Wire shelving is a solid move—honestly, anything that keeps your shoes from turning into science experiments is a win in my book. I’ve seen those closet liners too, and I’m with you: they look like the kind of thing that promises the world and delivers... a faint whiff of lavender, maybe? I tried cedar blocks once, and all I got was a closet that smelled like a hamster cage for a month.
The fan trick is underrated, though. I once had a client who swore by putting a tiny desk fan on a timer in her walk-in. It sounded weird, but her boots survived a whole rainy season without growing fuzz. As for the dehumidifier, I’m convinced it’s the only reason my hair doesn’t look like I stuck my finger in a socket every morning.
Has anyone actually found a liner or sachet that does more than just mask the smell? Or is it all just clever marketing and wishful thinking?
I get what you’re saying about liners and sachets—most of them seem like a band-aid on a bigger problem. I’ve walked through a lot of houses (some in pretty rough shape), and honestly, I’ve never seen a closet smell situation that was truly fixed by a scented liner. They just cover up the musty smell for a while, and then you’re back to square one. Cedar’s supposed to help with moths, but I agree, it’s more “pet store” than “fresh forest.”
But here’s where I’ll push back a bit: I’ve actually seen those silica gel packs make a real difference, especially in older homes with less ventilation. Not the fancy sachets, just the plain industrial ones you can buy in bulk online. Toss a handful in a basket on the closet floor, swap them out every few months, and it actually keeps things drier. Not glamorous, but it works.
The fan trick is clever, but I’d be careful if you’re not around much—seen a few scorched outlets from people leaving small appliances running. Dehumidifier’s the gold standard, though. I’ve put one in every rental I own that’s got a basement or a walk-in closet. Tenants are happier, and I get fewer calls about weird smells or mold spots.
If you’re dealing with real humidity, liners and sachets are just window dressing. Get the moisture out, and the rest takes care of itself. That’s my two cents, anyway.
I’m with you on the silica packs—they’re ugly, but they actually do something. I tried the “scented everything” route and just ended up with musty lavender. Dehumidifier’s a game changer, though. My closet went from rainforest to normal-human levels in a week.
Dehumidifier’s a game changer, though. My closet went from rainforest to normal-human levels in a week.
Can’t argue with that—dehumidifiers are worth every penny if you ask me. Did you have to drill any extra vents or just run it with the door cracked? I always wonder if I’m overdoing it with ventilation. Also, those scented sachets... why do they all end up smelling like grandma’s attic after a month?
Did you have to drill any extra vents or just run it with the door cracked? I always wonder if I’m overdoing it with ventilation.
- Honestly, I think you can go overboard with vents. Too much airflow and you’re just pulling in more humid air, especially if your house isn’t super dry to begin with.
- I just run the dehumidifier with the door mostly closed—seems to work fine.
- Those sachets, yeah... they always end up smelling weird. I switched to cedar blocks and they last way longer, plus no “grandma’s attic” vibes.
