How To Get Fire Smoke Smell Out of Clothes

Fires can create thick smoke and soot, leaving stains almost anywhere in your home. Smoke smells can linger for weeks or months and may even set into clothing and fabrics for good. Whether you need to remove smoke odors from clothing or clean soot stains, we explain how to clean clothes and other fabrics after a fire.

How To Get Smoke Smell Out of Clothes After a Fire

Smokey smells after a fire can linger in clothing and other fabrics for weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the fire. So the longer you wait to deal with smoke-damaged clothing, the greater the chance odors will set in.

To remove the smoke smell from clothing, you need to soak them in baking soda or vinegar. Then wash them with a degreaser to remove soot stains. For the best results, hang them outside to dry in the sun.

1. Hang Smokey Clothes Outside – For mild odors, hanging clothes outside will remove the smoke smell from clothes. While this can take a few days, the fresh air and sun will release the smoke molecules that bonded with the fabric. This will get rid of mild house fire odors and even the most severe cigarette smell. However, skip this step if the clothes are stained from smoke or soot. Airing them out takes too long and increases the risk the stains will set.
2. Soak Smokey Clothes in Baking Soda – For tough odors, the best way to get smoke smells out of clothes is by soaking them in baking soda. Separate clothing by similar colors and work in small batches for the best results. Fill your washing machine with cold water and a cup of baking soda, then allow clothes to soak for several hours or even overnight. Keeping the lid open will usually prevent the cycle from running. If the smoky smell remains, drain the washer and repeat the process until they are gone.
3. Clean Stains with Vinegar – If your clothes have smoke or soot stains, you can wash them using a cup each of laundry detergent and white vinegar. For added soot stain-removing power, add in a half a cup of oxygen-based bleach as well. You can also add another cup of baking soda for added odor removal. In some cases, you may need to wash items several times. Avoid drying stained clothing until the stains are gone. For tough stains, use a stain remover designed for grease.
4. Dry Your Clothing – After removing smokey smells and stains, you can finally dry your clothes. While you can use your clothes drier, hang them outside in the sun if possible. The sun and fresh air will help remove any lingering odors and leave your clothes smelling great. If you do use your dryer, use the lowest heat setting. Although it will take longer, this will keep the heat from setting in lingering smoky odors.

Tips for Getting Smoke Smell Out of Clothes

• Always use cold water wash cycles with smokey clothes. Never use hot water because it can set in stains and the smell of smoke.
• Set your washer for an extra rinse cycle if possible. The added clean water will help wash away smells and stains.
• To remove minor stains, treat the clothing before washing. Add a cup of vinegar to a spray bottle and fill it with warm water. Then spray the stain and gently dab with a sponge until it’s gone.
• Do not use an ozone generator to remove smoke from clothing. Ozone treatments pose an unnecessary safety risk to dealing with smoky clothes.

How to Get Rid of Smoke Odors and Soots Stains from Dry Clean Only Clothing?

For dry clean only clothing with smoke stains and smells, the best option is to take them to a professional. Look for a dry cleaner that specializes in removing fire and smoke damage.

If your clothing only smells smokey, you can hang it outside or use a home dry cleaning product. However, you should avoid washing dry clean only clothing as it will damage your clothing and set in the stain or odor.

If you have more than just smoke damage, we can help. Get reliable fire damage restoration after any size fire. Call 1-877-941-2788 now for a free quote on immediate fire and smoke cleanup.