Smoke has a way of following you home. A night around a fire pit, a cozy fireplace, a backyard grill-out, a smoky restaurant or time around smokers can leave your clothes smelling for days. Fall and winter in Acworth bring plenty of all of them: tailgates, bonfires, s’mores by the lake and the first fires of the season.
Smoke particles settle deep into fibers, so a quick spritz of perfume only covers the smell for a little while. Here’s how to actually get rid of it, from the team at The Elementals Laundry.
Why smoke smell is so stubborn
Smoke is made up of tiny particles and oily residues that cling to fabric. Natural fibers like wool and cotton absorb them readily, and textured fabrics like fleece and knits trap even more. The longer smoky clothes sit, especially in a closed space, the more the odor settles in and spreads to nearby clothes.
1. Air it out right away
Don’t toss smoky clothes into a closed hamper or closet, where the smell spreads to everything else. Hang them outside or near an open window for a few hours. Fresh air and moving air do a surprising amount of the work. Turn jackets inside out and open zippers so air reaches every layer.
2. Wash what’s washable
For cotton, denim and other washable fabrics, wash as soon as you can using the warmest water the care label allows. Adding about a cup of white vinegar to the rinse can help neutralize odors. Skip heavy fabric softener, which can trap smells in the fibers. Don’t overload the washer. Clothes need room for water to flow through them.
3. Try baking soda for stubborn smells
For washable items that still smell after one wash, a presoak can help. Dissolve some baking soda in a tub of water, soak the clothes for a few hours, then wash as normal. Baking soda absorbs odors rather than masking them.
4. Check before you dry
Smell the clothes before they go in the dryer. Heat can lock lingering odors in. If you still smell smoke, wash again or air dry outdoors. Sunlight and fresh air together are especially good at clearing smells from cotton, though dark colors can fade if left in strong sun too long.
5. Leave wool, suits and coats to a professional
Wool coats, suits, silk and anything labeled dry clean only shouldn’t go in the washer. Airing them out helps, but deep smoke odor needs professional cleaning. Bring them to The Elementals Laundry and let us know the item smells of smoke. Not sure what your label allows? See how to read clothing care labels.
What not to do
- Don’t cover it up with perfume or air freshener. The smoke smell comes back, now mixed with fragrance.
- Don’t put smoky clothes back in your closet. The smell transfers to everything around them.
- Don’t machine dry until the smell is gone.
Bags, hats and shoes
Smoke clings to accessories too. Air out bags and hats in a well-ventilated spot. Leave an open box of baking soda inside a bag or shoe overnight to absorb odor. Leather pieces shouldn’t be soaked, so airing out and professional cleaning are the safest options.
What about heavy smoke damage?
Clothes exposed to smoke from a house fire are a different situation from a smoky evening out. Soot can stain and damage fabric, so don’t wash those items at home first, since water and detergent can spread soot further. Talk to a professional cleaner before doing anything, and check with your insurance company about coverage.
Common questions
How long does smoke smell last on clothes? It can linger for days or weeks if the clothes aren’t aired or washed, especially in a closed space.
Does vinegar leave a smell? No. The vinegar smell rinses out and doesn’t remain once clothes are dry.
Can you remove smoke smell from a wool coat? Yes. Airing helps, and professional cleaning removes deep odors safely.
Bring the clothes, skip the smell
For everyday smoky laundry, The Elementals Laundry’s wash and fold service can take care of it, and pickup and delivery saves the trip. Learn more at theelementalslaundry.com, or stop by 3330 Cobb Pkwy NW, Suite 344, Acworth, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM.