How to Keep Your Laundry Room Smelling Fresh Through Cold Weather

When cold weather sets in, the laundry room is often one of the first spaces in the home to develop lingering odors. With windows closed and heavier fabrics in rotation, it doesn’t take much for musty smells to appear. I’ve seen this happen even in well-maintained homes, especially during long winter months. Fortunately, keeping your laundry room smelling fresh doesn’t require drastic changes.

In my work, I’ve seen how colder months can impact a laundry room faster than many people expect. Most odor issues come down to moisture, airflow, and overlooked routines rather than cleanliness alone. Addressing those root causes early helps prevent odors from building up and makes the space easier to manage throughout the season.

If your laundry room tends to smell musty or stale in winter, a few targeted changes can make a big difference.

• Control moisture to prevent odors
• Improve air circulation in a closed laundry room
• Clean laundry machines regularly
• Be mindful of detergent and product buildup
• Store dirty laundry the right way
• Use natural deodorizers in the laundry room
• Keep laundry room surfaces and storage clean
• Don’t overlook floor drains and hidden odor source

Each of these strategies targets a common source of winter odors in the laundry room. When used together, they help create a space that stays fresh even when ventilation is limited.

Moisture is one of the biggest contributors to unpleasant smells in the laundry room, especially during colder months. When wet clothes sit too long or washing machines aren’t dried out between cycles, damp conditions can quickly lead to mildew. I always recommend building simple habits that limit excess moisture, such as:

• Removing clothes promptly after each wash cycle
• Leaving the washer door open between loads
• Wiping down rubber seals and machine doors
• Using a small dehumidifier in enclosed spaces

Winter air often traps humidity indoors, even when it doesn’t feel damp. Taking a few minutes to dry out machines and nearby surfaces helps eliminate hidden moisture. In smaller or windowless laundry rooms, consistent moisture control makes a noticeable difference. This step alone can prevent many odor issues before they start.

When windows stay shut during cold weather, airflow becomes limited in the laundry room. Without circulation, odors tend to linger longer than they should. Even modest improvements in air movement can significantly improve how the space smells. A few effective ways to increase circulation include:

• Running an exhaust fan during and after laundry cycles
• Leaving the laundry room door open when possible
• Installing a louvered door or door vent
• Avoiding blocked vents caused by storage or hampers

Proper airflow helps moisture evaporate more quickly and prevents stale air from settling in. This becomes especially important in winter, when natural ventilation is limited. Supporting air circulation keeps the laundry room feeling fresher between loads.

Laundry machines are designed to clean, but they also need routine maintenance. Detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and lint can all contribute to odors over time. I suggest sticking to a simple, consistent cleaning routine, such as:

• Cleaning the washing machine monthly with a manufacturer-approved cleaner
• Wiping detergent drawers and rubber gaskets regularly
• Emptying the lint trap after every dryer load
• Checking and cleaning dryer vents seasonally

During winter, longer drying times can allow moisture to linger inside machines. Keeping both washers and dryers clean helps prevent odors from spreading throughout the laundry room. Regular maintenance also supports better performance and longevity.

Using more detergent than necessary doesn’t always result in cleaner laundry. In fact, excess product can leave residue behind that contributes to lingering odors in the laundry room, especially during winter when heavier loads are more common. Product buildup often comes from a combination of habits and storage issues, including:

• Using more detergent than recommended
• Frequent use of fabric softener
• Residue left in detergent drawers
• Spilled or sticky containers on shelves

Measuring detergent carefully helps prevent buildup inside machines and on surrounding surfaces. Storage habits matter as well, since open containers and unnoticed spills can quietly add to unpleasant smells. Wiping down bottles and shelves keeps residue from accumulating. Keeping products clean and streamlined supports both organization and freshness.

How dirty laundry is stored has a direct effect on how the laundry room smells. Hampers that trap moisture or become overfilled can quickly turn into odor sources. I often recommend making a few small adjustments to how laundry is handled, including:

• Choosing breathable hampers made of fabric or wire
• Avoiding overfilled hampers
• Separating damp towels and workout clothes immediately
• Hanging wet items to dry before storing

Allowing airflow around dirty laundry helps prevent smells from building up. This is especially important during winter, when drying times increase. Thoughtful laundry storage keeps odors contained and manageable.

Natural deodorizers are a simple, low-maintenance way to support freshness in the laundry room. I prefer these options because they neutralize odors rather than masking them. Some effective choices include:

• Baking soda in open containers
• Activated charcoal odor absorbers
• Essential oil sachets or wool dryer balls
• Cedar or other natural deodorizing blocks

Placement makes a difference. Shelves, cabinets, and areas near hampers are ideal spots. Refreshing or replacing deodorizers every few months keeps them effective throughout the season.

Surfaces in the laundry room can quietly hold on to odors if they’re overlooked. Dust, detergent spills, and lint buildup all contribute to stale smells over time. Maintaining a simple cleaning rhythm can help, such as:

• Wiping shelves, cabinets, and machine tops weekly
• Cleaning up detergent spills promptly
• Decluttering expired or unused products
• Keeping storage areas easy to access and clean

When storage is streamlined, cleaning becomes faster and more consistent. This supports both organization and long-term freshness. A clean laundry room is easier to maintain and more pleasant to use.

Some laundry rooms have floor drains or utility sinks that rarely get attention, especially in colder months. When these drains dry out or collect debris, they can release unpleasant odors into the space. Less obvious areas can also contribute to lingering smells, such as:

• Floor drains and utility sinks
• Behind washing machines and dryers
• Under shelving units
• Along baseboards and corners

Pouring a small amount of water down floor drains from time to time helps block odors before they rise. A quick seasonal check of hidden areas can catch problems early and stop mystery smells from lingering. Together, these small steps help keep the laundry room consistently fresh.