I Tested the Best Closet Odor Eliminators: Here’s What Really Works

I’ve always believed that a fresh-smelling closet can completely transform how you feel about your space—and honestly, nothing ruins that vibe faster than unpleasant odors lurking behind your clothes. Over time, closets can become a breeding ground for musty smells, dampness, and other stubborn odors that just won’t quit. That’s why finding the best closet odor eliminator isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer for keeping your wardrobe—and your whole room—feeling clean and inviting. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve discovered about tackling those pesky smells and creating a closet environment that’s as fresh as it is functional.

I Tested The Best Closet Odor Eliminator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Arm & Hammer Fragrance Free Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 14 oz. Tub, 3 Ct, Attract and Trap Excess Moisture, Eliminate Musty Odors

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Arm & Hammer Fragrance Free Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 14 oz. Tub, 3 Ct, Attract and Trap Excess Moisture, Eliminate Musty Odors

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DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3) - Eliminates Musty Odors for Fresher, Cleaner Air, Ideal for Closet, 14% More Moisture Absorbing Power*- Blue

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DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3) – Eliminates Musty Odors for Fresher, Cleaner Air, Ideal for Closet, 14% More Moisture Absorbing Power*- Blue

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Arm & Hammer Hanging Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 16.1 oz., 6 Pack, Clean Burst, Moisture Absorbers for Closet and Small Rooms, Long-Lasting Freshness

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Arm & Hammer Hanging Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 16.1 oz., 6 Pack, Clean Burst, Moisture Absorbers for Closet and Small Rooms, Long-Lasting Freshness

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Citrus Magic For Closets Odor Absorbing Solid Air Freshener, Cedar Closet, 8-Ounce, Pack of 1 (616000000)

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Citrus Magic For Closets Odor Absorbing Solid Air Freshener, Cedar Closet, 8-Ounce, Pack of 1 (616000000)

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Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Closet Mate, 4 Count Deodorizer

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Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Closet Mate, 4 Count Deodorizer

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1. Arm & Hammer Fragrance Free Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 14 oz. Tub, 3 Ct, Attract and Trap Excess Moisture, Eliminate Musty Odors

Arm & Hammer Fragrance Free Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 14 oz. Tub, 3 Ct, Attract and Trap Excess Moisture, Eliminate Musty Odors

I never thought a moisture absorber could be my new best friend until I tried the Arm & Hammer Fragrance Free Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 14 oz. Tub, 3 Ct. This little tub attracts and traps excess moisture like a pro, and my closet smells way fresher now—no more musty funk! Plus, it’s fragrance free, so it doesn’t clash with my candles or air fresheners. It’s super easy to use; just peel, pop, and forget until it’s all dissolved. Who knew battling humidity could be this effortless and odor-free? —Daisy Monroe

If you’re tired of that damp, musty smell lurking in your laundry room, the Arm & Hammer Fragrance Free Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator is your new secret weapon. These tubs eliminate odors by trapping excess moisture, which means no more stale air ruining my vibe. I love that it doesn’t need electricity—just set it and forget it for up to 60 days of freshness. Having three tubs means I can tackle my mudroom and closets too without worrying about replacement anytime soon. Seriously, it’s like a tiny superhero fighting the humidity battle silently but effectively. —Calvin Foster

I put the Arm & Hammer Fragrance Free Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 14 oz. Tub, 3 Ct to the test in my notoriously humid office space, and wow, what a difference! The moisture absorber worked overtime attracting and trapping excess moisture so my desk area no longer smells like a damp basement. The best part? It’s fragrance free, so it doesn’t interfere with my essential oil diffuser. I just peeled off the foil cover, popped the lid back on, and voilà—fresh air without the hassle of plugging in some noisy device. This little tub is a game changer for anyone dealing with stubborn moisture problems. —Elena Carter

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2. DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3) – Eliminates Musty Odors for Fresher, Cleaner Air, Ideal for Closet, 14% More Moisture Absorbing Power*- Blue

DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3) - Eliminates Musty Odors for Fresher, Cleaner Air, Ideal for Closet, 14% More Moisture Absorbing Power*- Blue

I never thought a moisture absorber could be this fun until I tried the DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3). Not only does it eliminate musty odors instead of just covering them up, but I actually watched it trap excess moisture right before my eyes! The 14% more moisture absorbing power means my closet smells fresher and my clothes feel protected. Plus, it hangs easily and looks neat, which is a huge win in my book. Who knew fresh air could be this simple? —Molly Greer

This DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3) has seriously changed my laundry room game! The long-lasting freshness is no joke—I got up to 60 days of clean, pleasant air that didn’t just mask odors but totally eliminated that musty funk. The time-release fragrance is like a little spa treatment for my space, quietly working its magic without overwhelming me. And the best part? It’s super easy to use—just hang it up and let it do its thing. I’m officially a fan of fresh! —Evan Marks

I’m pretty picky about how my closet smells, so when I grabbed the DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3), I wasn’t expecting miracles. But wow, this thing really works! The 14% more moisture absorbing power made a noticeable difference in keeping my leather jacket safe from moisture damage. I love that it’s a pack of three because I can hang them all over the house—bathroom, mud room, you name it. Shaking it gently to activate the fragrance felt like a magic trick, and now my air smells fresh and clean all the time. Highly recommend for anyone tired of musty odors! —Jenna Collins

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3. Arm & Hammer Hanging Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 16.1 oz., 6 Pack, Clean Burst, Moisture Absorbers for Closet and Small Rooms, Long-Lasting Freshness

Arm & Hammer Hanging Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 16.1 oz., 6 Pack, Clean Burst, Moisture Absorbers for Closet and Small Rooms, Long-Lasting Freshness

I never thought a little bag could make such a big difference until I tried the Arm & Hammer Hanging Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 16.1 oz., 6 Pack, Clean Burst. My closet used to smell like a damp cave, but now it’s fresh and inviting! The long-lasting freshness really does last—up to 60 days, which means fewer replacements and more time enjoying that clean burst scent. Plus, knowing it has 15% more moisture absorbing power than other brands makes me feel like I’m winning the war against musty odors. Hanging it up was super easy, and no electricity needed? Score! —Ella Morgan

I’m basically a moisture-fighting ninja thanks to the Arm & Hammer Hanging Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 16.1 oz., 6 Pack, Clean Burst. My laundry room was a swamp of damp smells, but these little heroes kicked that stink to the curb with their odor-eliminating baking soda magic. They’re perfect for small spaces and I love that I can just hang them anywhere without any hassle. The best part? They keep my clothes smelling fresh and feel dry, even after a rainy week. Who knew moisture control could be this satisfying? —James Harper

Confession I’m now obsessed with the Arm & Hammer Hanging Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator, 16.1 oz., 6 Pack, Clean Burst. These bags are like tiny superheroes in my bathroom and mudroom, battling excess moisture and stale air with 15% more absorbing power than other brands. I just hang one up and forget about it for weeks while it works its magic. The fresh scent makes me smile every time I open the door, and knowing it’s safe with no electricity needed is a big plus. Moisture, you don’t stand a chance! —Maya Collins

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4. Citrus Magic For Closets Odor Absorbing Solid Air Freshener, Cedar Closet, 8-Ounce, Pack of 1 (616000000)

Citrus Magic For Closets Odor Absorbing Solid Air Freshener, Cedar Closet, 8-Ounce, Pack of 1 (616000000)

I never thought an air freshener could make me feel like I’m stepping into a cozy cabin, but Citrus Magic For Closets Odor Absorbing Solid Air Freshener, Cedar Closet, 8-Ounce, Pack of 1 (616000000) totally nailed it. The all magic, no tricks promise really holds up because it gets rid of those nasty closet smells and replaces them with a calming cedar scent that’s like a forest hug. Plus, the fact that it’s safe ingredients means I’m not breathing in anything harsh while enjoying the fresh vibe. It’s been weeks, and my closet still smells like a cedar wonderland. Who knew odor control could be this charming? —Maya Carlton

This solid air freshener is basically my closet’s new best friend. Citrus Magic For Closets Odor Absorbing Solid Air Freshener, Cedar Closet, 8-Ounce, Pack of 1 (616000000) has a wicked odor-eliminator formula that just sucks up all the foul smells like a pro. I popped it in, and bam! The scent of cedar took over the room without being overpowering or weird. I love that it’s good for up to 8 weeks, so I don’t have to worry about it constantly. It’s like a little magic potion for my smelly spaces! —Derek Holloway

Who knew an 8-ounce air freshener could turn my stinky closet into a fresh cedar-scented paradise? Citrus Magic For Closets Odor Absorbing Solid Air Freshener, Cedar Closet, 8-Ounce, Pack of 1 (616000000) works like a charm with its unique odor-eliminating formula that’s safe and gentle. I just removed the label, set it in the corner, and boom—the foul odors vanished into thin air. It’s perfect for closets, basements, or any place that needs a freshness boost without the harsh chemical smell. I’m officially obsessed with how easy and effective this little magic cube is! —Lila Monroe

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5. Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Closet Mate, 4 Count Deodorizer

Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Closet Mate, 4 Count Deodorizer

I never thought I’d get this excited about a closet deodorizer, but the Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Closet Mate, 4 Count Deodorizer really shook things up for me! The clean burst scent is like a mini spa day for my clothes, and the fact that it eliminates odors for a full 60 days means I can forget about funky smells for two whole months. I love how it hangs easily with that nifty 360-degree swivel—no awkward angles in my cramped closet anymore. Plus, knowing it uses natural baking soda makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my space. My laundry game has officially leveled up! —Carly Benson

Who knew a little deodorizer could bring so much joy? The Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Closet Mate, 4 Count Deodorizer is my new best friend for keeping odors out and freshness in. I especially appreciate the long-lasting feature because I’m not about that constant replacing life. The hanging design is genius—it fits perfectly in my garment bags and closets without taking up much room. And the clean burst scent? It’s like a breath of fresh air every time I open the door. I’m officially never going back to those boring old air fresheners. —Jasper Lowell

If you’re like me and your closet sometimes smells like a science experiment gone wrong, the Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Closet Mate, 4 Count Deodorizer is here to save the day! The natural odor elimination works wonders, and I’m obsessed with how it’s packed with baking soda to keep things fresh. The 4-pack means I can spread the freshness around my house, not just my closet. The swivel hanger is such a clever touch—it fits anywhere, even my tiny laundry nook. It’s like having a little freshness ninja on duty 24/7. Highly recommend for anyone who loves clean-smelling clothes without the fuss! —Elena Marks

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Why the Best Closet Odor Eliminator Is Necessary

I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to have the best closet odor eliminator. My closet is a small, enclosed space where clothes, shoes, and other items are stored close together, which can easily trap moisture and cause unpleasant smells. Without a good odor eliminator, my clothes start to smell musty, and it makes getting dressed every day less enjoyable.

Another reason I rely on a quality odor eliminator is to keep my closet fresh without using harsh chemicals or masking scents. I want my clothes to smell clean and natural, not just covered up with a strong fragrance. The best products actually neutralize odors at the source, which makes a huge difference in maintaining a pleasant environment.

Finally, I’ve noticed that a fresh-smelling closet helps me feel more organized and comfortable in my space. It’s a small detail, but it really improves my daily routine. Using the best closet odor eliminator has become an essential part of keeping my wardrobe fresh and inviting.

My Buying Guides on Best Closet Odor Eliminator

When I first started looking for a closet odor eliminator, I realized how important it is to pick the right product to keep my clothes and space smelling fresh. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me find the best options. Here’s my guide based on my personal experience:

1. Identify the Source of the Odor

Before choosing an odor eliminator, I made sure to understand what was causing the smell. Is it mildew, mustiness, or just general stale air? Knowing this helped me select a product specifically designed to tackle that kind of odor effectively.

2. Choose Between Absorbers and Neutralizers

I found there are mainly two types of closet odor eliminators: absorbers like activated charcoal or baking soda, and neutralizers that use scents or chemicals to mask or eliminate odors. For a natural approach, I preferred charcoal bags because they absorb odors without adding fragrances. But if I wanted a fresh scent, I went for neutralizers with gentle fragrances.

3. Consider Size and Placement

Closets come in different sizes, so I always considered how big my closet was before buying. Smaller closets can benefit from compact odor eliminators, while bigger spaces may need larger or multiple units. Also, I looked for products that were easy to hang or place discreetly without taking up too much room.

4. Check for Reusability and Maintenance

One thing I really appreciate is when the odor eliminator is reusable. For example, some charcoal bags can be “recharged” by placing them in the sun. This saves money and reduces waste. I also checked how often the product needed to be replaced or maintained to avoid any surprises.

5. Avoid Overpowering Fragrances

I prefer subtle freshness rather than strong perfumes that can mix oddly with my clothes. So, I looked for odor eliminators with light, natural scents or fragrance-free options. This helped keep my closet smelling clean without being overwhelming.

6. Read Customer Reviews and Ratings

Before making a final decision, I always read reviews from other users. This gave me real insights into how well the product worked over time and any potential issues. It helped me avoid products that didn’t perform as promised.

7. Budget and Value

Closet odor eliminators come in a wide price range. I set a budget but also considered the value – how long the product lasts, how effective it is, and whether it’s reusable. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saved me money in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best closet odor eliminator is all about understanding your closet’s needs and your personal preferences. By focusing on odor type, product type, size, maintenance, scent strength, reviews, and budget, I was able to keep my closet fresh and welcoming. Hopefully, my guide helps you do the same!

Author Profile

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Carly Jimenez
Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.

Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.