The Easy DIY Antidote To That Musty Closet Smell

sachets

Since todayโ€™s post is all about sachets, I thought it might be helpful the start out by answering the obvious questionโ€”what exactly are they? I included a dictionary definition below, just in case anyone hasnโ€™t brushed up on their 15th century terminology lately. ;-)

sachet, noun
saยทchet | \sa-หˆshฤ\
: a small bag containing a perfumed powder or potpourri used to scent clothes and linens

โ€œSachet.โ€ Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sachet. Accessed 1 Sep. 2021.

When fabric items sit untouched in a closet, dresser, or storage tote for a long time, they can take on a musty smell that may require several washes to get rid of entirely. But a few simple sachets can help you avoid this common problem from becoming a problem in the first place.

Just by storing a few scented sachets with your clothes, you can prevent that musty smell from clinging to your clothes while they’re stored away. But sachets aren’t much good to you if you donโ€™t like how they smell or if the scent is too strong, which is why I recommend making your own.

sachets

The Benefits Of Making Your Own Sachets

Making your own sachets is a no-brainer, in my opinion. The most obvious benefit is that you have complete control over the finished product. You can infuse them with the scent of your choice, and you get to decide how strong or subtle the scent is.

And since you’ll be using essential oils to add fragrance to your sachets, you’ll also benefit from being able to avoid synthetic fragrances or toxic chemicals. And they really couldnโ€™t be any quicker, easier, or more affordable to make.

Follow the simple steps below to give it a try for yourself.

How To Make Essential Oil Sachets To Keep Clothes Fresh

sachets

Youโ€™ll need:

sachets

Directions:

Grab 4 cotton balls and add 1-2 drops of the essential oil of your choice to each one. (I like to use lavender essential oil here, but you can use any essential oil or oil blend you like.)

sachets

Tuck the cotton balls into one of the favor bags and cinch it closed. Repeat the process to make as many sachets as you want or need.

sachets

How To Use Your Sachets

Store sachets wherever musty smells tend to develop to help keep clothing and other fabrics fresh. Store one in each dresser drawer, put a few in each closet, or even tuck one into the pocket of your winter coat to keep it smelling fresh while it’s in storage.

Not only will your sachets prevent your clothes from taking on that musty storage smell, but theyโ€™ll make your storage areas smell great too. And when the scent of your sachets starts to fade, just make up some fresh sachets and swap them out with the old ones.

sachets

Here are a few more places you could use them:

  • Stinky shoes
  • Vanity drawers
  • Around silk flowers
  • Under couch cushions
  • Under the driver’s seat in your car
  • Inside luggage while traveling
  • Anywhere you’d enjoy a fresh scent

Do you use sachets to keep your clothes and linens fresh?

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Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)

Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

About Jillee

Jill Nystul

Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.

About Jillee

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24 Comments

  1. I cannot use any strong or artificial scents around family members and our little parrots. Eliminating musty closet, furniture and carpet odors is difficult. The moisure absorbing bags are good, but theyโ€™re pricey and not well made. They do work, but several have fallen apart and the fluid is almost slimy. Itโ€™s a terrible mess. Would a box of cat litter or a big bag of baking soda work in the closet?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  2. Iโ€™ve also used the perfume ads from
    magazines and ads for my drawers . Just have to change them when the scent wears off.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  3. I usually find thereโ€™s wax left once a scented candle has burned down. I break up this remaining wax and put it in those little organza bags to hang in wardrobes, put in lingerie drawers etc.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  4. Hi Jillee,
    Those sachets should be great for those who like the sweet, flowery scent. Some folks are allergic to sweet, flowery smells. They sell some inexpensive cedar pieces, and balls made of cedar, which is a cleaner smell. They, also,, also, remove any damp, musty odors. I purchased some from a catalog, and, also, saw some at Bed, Bath and Beyond, which is now open. If there is no store near you they can be reached On-Line.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  5. I d on’t have many essential oils, but I do Make dried Lavender Sachets.
    They’re made with fabric and I usually try to make them with velcro so you can remove the lavender when the scent fades and wash out and add fresh lavender (or other dried herbs) back in.

