Organization & Cleaning

5 Easy Steps To Get The Smell Of Smoke Out Of Clothes

5 Easy Steps To Get The Smell Of Smoke Out Of Clothes

Photo by Anastasiia Shkut/Adobe Stock

Organization & Cleaning

5 Easy Steps To Get The Smell Of Smoke Out Of Clothes

‘Tis the season to lounge around a fire pit and heat up the grill, but beware of lingering smoke smells in your clothes.

Whether it's a sweatshirt filled with campfire scents or a thrifted jacket still giving off tobacco fumes, the smell of smoke can cling to clothes for much longer than we'd like. And unfortunately, a simple wash isn't always enough to get it out. 

To make matters more complicated, the longer you wait to take care of it, the more the smell becomes embedded in the clothing fibres.

To keep your favourite pieces from permanently soaking up the smell of smoke, try out these easy tips as soon as you return from a barbecue or evening around the campfire.

 

Read the label and assess the damage

Before you try anything, take a look at the label on your clothes. If the item isn’t machine washable (as is often the case with delicate items like silk or some wools), take it straight to the dry cleaners.

Another important point: the type of smoke and the intensity of the odour. The smell of a barbecue does not linger in the same way as campfire smoke, which is denser and can stick around for longer.

 

5 Steps to Remove Smoke Smell from Your Clothes
 

1. Rinse with clean water

Start by rinsing the garment in cold water to remove any remaining residue. Then, rub it with a little detergent or soap, paying particular attention to the most exposed areas.

 

2. Soak before washing

Pre-soak the clothes in a basin of warm water mixed with a small amount of detergent. This pre-soak helps gently loosen embedded smoke particles.

 

3. Wash at the right temperature

Wash your clothes at the highest temperature allowed by the label. The hotter the water, the more it helps remove odours. If needed, use a detergent that's effective against tough stains like soot.

 

4. Air dry 

Hang your clothes outside, preferably in the sun. Fresh air and UV rays are powerful natural deodorizers. Otherwise, throw a dryer sheet in your dryer.

 

5. Repeat if necessary

If the smell is still lingering, you may need to repeat the process. Also, make sure your washing machine is clean and working properly: a dirty or limescale-filled machine can impair washing efficiency.

If, despite your best efforts, the odour persists (especially if it's accompanied by visible stains), it may be time to call a specialist laundry service. Some highly exposed garments or those made from porous fabrics may require professional treatment.

 

 

Comments

Share X
Organization & Cleaning

5 Easy Steps To Get The Smell Of Smoke Out Of Clothes

Login