Have you ever put on a piece of clothing and suddenly realized that it smells like smoke? Whether it’s after a barbecue or after spending time in a smoky environment, it’s often hard to get the smell out of your clothes. But don’t worry! I’m going to share a few simple and practical tips for removing smoke odor today so you can easily solve this nuisance.
Baking soda – your new best friend
First of all, get out the baking soda that you always have at home! Yes, the same thing that is used for cooking. Baking soda not only cleans, but also effectively removes smoke odor from your clothes.
Method of operation:
Lay the clothes that smell like smoke out flat (a table or the floor will do).
Sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the clothes.
Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes (it’s better if you can let it sit longer).
Then gently tap off the excess baking soda and finally put the clothes in the washing machine.
Baking soda will effectively absorb the smoke odor and make your clothes look new in a jiffy! And it’s cheap, so you’re sure to have it at home.
White Vinegar Laundry Method
White vinegar isn’t just for salads, it’s also an awesome deodorizer! If smoke odor is particularly persistent, try adding white vinegar to your laundry. White vinegar breaks down the smoke odor molecules that cling to your clothes.
Directions for use:
Add a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine with your usual laundry detergent.
Choose the appropriate warm water for the wash depending on the fabric of your clothing.
Don’t worry about the vinegar odor; it will completely disappear once the clothes are dry.
This method is especially effective for clothes that have a strong smell of smoke.
Let your clothes get some fresh air
Sometimes a little bit of air circulation can help you get rid of smoke odor. If the weather is nice, try hanging your clothes outside in the sun. Fresh air will help “drive away” bad odors, and sunlight can further freshen your clothes.
If you can’t hang your clothes outside (for example, on a rainy day or if you don’t have a balcony), try hanging them next to a window or in a well-ventilated room. It’s better to expose your clothes to more fresh air!
Use a clothes freshening spray
If you’re in a hurry to wear these clothes or can’t wash them at the moment, use a clothes freshener spray. These sprays are specifically designed to remove odors from clothing and are very effective. In addition to removing the smell of smoke, they can also bring a variety of fresh aromas.
Directions for use:
Spray the freshening spray on your clothes.
Allow to dry slightly and then wear.
Although this is a temporary solution, it’s a lifesaver if you’re in a hurry to wear these clothes!
Tip: Tackle smoke odor as soon as possible
The sooner you get rid of smoke odor, the easier it is to clean up. Try to wash your clothes as soon as possible after they have been exposed to smoke odor. If you can’t wash them right away, at least dry them or spray them with a freshener, and then wash them again when you have time.