    But I like this too esp. for summer as certain oils will keep away spiders and other creepy crawlies.
    (I fi I remember right Eucalyptus tea tree & Lavender Spiders peppermint, both Spiders & Ants

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  6. Instead of cotton balls with oils, I use scented soap in the favor bags. You can get large bars of lovely scented French milled soaps reasonably priced at places like Ross. Cut them up into chunks and place in the little bags. Hang them in the closet, stash them in drawers or storages totes, hang them from a lamp under the lampshade, etc. The fragrance lasts for months or longer depending on where they’re placed. I’ve had one hanging in a wardrobe for over 2 years, still smells wonderful.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  7. I put uncapped empty oil bottles in drawers with my pjs, still get lots of good scent out of them.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  8. One would have to be careful hanging them with clothes, so the oil doesn’t seep into them. Also in pocket of coat or jacket??? If you are going to use lavender scent. Get dried lavender & make a sachet. Will last a long time. I have been making them for years. Give them a squeeze every once in a while & it reactivates the lavender. I have had one on my night stand for over a year and it still is good.

    Also, I would try to get to the root of a musty smell in case there is mold. Could damage your clothes, walls, as well as your health.

    Lavender is a great fragrance, but would not recommend for car! If the car gets very warm or hot, it will intensify the fragrance and you don’t want to fall asleep driving becasue you are so relaxed.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  9. essential oils can stain, so you have to be careful where you put them!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  10. And once they loose their aroma i would toss them low temp in the washing machine. Not sure how cotton balls behave but might work. Few new drops on them so dont even have to open the sachet ;-)))

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  11. Great idea. I think I will do this and hang it in my linen closet. Make everything smell wonderful!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  12. Great walkthrough! And I have to say that it surely cuts down those unnecessary steps and straight through to the point! This surely got me thinking these upcoming holidays that we could use and redesign this with new bright holiday colors that kind of concept… Thanks for sharing…

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  13. Pingback: Make Your Own Surprisingly Simple Sachets! | DIY Home Sweet Home
  14. SACHET SHELLS, I LIKE IT……………….wonderful ideas……………

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  15. I tried making these for my table napkin drawer–I don’t think the smell lasted more than 1 day. Do you think the terra cotta difuser would last any longer?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  16. You can also stuff those cottonballs down into pretty shells! Keeps any oil off your garments and looks so nice

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  17. Brilliant!! I wonder how long the scent would last. Any idea? These immediately went to my mental idea list of homemade gifts. I guess I could make some up and also include a tiny vial of extra EO to refresh the sachet. Yea! And I have a ton of tulle and small ribbon that I could use to make my own sachets. :)

    I’m trying my best to do all SIMPLE homemade gifts this year. These would be perfect AND the kids could help, so they could be a gift FROM the kids. YEA!! Plus, these would make a good backup plan for the clay pendant diffusers. I’m not sure how well they’re going to work. I think I need to make them a bit thicker. I also “sealed” one side and the edges with Mod Podge. I wish I could figure out how to make diffuser bracelets in addition to the necklaces/car mirror ones.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  18. Wonderful! You gave me an idea. I have so many leftovers of little patches of tulle that I wrapped little star candles inside as favors for my daughter’s bridal shower. I had no idea what to do with them but knew I couldn’t throw them out. Now I can do the same thing with them as you did with your little sachet bags. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  19. I love your idea for the sachets! Lavender is the EO I use the most. Can’t wait to try this. Have a wonderful day! ~ Jamie

