Looking for an easy way to keep your closet smelling fresh? These DIY natural closet fresheners with essential oils are simple to make and will keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean without synthetic chemicals.
From sachets and baking soda jars to sprays and rice bags, you’ll find plenty of ideas to bring a clean, inviting scent to your space.
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Closets can sometimes develop a musty or stale smell, especially when they’re tightly packed or contain items that are not frequently used. Creating your own natural closet fresheners with essential oils is a simple and cost-effective way to get rid of musty odors and enjoy pleasant scents when you open your closet.
Adding essential oils to natural closet fresheners makes it even easier to keep your closet smelling inviting all year long. I’ll share the best oils for closets and easy blends you can swap to match your style, whether you prefer the soothing aroma of lavender, the bright freshness of lemon, or a cozy seasonal blend.
You’ll also find placement tips, safety notes, and a refresh schedule, so your wardrobe always stays fresh.
Table of Contents
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Why Choose Natural Closet Fresheners With Essential Oils?
Using natural fresheners with essential oils to freshen your closet is a simple way to enjoy scents that feel natural and personal.
- Safe and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought products
- Easy to customize with your favorite aromas
- Budget-friendly and long-lasting
- Versatile—works in closets, drawers, and storage bins
DIY Natural Closet Freshener Ideas With Essential Oils
1: Rice Closet Sachets
What it is: A breathable fabric sachet filled with scented rice for a steady, long-lasting aroma.
You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (per sachet)
- 15–20 total drops essential oils
- Organza or Muslin drawstring bags
- Optional: ribbon/safety pin for hanging; label
How to Make: No-sew Method
Fill the pouch about 1/2 to 3/4 with rice. Add a few drops of essential oil directly onto the rice.
Close the bag with a ribbon or drawstring and shake gently to distribute the scent.
Tuck the scented rice sachet into your closet or drawer.
2: Baking Soda Deodorizer Jar
You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 15–25 drops essential oils
- Small glass jar with perforated lid (or fabric + rubber band)
How to Make:
Add baking soda to the jar. Add oils. Stir to combine.
Cover with a perforated lid, or use a loose-weave fabric secured with a rubber band. This allows the scent to disperse slowly.
Place on a shelf in the closet. Shake weekly to circulate the scent.
3: No Sew Cotton Ball Sachets Ingredients
You’ll Need:
- 6 – 8 cotton balls
- 10 – 15 drops essential oils
- 1 Muslin or Organza drawstring bag
How to Make:
Place cotton balls in a glass bowl. Add essential oil to the cotton balls and roll them around lightly.
Let it sit for 5 minutes for the oils to absorb.
Transfer to the bag, close it, and place it in the closet.
4: Cedar Blocks or Rings Refreshed With Essential Oils
You’ll Need:
- 1–2 Cedarwood Blocks or Cedarwood Rings
- 3–5 drops cedarwood essential oil (optional: +1 drop lavender)
- Fine-grain sandpaper (optional, for older blocks)
How to Make:
Lightly sand cedar to expose fresh wood.
Add oils directly to the wood surface and let them absorb for a few minutes.
Hang or place in the closet near woolens.
5: Lavender Closet Pouch
You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup Dried Lavender Buds (per sachet)
- 15 – 20 total drops essential oils
- Organza or Muslin drawstring bags
- Optional: ribbon/safety pin for hanging; label
How to Make: No-sew Method
Fill the pouch about 1/2 to 3/4 with the lavender buds.
Add a few drops of essential oil directly onto the buds. This is optional as lavender buds have a lovely floral aroma on their own. Keep the essential oils for refreshing the scent after 2 – 3 months.
Close the bag with a ribbon or drawstring and shake gently to distribute the scent.
Tuck the lavender closet sachet into your closet or drawer.
6: Wool Dryer Ball
You’ll Need:
- 1 Wool Dryer Ball
- 4–6 drops essential oils
- String or safety pin
How to Make:
Add drops to the wool dryer ball. Let it absorb for a few minutes.
Hang the scented wool dryer ball near the airflow, away from direct fabric contact.
7. Essential Oil Closet Spray
A light spray is a great way to freshen up the air in your closet.
You’ll Need:
- ½ cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel or vodka (helps the scent last longer)
- 10–15 drops of essential oil
How to Make:
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake before use. Lightly mist the air or closet walls (avoid direct spraying on clothes).
Best Essential Oils for Closet Fresheners
The beauty of making your own fresheners is that you can choose scents that match your mood or the season.
