4 WAYS TO HELP REMOVE SMOKE SMELL FROM CLOTHES

WHY SMOKE SMELLS LINGER

Before jumping into solutions, it helps to know why smoke is so stubborn. Smoke particles are tiny, cling to fabric fibers and can be both acidic and smelly. The longer clothes sit without cleaning, the deeper the odor may seep in. That’s why removing smoke smell from clothes may take more than just a quick refresh cycle.

Instead, you’ll want approaches that both help lift residue and help neutralize odor. The following methods are geared toward helping you cut through those odors, so last night’s bonfire doesn’t become today’s headache.

METHOD 1: USE BAKING SODA TO HELP NEUTRALIZE ODORS

One of the most straightforward smoke odor eliminators is baking soda. Because it’s alkaline, it helps balance out acid-based odor molecules while leaving clothes fresher.

• For a regular load, sprinkle ½ cup baking soda directly into the washer tub along with your detergent.

• If the smell is more stubborn, pre-soak the clothes in warm water mixed with baking soda for 30-60 minutes first.

Baking soda not only helps break down odors—it boosts laundry in other ways too, like brightening whites and freshening clothes that need an extra lift.

METHOD 2: TRY A VINEGAR SOAK PRETREATMENT

Vinegar is another classic option when you need help removing smoke smell from clothes. It works as a natural deodorizer but should be handled carefully.

• Mix ¼ vinegar to 1 cup water in a sink or bucket.

• Soak smoky clothes for 30 minutes, then thoroughly rinse them in cold water before machine washing. Vinegar should only be used as a pre-treatment and shouldn’t go directly into your washer.

• Always check garment care labels—vinegar isn’t great for delicate fabrics or elastic.

METHOD 3: WASH WITH HOT WATER (WHEN ABLE)

If smoke smell clings even after soaking, washing clothes in hot water can sometimes help. Heat often helps loosens odor-causing particles and allows detergent to penetrate deeper.

• Always check garment tags first—some fabrics can’t handle high heat.

• Use your machine’s extended wash setting if available, as well as any other cycles or settings that may help. Select Maytag^® washers have the PowerWash^® Cycle, which features a combination of more wash action and heated water to drive powerful cleaning.

• Pair with a heavy-duty detergent for best results.

METHOD 4: ADD FRESH-SMELLING BOOSTS

This is a great method to try once the source of the smoke odor is lifted, to help layer in some extra freshness:

• Fabric softener helps soften and lightly scent fabrics.

• Dryer sheets not only soften but also leave clothes with a light fragrance. 

• Laundry scent boosters offer a stronger fragrance option if you need even more help getting smoke smell out of clothes.

Keep in mind these extras mask odors—they work best after the main smoke smell has already been neutralized.

HOW TO HELP REMOVE SMOKE SMELL IF YOU CAN’T WASH

Sometimes you can’t wash smoky clothes right away—think jackets, coats or items mid-trip. In those cases, try:

• Hanging the clothes outside in sunlight and moving air

• Lightly misting them with a diluted vinegar spray, if safe for the fabric

• Using activated charcoal sachets in a sealed bag with the garments (charcoal absorbs odor particles)

• Lightly spraying them with a fabric-safe deodorizer

These laundry tips won’t completely eliminate smoke odor, but they can help make it less intense until the clothes are ready for a full wash.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT REMOVING SMOKE SMELL

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get smoke smell out of clothes:

CAN SMOKE BE WASHED OUT OF CLOTHES?

Yes, smoke can usually be washed out of clothes, though it often takes more than a quick rinse cycle. Smoke particles are tiny and cling deeply to fibers, so pretreating is important. For best results, start with a soak in baking soda or a vinegar-and-water mix to help neutralize odors. Then rinse garments and wash them in the warmest water safe for the fabric using a strong detergent. Adding half a cup of baking soda to the wash can give an extra boost. If clothing still smells after one cycle, run a second rinse or wash. For heavy smoke exposure, professional cleaning such as dry cleaning or ozone treatment might be needed. In most everyday situations—like bonfire smoke—using a soak plus a solid wash cycle helps release the odor and leaves clothes refreshed.

HOW TO GET THE SMELL OF SMOKE OFF CLOTHES FAST?

When pressed for time, there are a few tricks to quickly cut down smoke odor so clothes are wearable. Hanging garments outside works best—sunlight and fresh air naturally help odors break down. No outdoor space? Place clothes by an open window with good air circulation. For a faster boost, spray a light mist of diluted vinegar (if safe for your fabric) and let clothes air dry completely. Fabric-safe odor sprays provide a temporary fresh scent and can be useful in a pinch, although they don’t fully eliminate smoke.

WHAT NEUTRALIZES THE SMELL OF SMOKE?

The two most reliable deodorizers for smoke are baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda works by balancing odors—it’s alkaline and absorbs molecules that cause smells. Simply add it to a wash cycle or use it in a presoak. Vinegar, on the other hand, is mildly acidic and helps break down the residue smoke leaves behind. When mixed with water and used as a presoak or spray, it can pull odor particles out of fabrics before washing, but it should always be thoroughly rinsed out before putting your garment in the washer.

WHAT TO SOAK CLOTHES IN TO REMOVE SMOKE SMELL?

Soaking is a great way to loosen smoke particles before running a wash. Two easy home staples work best: baking soda or vinegar. For a baking soda soak, dissolve about 1 cup in a tub of warm water and immerse clothes for 30 minutes to several hours. This helps neutralize odor and prepares fabrics for washing. For a vinegar soak, mix one part white vinegar with four parts warm water and soak for about 30–60 minutes. Rinse garments before washing, and avoid this method for delicate fabrics or elastic materials. After soaking, wash clothes in the hottest water allowed by their care tag with a strong detergent.

REMOVING SMOKE SMELL FROM CLOTHES: A SMART LAUNDRY PRACTICE

Removing smoke smell from clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining simple deodorizing methods (like baking soda or vinegar) with smart laundry practices, you can get back to fresh, wearable clothes without a lot of extra work. Whether you’re dealing with campfire clothes or figuring out how to get cigarette smell out of clothes, the key is choosing the right steps for the fabric and treating it as soon as possible.