Any source of smoke, like a campfire, cigarettes, or a mess in the kitchen, can leave clothes with a strong and unpleasant smell. You’re not the only one who has had trouble getting rid of that smoky smell. There are simple, effective methods to help refresh your garments.
You can air out your clothes in sunlight, wash them using baking soda or vinegar, and steam them for deep odor removal. Spraying odor neutralizers, using essential oils, drying outdoors, or adding scent boosters also help. If none of these work, visiting a laundromat with professional washing machines is your final backup plan.
Tips To Remove The Smoky Smell From Clothes
Here are the expert tips that help you to remove the smell of smoke from your clothes:
1. Air It Out
The first step to removing the smell of smoke is letting your clothes breathe. Hang the items outside in direct sunlight for a few hours or overnight. Sunlight naturally breaks down smoke particles and helps fresh air circulate through the fabric. If outdoor space isn’t available, try a well-ventilated room near a window. This natural process is a great starting point before trying other methods.
2. Machine Wash with Odor Fighters
Your washing machine is a powerful tool for removing the smell, especially when combined with odor-neutralizing agents.
Baking Soda: Add one cup of baking soda and your usual detergent. Baking soda breaks down odors and removes toxins trapped in the fabric.
White Vinegar: You can either add one cup of vinegar directly into the wash cycle or soak the clothes in a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water for 30–60 minutes. Vinegar neutralizes odors without damaging clothes.
Wash clothes in warm water, unless the care label advises cold.
3. Steam to Refresh the Fabric
A handheld steamer or the steam function on your iron can help lift smoke particles from clothing fibers. Focus on the areas that absorbed the most smoke, like sleeves and collars. Steam penetrates deeply and helps loosen any odor-causing particles. It’s an especially good method for clothes that can’t be machine-washed. Just make sure your fabric can handle moisture and heat before you begin.
4. Try Odor-Eliminating Sprays
Commercial fabric sprays that eliminate smoke or pet odors are widely available and can be effective for light odors. Simply spray the garment evenly and let it air dry. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle for a natural alternative, and lightly mist your clothes. This works well for items like jackets, coats, or upholstery that you can’t easily wash.
5. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are not only fragrant but also possess natural deodorizing qualities. You can enhance your laundry by adding a few drops of lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus oil during the rinse cycle of your washing machine, or by mixing these oils with water to create a spray for your garments. Alternatively, apply a drop or two onto a dryer sheet before including it with your laundry.
6. Try Scent Boosters
A laundry scent booster can enhance your washing routine. These products are specially designed to provide an extra burst of fragrance and can help mask or neutralize strong odors. Add them during the wash cycle according to the product instructions. They’re particularly helpful if you’ve already washed the clothes once and want a final touch of freshness.
7. Professional Cleaning
If you’ve tried everything and the smoky smell still won’t disappear, it may be time to call the experts. Professional cleaning services often offer smoke damage restoration for clothing. These laundry services use industrial-strength equipment and cleaning agents that penetrate deeper into fabric fibers. While it’s more expensive than DIY methods, it’s a reliable solution for delicate or valuable garments that need extra care.
Quick Tips to Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh After Cleaning
Once you’ve removed the smoke smell, keeping your clothes smelling clean and fresh is a good idea. Here are some easy things you can do:
- Store in a clean, dry place: Store your clothes in a dry closet or drawer to avoid musty smells.
- Use scented sachets: Place lavender bags or scented pouches in your wardrobe or dresser.
- Avoid overcrowding: Don’t pack clothes too tightly. Airflow helps keep them fresh.
- Hang clothes between uses: If you wear something briefly, hang it in fresh air before putting it back.
- Wash regularly: Avoid letting smoke-exposed clothes sit for too long before washing.
Conclusion
Removing the smell of smoke from clothes isn’t impossible; it just takes the right combination of methods. Start by airing them out and washing with vinegar or baking soda. Steam and sprays help refresh the fabric, while essential oils and scent boosters offer a fragrant finish. Drying clothes outside can enhance all these efforts.
If these home tricks don’t work, visiting a laundromat with professional-grade machines can make all the difference.
