What spray gets smoke smell out of clothes?

Having smoke-smelling clothes can be very unpleasant. The lingering odor can stick to fabrics and be difficult to remove. Fortunately, there are some effective solutions for getting smoke smells out of clothes. With the right products and techniques, you can freshen up smoky smelling garments and restore them to a clean scent.

Why Do Clothes Absorb Smoke Smell?

The reason clothes easily absorb and hold on to smoke odors has to do with the fabrics. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk have a more open structure that enables smoke particles and odor molecules to penetrate deep into the fibers. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon also readily grab on to smoke smells because of their electrostatic properties.

Smoke contains tiny particles, gases, and chemicals that get trapped in the spaces between the fabric fibers. Even after the smoke clears, these particles remain stuck in the material, causing the lingering bad smell. The odor can be difficult to remove because it is not just on the surface but embedded in the actual fibers.

Best Sprays for Removing Smoke Smell from Clothes

The most effective products for removing smoke smells from clothes are special odor elimination sprays. These sprays work by breaking down and dissolving the smoke particles. The active ingredients bind to and neutralize the smelly compounds in smoke. After spraying and washing the clothes, the odors are released and washed away.

Here are some of the best spray options for getting smoke smell out of clothes:

• Vodka: The high alcohol content in vodka breaks down smoke particles. Lightly mist clothes with vodka, let sit 30 minutes, then launder.
• White vinegar: The acidic properties in white vinegar help dissolve smoke smells. Make a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Spray on clothes and wash.
• Baking soda: Create a paste with baking soda and water. Rub into clothes and let sit before washing. Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors.
• Essential oils: Oils like lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree have deodorizing effects. Add several drops of oil to water in a spray bottle. Mist clothes before washing.
• Odor eliminating sprays: Look for commercial products like Febreze or Ozium designed specifically to eliminate smoke odors from fabrics.

How to Use Odor Spray on Clothes

Using an odor eliminating spray is an easy process. Follow these steps to effectively get smoke smell out of clothes:

1. Hang or lay out the smelly clothes in an open area where you can spray freely over the fabric.
2. Select your odor eliminating spray of choice. Commercial sprays, vinegar solutions, vodka, or essential oils will all work.
3. Liberally mist the spray all over the fabric, focusing on heavy smoke areas. Thoroughly coat both sides of the garment.
4. For heavy smoke smells, you may need to apply the spray, let it soak for 30 minutes, then respray before washing.
5. Allow the clothes to air dry fully if possible. The oxygen helps release the smoke smell.
6. Wash clothes as normal with detergent and rinse well after spraying. Dry thoroughly.
7. Repeat process if any lingering smoke odor remains. It may take several treatments to fully freshen clothes.

Homemade Smoke Odor Sprays

It’s easy to make DIY odor eliminating sprays using common household ingredients:

Vinegar Spray

• 1 part white vinegar
• 3 parts water
• Several drops essential oil (optional for scent)

The acidic white vinegar breaks down smoke smells. Essential oils provide extra deodorizing effects and add a fresh scent.

Vodka Spray

• 1 part vodka
• 2 parts water

The alcohol in the vodka cuts through smoke smells. Dilute with water to make it go further.

Baking Soda Spray

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 cup warm water

Baking soda neutralizes odors and acts as a deodorizer. Mix with water to create a spray solution.

Other Smoke Odor Removal Methods

In addition to sprays, some other effective DIY methods can help remove smoke from clothes. Here are a few options:

Borax Soak

Add 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup baking soda to a bucket of warm water. Soak smelly clothes for at least an hour before washing.

Activated Charcoal

Place charcoal briquettes or an activated charcoal pouch in a sealed container with the smoky clothes. The charcoal absorbs odors.

White Vinegar Rinse

During the wash cycle, add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse water. Vinegar removes odors and acts as a fabric softener.

Lemon Juice

Soak clothes in warm water mixed with 1 cup lemon juice. The acidic lemon cuts through smoke smell.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Add 1 cup hydrogen peroxide to wash water. It helps lift odors and whitens fabrics.

Preventing Smoke Smells in Clothes

Here are some tips to keep clothes from absorbing smoke smells in the first place:

• Avoid wearing clothes around sources of smoke like campfires, fireplaces, grills, etc.
• Hang clothes up or place in closed drawers/closets if people are smoking nearby.
• Choose fabrics like polyester and nylon that resist odors.
• Wash clothes after exposure to smoky environments.
• Use scent boosters like essential oils when washing clothes.
• Allow clothes to fully air dry to prevent lingering smells.
• Store clothes with cedar blocks or charcoal packs.

When to Discard Clothes

In some cases, smoke damage may be too severe for clothes to be salvaged. Signs it may be time to replace them include:

• Visible stains or yellow/brown discoloration from smoke.
• Permanent creases from heat exposure.
• Holes, tears, fraying or other signs of fabric damage.
• Scorched or melted areas of fabric.
• Weak, brittle fabric that rips easily.
• Smoke odor that remains after multiple washings.

For expensive or sentimental items, professional smoke restoration services may be able to clean and deodorize them. But budget-friendly everyday clothes with heavy smoke damage are often better to replace.

Conclusion

Removing smoke smells from clothes is very doable with the right odor eliminating products. Sprays containing vinegar, vodka, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or commercial odor removers can be used to break down and wash away smoke odors from fabric. While clothes can absorb smoke easily, the smell does not have to be permanent. With thorough cleaning and deodorizing, you can restore smoke-damaged clothes to fresh and wearable again.