If you’ve ever spent time around a bonfire, in a smoky room, or near someone who smokes, you know how stubborn smoke smell can be. It clings to fabric fibers, making your favorite clothes smell unpleasant long after the smoke has cleared.
Whether it’s from a campfire, cigarettes, or even kitchen smoke, knowing how to get smoke smell out of clothes can save your wardrobe — and your nose. Fortunately, with a few simple tricks and natural deodorizing ingredients, you can freshen your clothes without harsh chemicals or repeated washing.
Let’s break down the best ways to remove that lingering smoke odor for good.
Why Smoke Smell Sticks to Clothes
Smoke smell lingers because the tiny particles from smoke — called tar and ash — penetrate fabric fibers. These microscopic particles bind to the material, especially in natural fibers like cotton and wool, making them tough to remove with a regular wash.
Factors that make the smell worse include:
-
Heavy smoke exposure (e.g., campfires or cigarettes indoors)
-
Synthetic fabrics, which trap odors more easily
-
Prolonged contact — the longer clothes sit unwashed, the deeper the odor embeds
Understanding this helps you target the problem effectively with methods that neutralize, not just mask, the smell.
Quick Fix: How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Clothes Fast
If you’re short on time, here’s a simple, effective two-step process that works in most cases.
1. Air Them Out
Fresh air is your first line of defense.
-
Hang the clothes outside in direct sunlight for several hours.
-
Turn them occasionally to expose all sides.
-
If sunlight isn’t available, hang them in a well-ventilated room with a fan running.
Sunlight helps kill odor-causing bacteria, while airflow allows smoke particles to dissipate naturally.
2. Use White Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes smoke odor instead of just covering it up.
-
Fill a spray bottle with one part white vinegar and one part water.
-
Lightly mist your clothes (don’t soak them).
-
Hang them to dry completely.
Alternatively, you can add one cup of vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle for washable items.
Deep Cleaning Methods for Stubborn Smoke Odors
If the smell still lingers after airing out, it’s time for a deeper clean.
Wash with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerful odor absorber and fabric-safe.
-
Add ½ cup of baking soda directly to your washing machine along with your regular detergent.
-
Run a normal cycle with warm water.
-
Dry the clothes thoroughly afterward.
For heavily affected garments, soak them overnight in warm water with ½ cup of baking soda before washing.
Try an Odor-Neutralizing Detergent
Special laundry detergents designed for tough odors, like Tide Odor Rescue or Persil ProClean Odor Fighter, can help break down smoke particles more effectively than regular detergents.
Use Vodka as a Fabric Refresher
Surprisingly, vodka works wonders as an odor eliminator!
-
Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle.
-
Mist lightly over clothes and let them air dry.
-
The alcohol evaporates quickly, taking smoke particles and smells with it.
Natural Remedies to Remove Smoke Smell from Clothes
If you prefer chemical-free options, these natural remedies can freshen your clothes safely:
-
Activated charcoal: Place clothes in a sealed bag or bin with a few pieces of activated charcoal. Leave overnight to absorb odors.
-
Baking soda storage method: Put garments in a large zip bag with an open box or bowl of baking soda for 24 hours.
-
Essential oils: Add a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon oil to your wash or mix with water for a homemade fabric spray.
How to Remove Smoke Smell Without Washing
Not all clothes can be tossed in the washer — think coats, suits, or delicate fabrics. Here’s what to do:
-
Steam the clothes – Steam loosens odor molecules and refreshes fibers. Use a garment steamer or hang clothes in the bathroom while taking a hot shower.
-
Freeze them overnight – Cold temperatures can help kill odor-causing bacteria. Seal garments in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer for 6–8 hours.
-
Use dryer sheets – Toss clothes in the dryer with two dryer sheets on low heat for 10–15 minutes. This helps neutralize light smoke odors quickly.
Preventing Smoke Smell in the Future
Once your clothes smell fresh again, a little prevention goes a long way.
-
Store clothes in airtight containers if you’re in a smoky environment.
-
Use closet deodorizers or cedar blocks to maintain freshness.
-
After exposure to smoke, wash clothes immediately to prevent the odor from setting.
-
Keep your washer clean — run an empty cycle with vinegar monthly to remove residue buildup.
FAQs About Getting Smoke Smell Out of Clothes
1. Can Febreze remove smoke smell from clothes?
Yes, Febreze and similar fabric sprays can help mask odors, but for best results, combine them with deep cleaning methods like vinegar or baking soda washes.
2. What’s the fastest way to get smoke smell out of clothes?
Air drying in sunlight and a vinegar spray treatment are the quickest and most effective methods.
3. Will dry cleaning remove smoke smell?
Yes, professional dry cleaning can remove deep smoke odors, especially from delicate or non-washable fabrics.
4. Can I use vinegar and baking soda together?
It’s best to use them in separate wash cycles — using both at once can neutralize their cleaning power.
5. How do I get smoke smell out of jackets or coats?
Hang them outside to air, use a fabric spray, or have them professionally cleaned if they’re too bulky to wash at home.
Conclusion: Fresh Clothes, Fresh Air
Getting smoke smell out of clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. From natural deodorizing sprays to deep cleaning with vinegar and baking soda, these methods tackle odors at the source instead of just hiding them.
