Picture this: You step out of a crowded bar or spend time near a campfire, and before you know it, your clothes have soaked up that unmistakable smoke smell. We've all been there, but fear not, because we've got some tricks up our sleeves to banish that smoky scent for good. So, let's clear the air and learn how to get smoke smell out of clothes like a pro!
What Causes Smoke Smell to Linger On Clothes?
A campfire may smell great when you’re roasting marshmallows, but why does that smoky scent stick around? When you're exposed to smoke from sources like cigarettes, campfires, or fireplaces, these smoke particles are released into the air. As you move around in smoky environments, these particles can settle onto your clothing, attaching themselves to the fibers.
The reason smoke smell tends to linger on clothes is due to the nature of the fabric and the size of the smoke particles. Fabrics, especially natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk, have a complex structure with tiny spaces between the fibers. The smoke particles are small enough to fit into these spaces and get embedded within the fabric. Unlike the air, which can freely circulate and disperse smoke particles, clothes create a more confined environment. As a result, the smoke particles remain trapped within the fabric, even after the smoky event has ended.
How to Get Smoke Smell Out Of Clothes
To effectively remove the smoke smell from clothes, it's essential to use proper cleaning methods and odor-neutralizing agents that can break down and release the trapped smoke particles from the fabric fibers. Here are a few of our favorite methods for getting smoke smell out of clothing!
1. How to Get Rid of Smoke Smell using the Washing Machine
The good old washing machine is your ally in the fight against smoke smell. Wash your smoky clothing as soon as possible with a mild detergent. To really make sure that smoke scent is gone for good, you can add one of our favorite natural deodorizers.
Baking Soda
Add half a cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent. Baking soda helps neutralize odors and leaves your clothes smelling fresh.
White Vinegar
Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash along with your detergent. Vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer and can help eliminate the smoke smell.
2. Air Them Out
Accosted by smoky smells on a camping or hiking trip? Take advantage of the great outdoors! Hang your smoky clothes outside in a well-ventilated area. Fresh air and sunlight can work wonders in dissipating smoke odors.
3. Steam
If you have a steam cleaner, steam your clothes to help loosen and remove the smoke particles. The heat and moisture can work together to refresh your garments without washing them. Not owning a steam cleaner doesn’t mean you’re out of luck when it comes to getting smoke out of clothes–you can also hang the clothes in your bathroom while you take a hot steamy shower for a similar result!
4. Absorb the Odor
Place odor absorbers, such as activated charcoal or baking soda, in a container with your clothes. These natural odor-fighting powerhouses can absorb unwanted scents. This method is particularly useful for clothes that cannot be washed or are dry-clean only.
5. Spritz it Away
Try an odor eliminating spray like Dropps Revitalizing Mist! Dropps Revitalizing Mist helps remove odors and leaves behind a clean, laundry-fresh scent. This method can be used as a final step with any cleaning process. You can even keep a bottle of Revitalizing Mist in your bag for use on the go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to get smoke smell out of clothes? We’re here to show you how to get rid of smoke smell for good.
How Do You Get Cigarette Smell Out of Clothes Fast?
Not sure how to get cigarette smell out of clothes fast? For a quick fix, hang your clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area. Spritz them with a mixture of water and white vinegar or Dropps Revitalizing Mist to help neutralize the cigarette smell.
How Do You Get the Smell of Smoke Out of Clothes Without Washing Them?
If you can't wash your clothes immediately, try hanging them outside or using an odor absorber like activated charcoal. Additionally, you can steam the clothes to help loosen the smoke particles and refresh the fabric. If you don’t have a steamer, try hanging the clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot steamy shower!
How Long Does It Take for Smoke Smell to Leave Clothes?
The time it takes for the smoke smell to completely leave your clothes depends on various factors, including the intensity of the smoke exposure and the cleaning methods used. In most cases, with proper cleaning and airing, the smoke smell should dissipate within a few days.
Will Cigarette Smoke Smell Eventually Go Away?
Yes, with the right cleaning and airing techniques, cigarette smoke smell will eventually go away from your clothes. The key is to be proactive and use effective methods to eliminate the odor.