A wardrobe freshener, or wardrobe smellie as it is often called, keeps the still air of a closed cupboard quietly scented. Ours is a card rather than a gel or a plug-in wardrobe air freshener: nothing to refill, nothing to switch on.
How a wardrobe card works
A slim card, finished with a ribbon, carries a fine fragrance that releases slowly into still air. Hang it from the rail or lay it flat in a drawer, just clear of the clothes. The scent stays in the background, noticed when the door opens rather than all day.
Two scents
Bergamot, Berries and Amber. A bright bergamot opening, a ripe berry heart, a soft amber base. Warmer, for bedrooms and evening wear.
Citrus, Cedar and Vetiver. Clear citrus, dry cedar, a green vetiver underneath. Crisper, for shirts, linen cupboards and hallways.
Card, sachet or spray
|
Scented card |
Fabric sachet |
Wardrobe spray |
| How it scents |
Slowly, on its own |
Slowly, on its own |
At once, then fades |
| Where it goes |
Rail, drawer, suitcase pocket |
Drawer, shelf |
Into the air of the wardrobe |
| Contact with clothes |
Kept clear |
Often sits among them |
Spray away from fabric |
| Effort |
Place and leave |
Place and leave |
Every few days |
Where to use one
Wardrobes and fitted cupboards. Chests of drawers. Linen cupboards. A suitcase between trips, as in our travel guide. A gym bag.
For the rest of the routine, read how to keep a wardrobe smelling fresh.
Questions
How long does a wardrobe card last?
Around 8 to 12 weeks of fragrance, depending on how often the wardrobe is opened and how warm the room is. Then replace it, or rotate between the two scents.
Can it touch my clothes?
Keep it just clear of fabric, especially silk and pale colours. Hang it from the rail or lay it at the side of a drawer.
Will it keep moths away?
No. It is a fragrance, not a moth treatment. Clean, dry, well-aired storage does more for that.
Is it a wardrobe deodoriser?
It adds fragrance; it does not absorb odours. If a cupboard smells musty, air it and let it dry first, then add a card.
What is the difference from a room spray?
A card scents one closed space slowly. A room mist scents a room quickly. Many people use both in the same fragrance, see our room sprays.
Which scent should I choose?
Warmer and softer: Bergamot, Berries and Amber. Fresher and drier: Citrus, Cedar and Vetiver. Both cost £12.