How to Get the Smell of Smoke Out of Clothing

Whether you’ve spent a night at a bonfire, been near a smoker, or recently had a fire incident at home, the smell of smoke on your clothes can feel impossible to remove. At Disaster Care Capital, we understand how lingering smoke odours can be both frustrating and embarrassing.

This guide shares how to get the smell of smoke out of clothing effectively using easy, proven techniques that work on even the toughest cases.

Why Smoke Smell Sticks to Clothes

Smoke particles are incredibly fine and oily, allowing them to cling to fabrics and embed deeply into the fibres. This is especially true for:

• Cotton
• Wool
• Polyester
• Denim

These materials trap smoke more than others, so regular washing won’t always help. For deep or long-term exposure (e.g. fire damage), professional treatment may be necessary.

How do you get rid of smoke smell in house

1. Air Your Clothes Out

Before anything else, take your clothing outdoors and hang it in fresh air. Choose a dry, sunny day with a light breeze if possible. Sunshine and fresh air work wonders in lifting surface odours.

Top Tip: Leave them outside for 24 to 48 hours for the best effect.

2. Use White Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural deodoriser. Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to your washing machine along with your usual detergent.

• Wash on the hottest safe setting
• Repeat if the smell remains after the first wash

Avoid bleach at this stage, as it can react poorly with smoke residue.

3. Baking Soda Soak

For more stubborn smoke odours, pre-soak clothes overnight in a solution of:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 5 litres of warm water

Let garments fully submerge and soak before washing as usual.

4. Try Activated Charcoal

If vinegar and baking soda don’t work, try placing your clothing in a sealed container with activated charcoal (not touching the fabric). Leave it for 24-72 hours. This is especially helpful for:

• Leather jackets
• Delicate or dry-clean-only items

5. Use Smoke Odour Remover Sprays

Products like Febreze Fabric or specialist odour neutralisers (available in supermarkets or online) can help remove light smoke smells from:

• Upholstery
• Jackets
• Curtains

Note: Always test on a small patch first to check for discolouration.

6. Steam Cleaning

If you own a steam cleaner, give your clothing a light steam treatment. This helps release embedded smoke particles and refresh fabrics.

7. Seek Professional Help

If your clothing has been exposed to smoke due to a house fire, the odour might be more than a nuisance—it could indicate toxic residue.

Our team at Disaster Care Capital offers specialist fire and smoke restoration services that include odour removal, fabric restoration, and air quality control. If you’ve tried home remedies with no success, we’re here to help.

Read also: How to clean smoke off walls

Conclusion

Getting rid of the smell of smoke in clothing is possible with the right approach. Whether you’re dealing with casual exposure or serious fire damage, start with simple home remedies like white vinegar, baking soda, and outdoor airing. If the smell still lingers, it might be time to turn to professionals.

Need help? Disaster Care Capital provides expert support for fire and smoke damage restoration across London.

FAQs

What is the fastest way to get smoke smell out of clothes?

Using white vinegar in a hot wash cycle is often the quickest and most effective method.

Can dry cleaning remove smoke odour?
Yes, dry cleaning is suitable for delicate fabrics that have absorbed smoke. It’s best for wool, suits, or silk.

Why do my clothes still smell after washing?
Smoke can embed deeply into fibres. You may need a second wash with vinegar or a baking soda soak beforehand.

Does airing out clothing really help?
Yes, natural sunlight and fresh air can significantly reduce odour, especially for mild smoke exposure.

Should I throw away fire-damaged clothes?
Not always. Many items can be saved with professional odour and fabric restoration services.