Smell in a closed wardrobe

Short answer: Odour in a wardrobe comes from still air and damp. Air the wardrobe once a month, and never put anything in that is not completely dry. That keeps it fresh without scent bags or other tricks.

Still air is the cause

A wardrobe that is never opened never gets its air changed. The same air sits and grows heavier, and even small amounts of moisture from the clothes linger. Over time it settles as a stale smell in both clothes and wardrobe. It is not a sign that the clothes are dirty, only that the air is still.

Damp clothes affect the rest

A single damp piece can make the whole shelf smell. The moisture spreads to the fabric around it, and the odour follows. So everything must be completely dry before it goes in. This applies especially to bamboo underwear for men, where the waistband can hold moisture longer.

Air it once a month

Ten minutes with the doors open changes the air completely. Do it on a day when you are airing the room anyway, so fresh air can get into the wardrobe. It is a small habit that is easy to remember, for example on the first weekend of each month.

Put in only clean, dry clothes

Worn clothes carry sweat and skin oil in the fabric, even if they look clean. Hung back in the wardrobe, they make the rest smell. Put worn clothes in the wash or let them air first. A pair of men's bamboo joggers can hang out for an evening after wear.

Give the clothes some room

A wardrobe packed full has no air between the pieces. Damp stays put, and odour settles more easily. Leave a little space between hangers and on the shelves. It also makes it easier to see what you have, and the clothes crease less.

Check where the wardrobe stands

A wardrobe against a cold outer wall can get condensation on its back. That brings damp inside, even if the room is dry. Move the wardrobe a few centimetres away from the wall so air can circulate behind it. It is a simple step that solves many odour problems.

Clean the wardrobe regularly

Wipe the shelves and vacuum the bottom of the wardrobe now and then. Dust binds moisture and odour, and it gathers in corners you rarely look at. Take the clothes out, clean, and leave the wardrobe open for a while before putting everything back.

Clothes that get worn stay fresh

Clothes that are worn and washed regularly rarely have odour problems. It is the pieces left untouched for a long time that turn stale. So go through the wardrobe now and then and wear what you have. If you need something you will reach for every week, see the most popular for men.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a closed wardrobe smell

Because of still air and damp. The air is never changed, and even a little moisture settles as odour in the textiles over time.

How often should you air the wardrobe

Once a month. Ten minutes with the doors open is enough to change the air completely.

What do you do if the clothes already smell

Wash them, dry them fully, and leave the wardrobe open for a day. The odour sits in both the clothes and the wardrobe.