Introduction
Every smoker or someone who lives with a smoker understands the struggle of getting rid of smoke odor from clothes. It is an unpleasant smell that tends to stick to your clothes even after they are washed. Not only is the smoke smell unpleasant, but it can also be a health hazard for non-smokers and those with respiratory issues. However, don’t fret! In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the best and most effective ways to get rid of smoke smell from clothes.
10 Simple Home Remedies to Eliminate Smoke Odor from Clothes
There are simple remedies that can be done at home using household items to eliminate smoke odor from clothes effectively. The following are ten natural cleaning techniques that can get your clothes smelling fresh again:
1. Vinegar
– Fill a basin with water and add one cup of vinegar.
– Soak clothes for a few hours.
– Wash clothes as usual.
2. Baking Soda
– Mix baking soda with water to make a paste.
– Rub paste on affected areas of the clothes.
– Wash clothes as usual.
3. Lemon Juice
– Add a cup of lemon juice into the washing machine during the rinse cycle.
– Hang clothes to dry outside.
4. Cat Litter
– Pour cat litter into a garbage bag.
– Place clothes in the garbage bag and tie it shut.
– Let it sit overnight.
– Wash clothes as usual.
5. Coffee
– Place ground coffee in a bowl.
– Put the bowl in a plastic bag with the clothes.
– Let the clothes sit for a few hours.
– Wash clothes as usual.
6. Charcoal
– Put the clothes in the washing machine.
– Add charcoal briquettes to the wash.
– Wash clothes as usual.
7. Fabric Softener
– Add fabric softener to the wash.
– Dry clothes outside.
8. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
– Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the washing machine during the wash cycle.
– Dry clothes outside.
9. Tea Tree Oil
– Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the washing machine during the wash cycle.
– Dry clothes outside.
10. Vodka
– Mix vodka with water in a spray bottle.
– Spray mixture on the affected areas of the clothes.
– Allow it to dry before washing clothes as usual.
Top 5 Laundry Products That Effectively Fight Smoke Odor in Clothes
While home remedies are effective in eliminating smoke odor in clothes, some laundry products are specifically designed to break down the debris causing the smell. The following are five laundry products recommended to fight smoke odor:
1. Odoban Disinfectant Fabric and Air Freshener Spray
– Disinfects and fights smoke odor in fabric and the air.
– Can be used on any washable surface.
2. Zep Smoke Odor Eliminator Aerosol Spray
– Quickly eliminates smoke odor within seconds.
– Can be used on any washable surface.
3. Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets
– Helps reduce smoke odor while fabric softening.
– Can be used in the dryer or during the wash cycle.
4. Febreeze Fabric Refresher
– Eliminates smoke odor and leaves a fresh scent.
– Can be sprayed directly on fabric.
5. Downy Unstopables
– Eliminates smoke odor and leaves long-lasting freshness.
– Can be used in the washing machine or in the dryer.
5 Quick Tips to Getting Rid of Smoke Smell from Clothes
If you don’t have the time to do a full wash, these quick tips come handy.
1. Put the affected clothes in a plastic garbage bag and add a dryer sheet. Leave it overnight.
2. Use a fabric freshener spray the affected area lightly.
3. Use a dryer sheet to rub the affected area lightly.
4. Hang the clothes outside in fresh air.
5. Rub white vinegar on the affected area lightly and leave for a few hours before washing.
Dealing With Smoke: A Comprehensive Guide To Keeping Your Clothes Smoke-Smell Free
Different scenarios may require specific cleaning techniques. The following are recommended methods for dealing with each scenario:
1. When traveling
– Use vacuum-sealed bags to pack clean clothes in to prevent them from smelling like smoke.
2. When around smokers
– Wear a jacket or cloth that can be removed before entering non-smoking spaces.
3. When outdoors
– Hang clothes outside in fresh air between smokes breaks.
4. When washing clothes manually
– Use warm water and a mild detergent like Ivory soap.
5. When clothes are stained with tar or nicotine
– Use a laundry pre-treatment spray on the stain before washing.
Smoke Smell Out of Clothes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning
If home remedies and quick tips did not work, don’t worry. You can try the following step-by-step deep cleaning process to get rid of smoke odor from clothes:
1. Gather materials
– Laundry detergent
– Baking soda
– White vinegar
– Heavy-duty trash bags
– A washing machine and dryer
2. Sort your clothes
– Divide your clothes into colors and materials.
3. Soak the clothes
– Fill a tub with enough water to cover the clothes and add a cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda.
– Soak clothes in the mixture for a few hours before washing as usual.
4. Wash the clothes
– Use the heavy-duty setting on your washing machine.
– Add laundry detergent and a cup of white vinegar.
5. Dry the clothes
– Take the clothes out of the washing machine, shaking them out, and patting them to prevent wrinkles.
– Dry clothes in the dryer on a low or no-heat cycle.
Efficient and Safe Ways to Banish Smoke Odor From Clothes
Apart from being effective, some methods are safe to use on clothes and pose no or little health risk. The following methods are both effective and safe for clothes and people:
1. Steam clean
– Use a handheld steamer on the affected areas of the clothes.
2. Activated charcoal
– Place a few activated charcoal briquettes in a bag with the clothes.
3. Air purifier
– Place the clothes in the same room as an air purifier with the activated carbon filter.
Conclusion
Getting rid of smoke smell from clothes is easy with different techniques and specialized laundry products. While some methods may work better than others, the overall goal is to eliminate the odor altogether. Don’t hesitate to try out different methods and find what works best for you. Keeping your clothes smoke-smell free is an important step in staying healthy and improving overall hygiene.
