How often have you wanted to wear a shirt, dug into your closet, and found it smelling musty? How many times have you folded freshly washed clothes and kept them in your wardrobe only to find it smelling like your wardrobe instead of clean the next day? How often have you worn a blouse that had that lingering cupboard smell?
If your answer is other than ‘never’, it’s time to take things seriously and put an end to all that.
There is something about small spaces like wardrobes and drawers that keep a certain funky smell within them that does not dissipate and instead, hang on to our clothes. As difficult as it may seem to constantly keep your clothes smelling fresh without the stench of enclosed space, it is doable. And here are some steps you can take.
Keep moisture at bay
The biggest culprit of that dank smell is – you guessed it – moisture. So, what you need to do is to get rid of it and prevent it from settling in your wardrobe.
To get rid of moisture:-
1. Use baking soda
Baking soda is not only great for removing stains on clothes. It also absorbs odour. Simply put a few tablespoons of it in a container without the lid and leave it in your wardrobe for it to get to work.
2. Use activated charcoal
Charcoal is a natural deodoriser and purifier. Other than that, it can even help prevent mold and spores from invading your wardrobe. All you have to do is keep a small block of it in there for it to work its magic.
3. Use vinegar
Vinegar is yet another potent remover of odour. What you need to do is mix equal parts of water and vinegar and spray or mist it around the wardrobe area. Just remember to turn your clothes inside out before you do.
Or, you can get rid of unwanted smells on your clothes by simply mixing one tablespoon of vinegar with fabric softener. This way, the vinegar works to remove any bad smells during the wash itself and your clothes come out extra clean.
To prevent moisture:-
1. Do not leave clothes in the washing machine
As soon as your clothes are done with the wash, take them out and hang them to dry. If you do not, the dampness will remain in the fabric and cause a musty smell.
Definitely do not fold and keep your clothes when it has not completely dried.

2. Learn that the sun is your friend
Drying clothes under the sun will quickly remove all the moisture and leave your clothes feeling crisp and fresh – take advantage of the hot weather in Singapore.
Keep it fresh
Now that you’ve gotten rid of the offender, you’ll want to have your clothes smelling clean and fresh as it remains in your wardrobe. After all, it’s not like we wear every single article of clothing we own every day, and some of us save certain pieces for special occasions.
So, to maintain the freshness of your clothes, placing any of the items below may help.
1. Bar of soap
Soap bars have a very clean smell – it is after all meant for cleaning. Not to mention that a single bar can last for a very long time. All you have to do is select a bar of soap with a smell that you like and place it in your wardrobe or drawer on a piece of fabric.
2. Essential oil
Essential oils emit pleasant smells that not only smells great, they can have a calming effect on you too. Get a small diffuser and add the essential oil of your choice to experience the wondrous smell. If not, you can soak some cotton in a few drops of the essential oil and place them in your wardrobe or drawer for the same effect.
3. Potpourri
Potpourri is essentially a little bag filled with herbs, flower petals, spices, and essential oils. Making them is very easy. Simply select the ingredients to create the smell you want and put them in a fabric bag or sachet, then hang them in your wardrobe. If not, you may buy readymade ones from stores.
On a side note, if you feel like your clothes have been ruined by your moisture-laden wardrobe and wish to get rid of them, it’s a good idea to get new ones too.
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