The Budget-Friendly Closet Solution That Will Keep Your Clothes Smelling Fresh

It can be super satisfying to have your closet organized just the way you want it, but frustrating when you notice a musty, unwelcome odor taking over. There are lots of nontoxic closet fresheners that will keep your space and clothes smelling clean, but one in particular is not only very affordable, it's a kitchen staple you likely already have in your home right now: a bag of rice.

Closet odors form due to a lack of air circulating in the area from too much moisture, mold, bacteria, and unwashed clothes. Uncooked rice can absorb that excess humidity thanks to its hygroscopic nature, which just means it's a highly absorptive material; dry rice soaks up the moisture around it until it reaches a certain equilibrium. Having less moisture in your closet helps to deodorize the space and get rid of any mold, which tends to grow and thrive in humid areas. The dry grain is an affordable option — less than $2 for some bags – and there are many uncommon household uses for rice. 

A bag of rice uses its mega-absorption abilities to remove moisture in the air, which can cause unpleasant smells in your closet. To get rid of that odor-causing humidity and deodorize your closet, simply put an open container or satchel filled with 1 to 2 cups of dry rice in your wardrobe to start soaking up any stinks in no time. If you have a preferred pleasant scent to add to the space, apply about 15 drops of essential oil into the rice and mix it thoroughly. Scents like citronella, catnip, and bergamot give your space a pleasant odor and are essential oils that can help keep pests at bay, too.

Make sure to put the rice in a corner of your closet or a spot with strong odor smell, like the shoe rack. You can cover the jar with a breathable fabric or a lid with holes to prevent any big spills if the jar gets knocked over. Dry, uncooked white rice can stay good for about two years but should be discarded once it has done its job soaking up moisture. Spoiled rice may show signs like mold growth or attract bugs. For the best results, change the rice and its essential oil around every four to six months, or sooner if the oil scent fades.