But if your closet starts to stink, not all hope is lost.
Keep reading to find out what’s causing that musty smell in your closet.
Common causes of odor in clothing and shoes include sweat, grease, and urine or feces.
Credit:Getty Images / Giselle Flissack
Poor Ventilation
Larger closets with little (or no) ventilation can struggle with musty smells.
That’s because air gets trapped inside with no way to circulate in or out.
Airflow in walk-in closets is essential for keeping smells moving and preventing odors from building up.
Humidity
Think of humidity as the precursor to mold and mildew.
As moisture accumulates in a small space, its damp, humid air can have a reasonably musty smell.
Humid closets are especially common near bathrooms, laundry machines, or kitchens.
Improving Ventilation
An even easier way to get rid of that musty closet smell is with ventilation.
If your closet has a window, leave that open overnight too.
Controlling Humidity
A dehumidifier is a great way to control closet moisture in the long term.
Solid dehumidifiers are fairly affordable and work by absorbing moisture through their crystals or beads.
Neutralizing Odors
Odor absorbers help reduce closet stink.
Keep odor absorbers on a shelf where they’ll have access to airflow without being in the way.
