If you have ever experienced a house fire, you know how difficult it can be to get the smell of smoke out of your clothes. You may have tried washing them in every detergent on the market and they still smell like smoke. You may have even tried hanging them outside in the cold winter weather and they still smell like smoke.
If you are looking for a natural way to get rid of that pungent odor, try these simple ways for removing the fire smell from clothing.
Can Fire Smell Be Removed Out of Clothes
Fire smell on clothes can be removed. But it is not easy at all because fire smoke is made up of different chemicals, including carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. These chemicals easily get into the fabric and make it hard for you to remove them from your clothes.
When you are dealing with clothes that have been exposed to fire or smoke, there are a few things you can do. First of all, you should not wash them in hot water. Instead, wash them with cold water and mild detergent.
What Takes Out Fire Smell from Clothes?
There are a few household items that can help you remove the acrid odor from your home. Here are some suggestions:
Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, dryer Sheets, and alcohol are all great ways to get rid of the smell of smoke on your clothes.
How to Get Fire Smell Out of Clothes
Baking Soda & Vinegar
If you have a garment that has been exposed to smoke, try mixing baking soda and vinegar and applying the mixture to the affected area. Let it sit for up to 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
The baking soda will absorb any lingering odor while the vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. If there is still a hint of smoke left behind, repeat this process until it’s gone.
Try Vinegar
Vinegar is a great deodorizer that can help remove the smell of smoke from your clothes. The acetic acid in the vinegar will break down the chemical reaction that causes smoke odor, making it easier to get rid of.
- Soak the clothes in a solution of one cup of vinegar per gallon of warm water for 30 minutes.
- Wash as usual with laundry detergent and fabric softener (if desired).
- Air dry outside or use a dryer without heat so that you don’t set off any more smoke alarms.
Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is one of the most common choices when it comes to removing the smoke smell from clothes. It works by breaking down the tar particles that cause the smell and dissolving them in water.
Simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water together, then pour over the stained area and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before washing as usual.
This process may take several attempts before all the smoke smell is removed from your clothes, but it should help get rid of some of it right away.
Use Clear Alcohol
Alcohol is another popular choice among those who want to get rid of the fire smell from their clothes because it breaks down tar particles quickly and easily without damaging any other part of the fabric.
You can use vodka or any other clear alcohol to soak your clothes in before washing them or add a few drops into the fabric spray bottle before spraying them down with it.
Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are an easy way to deodorize your laundry without having to use chemicals or special products. Just place one in between each item of clothing before tossing it into the dryer. After drying, remove the sheet and discard it along with your dirty clothes.
Laundry Detergent Boosters
Boosters are another effective method for getting rid of lingering smoke and ashes in your laundry. You can find booster packs at most grocery stores or online. Simply add one or two booster packs per a load of laundry to help remove any lingering odors from your clothing.
Oxiclean
If you’re dealing with stubborn odors that dryer sheets or Febreze can’t handle, try Oxiclean Laundry Stain Remover Powder. The powder contains enzymes that break down the soap scum and stains that cause smells after washing including those from fire.
How to Get Fire Smoke Smell Out of Clothes Without Washing
Baking Soda
Baking soda can do a great job as an odor eliminator for both clothing and furniture. When you’re dealing with a smoke smell, start by sprinkling the affected area with baking soda.
Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 20 minutes or so. This will allow the baking soda time to absorb some of the odor molecules in question.
Odor Eliminating Spray
If baking soda doesn’t seem to work as effectively as you’d like it to, consider using an odor eliminator spray instead. These sprays tend to be more effective than baking soda for eliminating odors because they contain chemicals that break down odors at their source rather than simply masking them with another scent (as baking soda does).
Air it Out
If you don’t have time to wash the clothes right away, hang them outside in a well-ventilated area. The fresh air will help remove some of the lingering odor.
If you’re going to keep wearing the clothing, put an unscented dryer sheet or piece of fabric softener sheet inside each pocket so that you don’t end up smelling like smoke all day long.
Steam It Out
You can also use steam to remove odors from clothing by placing them in a large bowl or sink filled with water and adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid to create suds. After steaming for about 10 minutes, take out the garments and allow them to air dry before wearing them again.
How Long Does Cigarette Smell Last on Clothes
On average, up to eight hours of exposure may be required for stains to appear on some fabrics.
Cigarette smoke will stain your clothes if it’s allowed to sit on them long enough. The amount of time depends on the fabric itself, as well as how much nicotine and tar were in the tobacco used to produce the cigarette you were smoking.