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

Leave a Comment

24 Comments

  1. I cannot use any strong or artificial scents around family members and our little parrots. Eliminating musty closet, furniture and carpet odors is difficult. The moisure absorbing bags are good, but theyโ€™re pricey and not well made. They do work, but several have fallen apart and the fluid is almost slimy. Itโ€™s a terrible mess. Would a box of cat litter or a big bag of baking soda work in the closet?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  2. Iโ€™ve also used the perfume ads from
    magazines and ads for my drawers . Just have to change them when the scent wears off.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  3. I usually find thereโ€™s wax left once a scented candle has burned down. I break up this remaining wax and put it in those little organza bags to hang in wardrobes, put in lingerie drawers etc.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  4. Hi Jillee,
    Those sachets should be great for those who like the sweet, flowery scent. Some folks are allergic to sweet, flowery smells. They sell some inexpensive cedar pieces, and balls made of cedar, which is a cleaner smell. They, also,, also, remove any damp, musty odors. I purchased some from a catalog, and, also, saw some at Bed, Bath and Beyond, which is now open. If there is no store near you they can be reached On-Line.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  5. I d on’t have many essential oils, but I do Make dried Lavender Sachets.
    They’re made with fabric and I usually try to make them with velcro so you can remove the lavender when the scent fades and wash out and add fresh lavender (or other dried herbs) back in.

    But I like this too esp. for summer as certain oils will keep away spiders and other creepy crawlies.
    (I fi I remember right Eucalyptus tea tree & Lavender Spiders peppermint, both Spiders & Ants

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  6. Instead of cotton balls with oils, I use scented soap in the favor bags. You can get large bars of lovely scented French milled soaps reasonably priced at places like Ross. Cut them up into chunks and place in the little bags. Hang them in the closet, stash them in drawers or storages totes, hang them from a lamp under the lampshade, etc. The fragrance lasts for months or longer depending on where they’re placed. I’ve had one hanging in a wardrobe for over 2 years, still smells wonderful.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  7. I put uncapped empty oil bottles in drawers with my pjs, still get lots of good scent out of them.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  8. One would have to be careful hanging them with clothes, so the oil doesn’t seep into them. Also in pocket of coat or jacket??? If you are going to use lavender scent. Get dried lavender & make a sachet. Will last a long time. I have been making them for years. Give them a squeeze every once in a while & it reactivates the lavender. I have had one on my night stand for over a year and it still is good.

    Also, I would try to get to the root of a musty smell in case there is mold. Could damage your clothes, walls, as well as your health.

    Lavender is a great fragrance, but would not recommend for car! If the car gets very warm or hot, it will intensify the fragrance and you don’t want to fall asleep driving becasue you are so relaxed.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  9. essential oils can stain, so you have to be careful where you put them!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  10. And once they loose their aroma i would toss them low temp in the washing machine. Not sure how cotton balls behave but might work. Few new drops on them so dont even have to open the sachet ;-)))

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  11. Great idea. I think I will do this and hang it in my linen closet. Make everything smell wonderful!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  12. Great walkthrough! And I have to say that it surely cuts down those unnecessary steps and straight through to the point! This surely got me thinking these upcoming holidays that we could use and redesign this with new bright holiday colors that kind of concept… Thanks for sharing…

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  13. Pingback: Make Your Own Surprisingly Simple Sachets! | DIY Home Sweet Home
  14. SACHET SHELLS, I LIKE IT……………….wonderful ideas……………

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  15. I tried making these for my table napkin drawer–I don’t think the smell lasted more than 1 day. Do you think the terra cotta difuser would last any longer?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  16. You can also stuff those cottonballs down into pretty shells! Keeps any oil off your garments and looks so nice

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  17. Brilliant!! I wonder how long the scent would last. Any idea? These immediately went to my mental idea list of homemade gifts. I guess I could make some up and also include a tiny vial of extra EO to refresh the sachet. Yea! And I have a ton of tulle and small ribbon that I could use to make my own sachets. :)

    I’m trying my best to do all SIMPLE homemade gifts this year. These would be perfect AND the kids could help, so they could be a gift FROM the kids. YEA!! Plus, these would make a good backup plan for the clay pendant diffusers. I’m not sure how well they’re going to work. I think I need to make them a bit thicker. I also “sealed” one side and the edges with Mod Podge. I wish I could figure out how to make diffuser bracelets in addition to the necklaces/car mirror ones.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  18. Wonderful! You gave me an idea. I have so many leftovers of little patches of tulle that I wrapped little star candles inside as favors for my daughter’s bridal shower. I had no idea what to do with them but knew I couldn’t throw them out. Now I can do the same thing with them as you did with your little sachet bags. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  19. I love your idea for the sachets! Lavender is the EO I use the most. Can’t wait to try this. Have a wonderful day! ~ Jamie

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.