It's no surprise that linen closets become concentrated with bad odors and musty smells. You might even liken it to smelly shoes or mildewy, wet towels. With little to no air circulation, those thought-to-be-clean sheet sets can actually harbor moisture and become a breeding ground for mold spores. Running your bedding and towels through the wash helps; however, it’s still tough to keep a clean scent in your closet storage space.
Beyond drying your linen sheets and towels until they’re completely dry, other simple steps help your linens stay fresh. From moisture absorbers to scented sachets, here’s how to make your linen closet smell good without much work.
Why Some Fabrics Trap Odors
"Have you ever wondered why some fabrics seem to hold on to stink more than others? It actually has to do with the fabric’s properties," shared Sammy Wang, a P&G Fabric Care Laundry Scientist.
Fabrics like polyester and spandex are synthetic. They're used in things like workout clothes because they’re sweat-wicking and durable; however, they also hold on to greasy smells more than cotton or linen. Wang expands, noting that “man-made fibers are more attracted to greases than natural fibers. This is relevant to odors because most odors, especially body odors, are greasy in nature.”
This grease, mixed with minerals in tap water, creates residue that’s tough to wash out. These fabrics don’t just trap smells, they also make odor removal harder. “Not only do man-made fabrics trap odors more, they’re also more prevalent than they were in the past; more than 2/3 of all textiles being produced today are now man-made,” she adds.
This matters when storing items like performance sheets or microfiber towels. Regular deep cleaning and the right fabric cleaner or deodorizer with enzymes can help break down stubborn smells trapped in these materials.
Scent Boosters
- Laundry treatments: Wang's team sent us Downy Rinse & Refresh to try, and it works. Inspired by vinegar, it dissolves and strips odor-causing residues and buildup when added to your laundry cycle like fabric softener.
- Lavender sachets: These pull double duty. They leave behind a gentle smell and also help deter moths from nesting in your linens.
- Baking soda boxes: Open boxes of baking soda on closet shelves work well as odor absorbers.
- Essential oil linen sprays: Light sprays of oils like lavender or citrus can keep linens smelling clean. A few drops on a cotton ball tucked in your storage baskets works, too.
- Cedar blocks or chips: Cedar works as a natural odor eliminator and brings a dry, woody scent to the space.
- Dryer sheets between linens: Layering fresh dryer sheets between linens helps them keep that just-washed smell.
Best Practices for a Clean Smelling Linen Closet
- Rotate and refresh: Don’t let linens sit too long. Take them out and air them in the sun when you can.
- Only store clean linens: Anything that’s even a little damp can lead to mold and smells.
- Avoid overcrowding: Linens need room to breathe. Tight spaces trap moisture and odors.
- Frequent washing: Stick to a regular wash schedule. This cuts down on the buildup of body oils and other odor sources.
- Scented drawer liners: These give off a mild, steady scent and can be layered inside your folded stacks.
- Natural deodorizers: Try activated charcoal or coffee grounds in small bags. These are simple odor absorbents.
- Herb pouches: Fill small cloth bags with dried herbs like mint or rosemary. They’re natural odor removers that leave a fresh scent.
