7 Reasons Your Closet Smells Musty

A musty closet is more than an annoying smell—it’s usually a sign that something’s not right behind the scenes. Whether it’s trapped moisture, poor airflow, or something hiding in the back that should’ve been tossed months ago, your closet shouldn’t smell like a damp basement.

The good news is, once you know what’s causing it, it’s a lot easier to fix. Here’s what to check first if your closet has that stale, stubborn smell that refuses to go away.

You’ve Got Moisture Trapped Inside

Closets are notorious for holding onto humidity, especially if they’re up against an exterior wall or near a bathroom. If there’s not good airflow, that damp air settles in your clothes and walls, creating the perfect conditions for mustiness.

Even small things like wet shoes or damp towels tossed inside can kick off the smell. Try running a dehumidifier nearby or placing moisture absorbers in the corners to pull that excess moisture out of the air.

Your Clothes Weren’t Fully Dry

If you hang up clothes that are still a little damp from the washer or didn’t dry all the way, they can start smelling stale pretty fast. That moisture lingers in the fabric and spreads the scent to everything around it.

Always make sure your clothes are completely dry before putting them in the closet. Even if they feel dry to the touch, hang them a little longer if they’ve been through a thick load or humid drying cycle.

Dirty Laundry Is Hiding in the Corners

It happens—socks fall behind a basket, or a sweaty shirt gets tossed on a shelf and forgotten. Even a single piece of worn clothing can sour the whole space if it sits too long.

Give your closet a once-over and check every nook, especially low shelves or behind baskets. If something smells funky, pull it out and give the area a quick wipe-down.

There’s Not Enough Air Circulation

Closets that stay shut all the time tend to get stale fast. When air can’t move, moisture and odors build up. That tight, trapped smell is often from too little airflow, not an actual leak or mold problem.

Try leaving the door cracked occasionally or adding a small fan or louvered door panel. It doesn’t take much—just getting some air moving through can freshen things up quick.

Shoes Are Holding Onto Odors

Shoes are sneaky. Even when they look clean, they’re full of sweat, dirt, and whatever your feet walked through. If you store them in the closet without airing them out, the smell builds and spreads.

Rotate your shoes so they have time to breathe between wears. You can also use baking soda, cedar inserts, or charcoal bags inside your shoes to soak up odor without masking it.

Your Closet Needs a Deep Clean

Dust, old wood, and lingering body oils from hands or fabrics all contribute to that musty smell over time. If your closet hasn’t been wiped down in a while, the scent can settle in the walls and shelves.

Pull everything out, vacuum the corners, and wipe down the walls, shelves, and baseboards with vinegar or a mild cleaner. Don’t forget to clean any bins or baskets—those collect smells too.

There’s Mold or Mildew Hiding

If the smell is strong and sour no matter what you do, you might be dealing with mold or mildew. It can grow on walls, baseboards, or even on clothes if they were stored damp. And it won’t go away with sprays or air fresheners.

Check the corners, ceiling, and floor for signs of growth—especially in closets near bathrooms or with poor insulation. If you spot it, clean it immediately and figure out what’s causing the moisture to keep it from coming back.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.