How to Get Smoke Out of Clothing & Fabric

Smoke damage and odors in clothing and fabrics can be stubborn and unpleasant. Whether from fire damage, a campfire, cigarettes, or a kitchen mishap, smoke smells can be tackled with a few household cleaning products and a little elbow grease.

In this guide, we’ll explore effective methods to restore smoke-damaged clothing and fabric, banish lingering odors, and get your wardrobe and home textiles back to their best.

Why Does the Smell of Smoke Stick to Clothes?

Smoke particles are tiny and can easily embed themselves deep into the fibers of fabrics. These particles cling to fabrics, making them hard to shift and clean effectively.  As these small particles stick around, so does the smell and toxicity.

Ridding your clothes of smoke odors takes a little work, but can be done. Here’s how to clean smoke-damaged fabrics.

How long does smoke smell stay in fabric?

Smoke smells can persist for anywhere between a few days and a few weeks. Factors like how you treat your fabrics, the cleaning products you used, and your ventilation system will all affect how long smoke odors stick around.

How to Get Smoke Out of Clothing & Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before You Start

Before diving into washing methods, it’s essential to prepare your clothing and fabrics properly.

Step 1: Air Out the Fabrics

• Hang the affected items outside on a clothesline or over a railing. Fresh air and sunlight can help dispel smoke odors naturally.
• Choose a dry, breezy day for airing out, as humidity or dampness could see smoke particles seep further into your fabrics.

Step 2: Shake & Brush Off Residue

• Shake the fabrics to dislodge any loose soot or ash.
• Gently brush the surface of the fabric to remove embedded particles using a soft brush.

Step 3: Assess the Fabric Type

• Before applying any cleaning method, read the care labels to avoid damaging delicate fabrics.
• Set aside items that require special handling, such as silk or wool.

Once you’re done with the prep, we’re ready to start the cleaning and textile restoration process.

Effective Smoke Restoration Techniques

Wash smoke-damaged items separately from your non-damaged clothes or fabrics. Washing them together risks spreading tough smells to other fabrics.

Here are some methods for washing your smoke-damaged fabrics.

1. Baking Soda Soak

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can neutralize odors effectively.

You’ll need one cup of baking soda and a bathtub full of cold water to start.

1. Fill a large basin or bathtub with cold water.
2. Dissolve 1 cup of baking soda into the water.
3. Submerge the smoke-affected items and let them soak overnight.
4. After soaking, rinse the fabrics thoroughly.

You might need to repeat this step several times to fully deodorize the fabric.

Note: Never mix chemicals and products that you aren’t sure about. Bleach, ammonia, and baking soda are all good examples of chemicals that should never be combined. Doing so can not only damage your clothes but will release toxic fumes into the air, harmful to humans and pets.

2. Vinegar Wash

White vinegar is another excellent odor neutralizer. For this, you’ll need a washing machine, a cup of distilled white vinegar (also called cleaning vinegar), and your regular laundry detergent.

1. Put your smoke-damaged items into the washing machine.
2. Pour your vinegar directly into the drum.
3. Add your regular amount of detergent.
4. Run a regular wash cycle with warm water.

You might need an extra rinse cycle to ensure there are no lingering vinegar smells.

Tip: Be gentle with delicate fabrics to avoid damage.

3. Use Odor-Eliminating Detergents

Specialized detergents are designed to tackle tough odors and can be added to your washing machine cycles.

1. Look for detergents labeled as odor-eliminating or designed for smoke odors.
2. Use the amount recommended on the detergent packaging.
3. Add the specialized detergent to your regular wash. 
4. Wash on a warm cycle.

You can also use other products, like stain remover or oxidizing agents.

Tip: Always test a small, hidden area of the fabric before applying any treatment to check for any adverse reactions, staining, or fabric bleaching.

4. Activated Charcoal Treatment

Activated charcoal is great for absorbing other smells and odors. You’ll need a few activated charcoal sachets and some air-tight bags or containers for this one.

1. Place the smoke-affected fabrics in a sealable bag.
2. Insert a few sachets of activated charcoal.
3. Close the bag and let it sit for a few days.
4. After treatment, air out the fabrics to remove any residual charcoal smell.

Drying out smoke-damaged textiles

Proper drying is essential to banishing stubborn smells and smoke odors.

For the best results, try:

• Outdoor Drying: If possible, dry the fabrics outside in the sun and fresh air.
• Use Dryer Sheets: Dryer sheets with a fresh scent can help mask any lingering odors.
• Avoid High Heat: Use a medium to low heat setting to prevent setting any remaining odors into the fabric.

How do you clean clothes that still smell like smoke? 

If the smoke smell persists, you might need to try a few additional steps. 

Sometimes, repeating steps might be necessary. Perhaps an item needs several washes in the machine or soaking in baking soda for a few days before the process will be successful.

You could always combine methods for better results. Follow up with a baking soda soak with a vinegar wash or stick the clothes in the washing machine with a deodorizing detergent. 

If that doesn’t work, it might be time to call in the professionals. 

Enlist the help of a professional restoration dry cleaner

You might need the help of a professional textile restoration service for delicate fabrics or smells that you just can’t shake from other textiles.

You have two options when it comes to seeking professional help.

1. Dry Cleaning: A dry cleaning service can help launder textiles and tackle lingering odors using professional-grade products and techniques.
2. Specialized Services: Some restoration cleaning companies will use specialized services, like ozone treatments, to deal with persistent odors.

How to prevent smoke damage to fabrics and furnishings

Follow these steps to avoid future smoke damage to your household items and clothing. 

• Smoke-Free Environment: Keep your home and car smoke-free.
• Proper Ventilation: Use exhaust fans when cooking and ensure good airflow to prevent smoke buildup.
• Protective Covers: Use garment bags or covers for clothing when exposed to smoke-prone environments.

Proper ventilation can go a long way to promoting the flow of clean air around your home.

What to throw away after smoke damage?

Despite your best efforts, some items may be too heavily damaged to be restored. Others could be a danger to long-term health if kept around. Depending on the severity of the smoke damage, it might be best to throw away some items and replace them with new ones.

Dense fabrics, like couches and mattresses, might require the help of a professional restoration company to tackle persistent smells. Smoke and soot can penetrate deep into these thick items, and if the damage is too severe, it may be best to replace them.

Restoration Services: For When Stubborn Smells Won’t Leave

Removing smoke odors from clothing and fabrics can be challenging, but is achievable with the right techniques. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can restore your fabrics to their fresh, odor-free state.

At Renewal Claim Solutions, we specialize in restoring textiles affected by smoke and other damage. If you’re dealing with extensive smoke damage or need professional assistance, please get in touch with our team.

Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way. For more tips on fabric care and restoration services, visit our blog or reach out to our team of specialists.