7 Tips: Remove Campfire Smell from Clothes

Don't Let the Campfire Follow You Home: 7 Tips For Removing Campfire Smells From Clothes

It's no secret that campfire smoke leaves a very distinct odor on your clothes, leaving you wondering how to remove the campfire smell! If you've thrown a load in the wash but still smell the smoke, keep reading. The team at Fire Pit Art has all the helpful tips you need for removing campfire smells from clothes!

1. Vinegar Helps Remove Campfire Smell From Clothes

Vinegar truly is a miracle solution, from unclogging drains to killing bacteria; what can't it do? Surprisingly, vinegar also works miracles when it comes to removing smells. It's easy; just add one cup of white vinegar alongside your laundry detergent to the mix. Not only will the vinegar remove the scent, but it also can replace your fabric softeners. It's a win-win!

2. Hot Water Can Help Remove That Smoky Smell

Hot water is the best temperature to remove smells. You can use the hot water method alone or in addition to the other methods listed here. Either soak the smoky item in hot water for 30 minutes before washing or turn your washer setting too hot. Just like hot water opens up your skin, it will also open up the clothing fibers to help the fibers release the smells. However, we do want to add it's important to read your clothing label and care instructions before washing to ensure the hot water won't ruin or shrink it.

3. Baking Soda Time

Baking soda is a color enhancer! It will keep your white clothing whiter and your colorful clothing brighter. Not only that, but the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda will help remove any unwanted smells by absorbing the odors.

For particularly stubborn smoky smells, try soaking them in a baking soda mixture overnight before washing them. Fill your sink with water. Add 2 cups of baking soda for every 2 gallons of water you use. Soak the clothes overnight. Alternatively, you can add your detergent to the load and wait five minutes. After five minutes, add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine load. And let it work its magic!

4. Don't Wait To Wash

We know it's tempting to throw the smoky clothes in a messy heap on the floor and deal with them later. However, it's best to throw them in the wash as soon as possible to prevent that smokey smell from becoming a permanent resident. If you can't wash your smoky clothes immediately, pop them into an airtight container. This will prevent the smoke particles from spreading to other clothes and make them easier to clean later.

5. A Bio-Enzymatic Treatment For Smoky Clothes

Typically you don't think of a bio-enzymatic treatment when it comes to removing smells from clothes. However, they work wonders! You can use these treatments on any washable surface, including fabrics. The proteins will work into the fiber, breaking down stains and odors until you're left with something that looks and smells brand new!

6. Dry Your Clothes Outside

The sun is a wonderful tool to not only dry but remove any odors from your clothes. Hang up your fresh laundry (still wet) in the direct sunlight to help draw out any lingering campfire smells. This trick also works to remove stains from children's clothes and saves you money on your electric bill. It's a win-win!

7. Dry On A Low-Setting

If you can't dry your clothes outside, you can dry them in your dryer on the lowest heat setting. However, it's important to remove your clothes from the dryer as soon as they're done. This will help prevent the smoke odor from becoming trapped in the fabric. Of course, you can always add a dryer sheet to your load for a little boost of added freshness. Alternatively, a few drops of essential oils are another excellent option to add a pleasant scent.

Does Campfire Smell Ruin Clothes?

Campfire smoke can ruin your clothing if you continually expose the item to smoke without giving it a thorough washing in between uses. For example, if you have a favorite jacket that's your go-to clothing item for a chilly campfire night, and it rarely sees the inside of a washing machine, the smell can ruin your clothes over time. The scent eventually becomes so ingrained in the jacket's fibers that it just won't come out!

How Long Can Campfire Smell Last in Clothes?

Campfire smell can linger on clothing for months. The length of time really depends on what you do with the piece of clothing afterward. For example, if you wear a sweater near the campfire and shove it into the back of a closet without washing it, the smell can last for months!

Enjoy the Campfire Without the Smell of Propane Fire Pits

Some people adore the smell of a campfire, and others don't! If you love a campfire but don't love the smell, consider a propane fire pit! Using a propane fire pit eliminates the campfire smells but still gives you the campfire ambiance.

Check out Fire Pit Art's incredible selections of linear propane fire pits. If you love everything about a fire pit, from the smoky smell to the crackling flames, then we have something for you too! Check out our stunning selection of artisan stainless steel fire pits.

We hope you found the above smoke smell removal tips helpful! Here's to many more nights of enjoying your fire pit without sacrificing your clothes!

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