Here are some of the most popular options:
- Lavender – Calming, floral, and timeless
- Lemon – Bright, clean, and uplifting
- Eucalyptus – Crisp and refreshing
- Cedarwood – Warm, woody, and grounding
- Peppermint – Cool and energizing
7 Essential Oil Blends for Closet Fresheners
Calm Closet: 6 Lavender, 3 Bergamot, 1 Sandalwood
Fresh Linen: 6 Lavender, 3 Lemon, 1 Cedarwood
Soft Floral: 5 Lavender, 4 Geranium, 1 Jasmine
Energizing Citrus: 6 Lemon, 4 Orange, 1 Peppermint
Earthy Clean: 5 Cedarwood, 3 Rosemary, 2 Eucalyptus
Deodorizing: 5 Tea Tree, 3 Eucalyptus, 2 Rosemary
Citrus Clean: 6 Lemon, 3 Bergamot, 1 Tea Tree
Seasonal Closet Blends
Spring: 5 Lavender, 4 Lemon, 1 Geranium
Summer: 5 Grapefruit, 4 Lime, 1 Peppermint
Fall: 5 Orange, 3 Cinnamon, 2 Clove
Winter: 5 Pine, 3 Peppermint, 2 Vanilla Oleoresin
Tip: Start with 8–10 drops per project and adjust to your liking.
If the scent is too strong, add more filler and store in an airtight jar. If the scent is too faint, add more drops and use more breathable fabric.
If the musty smell persists, check for moisture and add a baking soda jar to absorb excess moisture.
How To Refresh Natural Closet Fresheners With Essential Oils
Add 2–5 drops to your items weekly or as needed.
Shake sachets and jars weekly to revive scent.
Replace rice or cotton every 3–4 months; replace baking soda monthly.
Lightly sand cedar every 6–8 weeks before re-scenting.
Precautions When Using Closet Fresheners
Keep oils off delicate fabrics. Place your homemade natural closet fresheners inside organizers or on shelves.
Use strong oils lightly (tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint).
Keep away from kids and pets.
When unsure, test scents in a small area first.
More DIY Freshener & Home Projects
If you’re inspired to bring more natural fragrance into your home, here are a few easy projects you can try next:
Beeswax Candles With Essential Oils – Learn how to make long-lasting candles that burn cleanly while filling your home with beautiful, natural aromas. This is a cozy DIY project for any season.
DIY Room Sprays – Quick to mix and endlessly customizable, room sprays are perfect for instantly refreshing any space with your favorite essential oil blends.
DIY Carpet Deodorizer Powder With Essential Oils – Sprinkle this easy-to-make powder onto carpets and rugs to neutralize odors and add a gentle, inviting scent.
Homemade Fabric Softener With Essential Oils – Keep laundry soft and fresh without synthetic fragrances by creating your own natural fabric softener.
How To Scent Pinecones With Essential Oils – A seasonal favorite for fall and winter, scented pinecones make charming natural décor while filling your home with festive aromas.
Keeping your closet fresh doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few supplies and your favorite essential oils, you can create natural, long-lasting fresheners that make your closet a space you enjoy opening every day.
If you prefer a ready-made route, there are plenty of eco-friendly, chemical-free essential oil blends for closets available. Look for options made from pure plant-based ingredients for the purest scent and no unwanted additives.
Experiment with these oils and blends to find the perfect natural closet freshener for your home and wardrobe. By choosing your scents with care, you create a closet atmosphere that’s truly your own.
FAQs
How many sachets do I need for a closet?
For a standard wardrobe, use 2–3 sachets spaced out, plus one baking soda jar if odors linger. Small reach-in closet: 1–2 sachets.
How long do natural closet fresheners last?
The scent is strongest in the first week. It slowly weakens over time. Cotton-ball sachets last 2–3 weeks; rice sachets 4–6 weeks; baking soda jars 3–4 weeks; cedar refresh 6–8 weeks.
Can essential oils stain clothes?
Yes, if applied directly. Keep oils inside sachets, on cedar, or on cards. Avoid direct contact with delicate fabrics.
What are the best oils to repel moths?
Cedarwood and lavender are the top picks. You can add a touch of rosemary. Always store wool clean and dry.
Do I have to use muslin or organza bags, or can I make natural closet fresheners at home with any other fabric?
You can use any fabric that’s breathable such as cotton or linen as these allow the aroma of the essential oils to dissipate into the closet space. The more loose weave the fabric, the faster the scent will dissipate. Avoid plastic or airtight containers for sachets, as these don’t let the scent escape.
Can I refresh homemade sewn sachets without opening them?
Yes. Add 3–5 drops to the outside and let it absorb, or shake and re-scent along the seams.
