Musty smells from closets: the paper trick to remove bad odors

If you’ve ever opened your closet and been greeted by that unpleasant musty smell, you’re not alone. The odor of “stale air” is one of the most common problems in wardrobes — especially older ones or those that stay closed for long periods. Clothes, shoes, and even accessories can all absorb this odor, leaving everything smelling less than fresh.

While many people rush to use air fresheners or scented sachets, there’s a surprisingly simple and effective old-fashioned trick that can solve the problem completely — and all you need is a few sheets of paper. Let’s discover how this method works and what else you can do to keep your wardrobe fresh, clean, and fragrant all year round.

Why Does the Closet Smell Musty?

That closed, unpleasant smell often comes from a combination of humidity, lack of air circulation, and dust buildup. When moisture gets trapped inside an enclosed space, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to form — and these are the main culprits behind that “old closet” odor.

Older wooden wardrobes, especially those passed down through generations, tend to absorb humidity more easily. Even newer closets can start to smell if they’re kept tightly closed and not aired out regularly. Over time, the smell clings to fabrics, making clothes feel less fresh even after washing.

The good news? With a little care and a few easy steps, you can get rid of that odor and prevent it from coming back.

How Often Should You Clean Your Closet?

A musty smell is often a sign that your closet needs a deep clean. It’s not enough to simply organize clothes; the interior surfaces also need attention.

Experts recommend that you air out your wardrobe daily, even for just 10–15 minutes. Open the doors and let fresh air circulate through the space. This simple habit helps reduce humidity and keeps mold from forming.

Once a month, go a step further: remove all your clothes, accessories, and storage boxes, then clean the inside of the closet thoroughly. The best natural cleaning solution combines Marseille soap and baking soda.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Mix a few drops of liquid Marseille soap with warm water.

2. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the mixture for extra deodorizing power.

3. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wipe down every surface — shelves, doors, corners, and even the floor of the closet.

4. Dry everything completely before putting your clothes back.

This simple cleaning method not only removes odors but also prevents mold and bacteria from developing inside your wardrobe.

Natural Ways to Keep Your Closet Smelling Fresh

Before we reveal the famous “paper trick,” let’s look at a few natural ways to maintain a pleasant fragrance inside your wardrobe. These methods can be combined with the paper technique for the best results.

1. DIY Scented Sachets

Create small fabric sachets and fill them with potpourri, dried lavender, or mint leaves. Place one or two sachets on each shelf or hang them from coat hangers. Within minutes, your clothes will absorb a light, refreshing scent that lasts for weeks.

2. Marseille Soap Shavings

Cut or grate small pieces of Marseille soap or any scented soap and place them in a small bowl or cloth bag. The soap naturally releases fragrance and also absorbs excess moisture.

You can refresh the scent by replacing the soap every couple of weeks.

3. Baking Soda Bowl

Another excellent odor absorber is baking soda. Pour a few tablespoons into a small open container and place it in a corner of the closet. It will neutralize unpleasant smells and leave the air feeling cleaner.

For an extra touch of fragrance, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil — lavender, citrus, eucalyptus, or rose all work beautifully. Replace the mixture once a month to keep it effective.

The Old-Fashioned “Paper Trick” That Eliminates Odors

Now, let’s talk about the newspaper trick — a clever old method that grandmothers have relied on for generations. Unlike scented sachets, which simply cover up bad smells, this technique absorbs the source of the problem: moisture.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Take four sheets of old newspaper — avoid glossy magazine pages, as they don’t absorb moisture well.

2. Crumple each sheet into a loose ball.

3. Place one ball in each corner of your closet.

That’s it! The paper will naturally absorb humidity and musty odors, keeping the interior dry and fresh.

If your closet has strong odors or visible dampness, you can use more newspaper balls. For a large wardrobe, place extra ones on shelves or inside drawers.

Why It Works

Newspaper is made of porous fibers that naturally draw in moisture from the air. As it absorbs humidity, it prevents the formation of mold and mildew — the real cause of that unpleasant smell. At the same time, it helps regulate air freshness inside the wardrobe.

By reducing dampness, you not only eliminate the odor but also protect your clothes from yellowing, spotting, or absorbing bad smells.

For best results, change the newspaper once a week. If the sheets feel slightly damp or soft to the touch, replace them immediately — that means they’ve already absorbed as much moisture as they can.

An Extra Tip from the Past

Many grandmothers didn’t stop at using crumpled newspaper balls. They went a step further and lined the interior of the closet with newspaper sheets. This acted as a double barrier — protecting the wood from moisture while absorbing any odors before they spread.

If you want a more modern version of this idea, you can line the shelves with kraft paper or unprinted brown wrapping paper, which works in the same way but looks tidier.

Keep Your Closet Fresh and Fragrant — The Natural Way

Fighting musty odors doesn’t mean you have to use chemical sprays or synthetic perfumes. In fact, the simplest and most effective methods are often the ones our grandmothers already knew.

By combining the paper trick with a few natural fragrance boosters like soap shavings, essential oils, or dried herbs, you can transform your closet into a clean, dry, and beautifully scented space — without spending a cent on commercial air fresheners.

So next time you notice that stale smell coming from your wardrobe, don’t rush to buy a new deodorizer. Just grab a few sheets of old newspaper, crumple them up, and let them work their quiet magic. Your clothes — and your nose — will thank you.