There’s nothing like a crisp fall night spent by the fire. Who doesn’t love gooey s’mores, cozy flannel, and a campfire story or two? But long after the embers burn out, your clothes will probably still be carrying the pungent, not-so-charming scent of smoke. Be it from a backyard bonfire or weekend camping trip, smoke tends to stick around, clinging to all sorts of fabrics. And while one wash might freshen things up a little, stubborn smoke odors often need a more targeted approach, especially if you’re dealing with wool jackets, jeans, or dry-clean-only coats.
Ready to smell like yourself again? Here’s how to get the smoke out of your clothes.
Why Smoke Smell Clings to Clothing
Smoke odor goes beyond surface-level, seeping deep into fabric fibers. The tiny particles in smoke are made up of ash, soot, oils, and chemicals that easily embed themselves in porous materials like cotton, fleece, denim, and wool. That’s why the scent can linger long after a quick wash.
Moisture and body heat can also cause smoke particles to penetrate fabric more deeply, especially in layered or tight-knit garments. Add in outdoor elements like sweat or dirt, and you’ve got the perfect storm for stubborn odors that require a little extra TLC to remove.
Home Remedies to Banish the Bonfire Smell
Before you toss everything in the wash, start with these tried-and-true tricks for freshening up smoke-exposed clothes:
1. Start with Some Fresh Air
Step one is simple: hang smoky clothing outside in fresh air for a day. Sunlight and ventilation can do wonders to release smoke particles naturally. If outdoor space is limited, hang items in a well-ventilated room with a fan.
2. Add Baking Soda to the Wash
Baking soda is your best friend for neutralizing tough odors. Add ½ to 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drum of your washing machine before adding clothes. Wash with warm water, unless the fabric care tag says otherwise.
3. Pre-Treat Any Soot or Ash Stains
If your clothes picked up a little something extra from the fire (like smudges or ash), gently shake off loose debris and dab the stain with a damp cloth. Don’t rub! For deeper soot marks, apply a small amount of laundry detergent or mild dish soap directly to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing.
4. Add Some Vinegar
For particularly stubborn smells, add a half cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle (in a load separate from the baking soda — we don’t want to turn the washer into a science fair volcano). It works as a natural deodorizer without leaving a strong vinegar scent behind.
5. Repeat as Needed
Sometimes, one wash isn’t enough. Don’t panic! Repeat the baking soda or vinegar trick on a second cycle if necessary. Be sure not to put items in the dryer until the smell is completely gone, as heat can set the odor permanently.
What About Dry-Clean Only Items?
If your garment tag says “dry clean only” — or if you don’t want to go through the trouble of multiple wash cycles — skip the DIY and trust the pros. Dependable Cleaners has the tools, technology, and expert staff to safely remove smoke odors and clean delicate fabrics without damage. Our 7-point inspection process targets lingering smells and hidden stains (plus missing buttons and loose threads), and our eco-friendly cleaning methods treat fabrics gently, leaving clothes looking and smelling brand new.
Skip the Smoke, Keep the Memories
Fall bonfires and chilly nights shouldn’t leave your clothes smelling like a chimney. With a few at-home tricks — and a little help from your neighborhood dry cleaner — you can enjoy every moment of the season without worrying about what’s in your laundry basket the next day.
Have a smoke-scented sweater or a flannel that makes you cough? Bring it to your nearest Dependable Cleaners or call us at 303-777-2673 and let our experts take care of the rest.
