smelling walk-in closet as a sign that your wardrobe and your daily habits are working together. I tell every client the same thing: protecting your clothing investment takes care and attention, and that starts with the space you give it to live. So, don’t underestimate the power of scent in your closet. It creates a cleaner, well-tuned space you’ll like to be in. That kind of consistent freshness is a daily luxury that pays off every time you get dressed.