Having fresh and pleasant-smelling drawers can significantly improve your daily routine of picking out clothes and accessories. A lovely scent in your drawers not only has the power to enhance your mood but also keeps your garments and linens smelling great. This article will guide you through simple and effective methods to make your drawers smell good and maintain that refreshing aroma.
Cleaning and Deodorizing Drawers
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular odor-free cleaning agent and deodorizer. To use it, empty your drawer and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the surface. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb odors. Vacuum or brush the baking soda off and finish with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
Vinegar and Anti-Bacterial Solutions
Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer with antibacterial properties. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the drawer’s interior, wiping it with a soft cloth, and then let it air-dry. For an antibacterial solution, use a mild soap or detergent mixed with water, and wipe the drawer clean. Rinse with water and allow to dry before putting items back in.
Sunlight and Fresh Air
Sunlight and fresh air are natural deodorizers. Remove the drawer from its frame, if possible, and place it outside in a sunny spot for several hours. Ensure that the drawer is protected from dust and dirt. While the drawer is outdoors, open windows to let fresh air circulate and freshen the surrounding area. Once the drawer has aired out, replace it in its frame, and enjoy the fresh, clean scent.
Scented Drawer Liners
One way to keep your drawers smelling fresh is by using scented drawer liners. These liners can be bought from various retailers, but you can also make them at home for a customized fragrance. DIY drawer liners are an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to commercial liners.
DIY Drawer Liners
To make your DIY scented drawer liners, you’ll need the following materials:
- Unscented drawer liner paper or contact paper
- Essential oils or dried herbs for fragrance
- A plastic spray bottle or a small container for applying essential oils
First, decide on the scent you want for your drawer liners. Choose your favorite essential oil or mix multiple oils to create your custom fragrance. You can also use dried herbs such as lavender or rosemary for a natural scent. To apply the essential oils, fill the spray bottle with water and add a few drops of your chosen oil(s). If using dried herbs, crush them and place them in a small container.
Next, cut the drawer liner paper or contact paper to fit the size of your drawers. Lay the paper on a flat surface and spray the scented water or press the crushed herbs onto one side of the paper. Allow the paper to dry completely before placing it in your drawers.
By using DIY scented drawer liners, you can make your drawers smell fresh and customize the scent to your preference. This simple, creative project adds a personal touch to your belongings and helps to maintain a pleasant atmosphere in your home.
Natural Deodorizers and Moisture Absorbers
Cedar and Lavender
Cedar and lavender make great natural deodorizers for drawers. To use cedar, place cedar blocks or chips inside the drawers to absorb moisture and effectively neutralize unpleasant smells. Lavender, on the other hand, can be used in sachets or small bags and placed among clothes or linens to emit a pleasant scent.
Dried Herbs and Potpourri
Dried herbs like rosemary, mint, or eucalyptus can also help keep drawers smelling fresh. Simply place a few sprigs of your desired herbs in small sachets or tie with a piece of twine and store them in the drawers.
Potpourri is another option, consisting of a mix of dried flowers, herbs, and spices, adding a delightful aroma to tight spaces. You can easily make your own potpourri or purchase it premade.
DIY Scented Sachets and Drawstring Bags
Creating your own scented sachets and drawstring bags is a simple and effective way to make your drawers smell good. These can be filled with dried herbs, essential oils, or other fragrances to give a pleasant aroma to your clothes and linen.
To make DIY scented sachets, follow these easy steps:
- Choose a breathable fabric such as cotton, linen, or muslin.
- Cut two matching squares or circles, about 4-5 inches each
- Sew the edges together, leaving a small gap to fill
- Add your choice of dried herbs, essential oils, or fragrance items
- Sew the gap closed
For drawstring bags, try this process:
- Cut a rectangle of fabric, about 8×10 inches
- Fold down one short edge by one inch, and sew along the edge to create a channel for the drawstring
- Fold fabric in half, with the channel at the top, and sew along the two open edges, leaving the channel open
- Thread a ribbon or cord through the channel to create the drawstring
Some popular scents to use in your sachets and drawstring bags include:
- Lavender: Promotes relaxation and helps repel moths
- Rose petals: Adds a romantic, floral fragrance
- Lemon peels or lemon essential oil: Provides a fresh, uplifting scent
- Eucalyptus or peppermint: Gives a cool, refreshing aroma
Remember to use a small amount of essential oils, as they can be quite potent, and be sure to replace or refresh the contents of your sachets and bags every few months for optimal fragrance.
Other Tips and Tricks for Fresh-Smelling Drawers
In addition to the methods already discussed, there are other inexpensive ways to keep your dresser drawers smelling fresh. First, consider placing a bar of soap wrapped in cotton fabric or placed in a small breathable container. This allows the pleasant scent to permeate your clothes while preventing any residue from being transferred.
Another option for maintaining a fresh-smelling drawer is to flex your DIY abilities by creating sachets filled with fragrant materials like lavender or rose petals. Simply pour dried flower petals, herbs, or your favorite scent into small cotton pouches, tying them shut and placing them throughout your storage. Additionally, scented drawer liners are a popular choice, as they add both a decorative touch as well as a pleasant aroma.
If you prefer a more natural approach, try utilizing the smell-absorbing properties of activated charcoal or baking soda. Add a small open container or wrapped sachet with either substance to help neutralize odors. It’s also helpful to include a few drops of your favorite essential oil to add a subtle scent to your clothes.
Of course, keeping your drawer and clothes fresh starts with proper body care. Ensure that all items are clean and dry before being folded and stored away. Using refreshing laundry detergents, fabric softeners, or dryer sheets with your preferred scent will give your clothes a great start, helping to create that desired fresh-smelling dresser drawer.