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Tamera asked: How do I remove smoke smell from sleeping bags. We have brand new sleeping bags that we purchased at a yard sale. They smell like smoke. Please help.
Anything that comes from a smoking home leaves with the residual smoke smell. Whether it’s a strong smell or a light, lingering odor, smoke smells can quickly ruin the appeal of any piece. Here are some methods to remove the smoke smell and freshen up your fabric item.
Washable Fabrics
You Will Need:
- Vinegar
- Washing machine
Steps to Remove the Smoke Smell:
- If the item is washable, it is easiest to clean the smoke smell away in the washing machine.
- Fill the washing machine with water and add laundry detergent as normal.
- Add one cup of white vinegar to the washing water. Vinegar is slightly acidic and will break down the smoke and tar molecules that create the smell.
- Add the affected pieces and continue through a normal wash cycle.
- Once washed, do not worry if the pieces have a slight vinegar scent. It will dissipate quickly.
Non-Washable Fabrics
You Will Need:
- Baking soda
- Febreeze
- Vacuum
Steps to Remove the Smoke Smell:
- If the item cannot be washed, it will require different cleaning methods. These methods are effective, but will take repeated applications and more time to produce the desired results.
- Baking soda is a well-known odor absorber that can effectively remove smoke smell.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the affected piece.
- Allow it to set for a day or two. This allows time for the baking soda to absorb the moisture that can lead to odors.
- Take the item outside and shake out the loose baking soda.
- If the item cannot be taken outside, vacuum the baking soda away.
- Repeat until the odor is removed.
- If the baking soda is not available, Febreeze can also be used to eliminate the odors. Spray the entire piece with Febreeze and allow it to air dry.
- After it dries, the smell should be removed, leaving a pleasant floral scent in it’s place.
Additional Tips and Advice
- If the item is washable, it has been found useful to wash it using Tide with Febreeze.
- If the item can be hung outside, the fresh air will remove the smell after several days. Simply allowing the fresh air to circulate through the piece will remove some of the smoke molecules.
- There is a product called Odor Check by Watkins. This product is designed to remove smells and odors. It has been found to work well for removing smoke smells.
- Choose your odor removal product carefully. If there is no chemicals in it, it will simply mask the odor with perfumes. In order to get rid of the smell with a spray, chemicals must be present to neutralize the odors.
My apt. burned down and I got to salvaged some of my cloths, but it smells like burnt wood and burn smoke. How do I get rid of that smell? Will your method work?
I wore a brand new lightweight waterproof jacket around a camp fire and came home with the odor of smoke clinging to my jacket. I planned to wash it in the machine, but got distracted with other things so the jacket spent several days hanging over a kitchen chair. Today the odor is almost gone. I’ll try the vinegar in the washing machine just to get rid of any traces of smoke.
Hi,
I got a couch off a friend and it smell of cigarette smoke. I did the Ferbreze and it didn’t work. My house now smells of cigarettes. Please help.
Hi Tania,
That’s great you got a new-to-you couch! Here’s the guide you need to get rid of that smoke smell: How to Remove Smoke Smell from Non-Washable Fabrics. Keep in mind it may take several attempts, depending on the strength of the smell. Luckily there are 4 methods in that guide you can try. As mentioned in the Additional Tips section of that article, dry cleaning the fabric can also help as there may be a residue remaining from the smoke that is causing the smell (and it’s easier to remove an odor-causing residue than to deodorize it), so if you can do a full clean of the upholstery, that could make a world of difference. The way to clean upholstery depends on the type of material that it is. Here is a guide to help with that How to Clean Upholstery. Good luck!
We were homeless until we found a motel that would take us, with dogs. We are now having a problem with the bedding smelling like smoke, and our clothes. There are very few smoking rooms, and they can’t use the same blankets in this room every time. What can you suggest, as we are in a motel, and have no other rooms to go to?
Della,
The easiest thing to do is to try using a vinegar spray: mix an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then simply spray the blankets. For your clothes, a splash (1/4 cup) of white vinegar can be added to the rinse cycle of your laundry to help remove the odors or a bowl of white vinegar can be placed in the closet to remove odors that way. For a more expensive option, there are smoke odor eliminator sprays that can be purchased, but be sure to read any label very carefully as it may not be a product you want coming in contact with your body (via the bedding, clothes, etc.). Good luck!
I bought a stroller used and it stinks of cigarettes. The fabric is nylon. I like the baking soda idea, but don’t want to have baking soda in every nook and cranny. Thoughts?
Maggie,
Here’s a few ideas. First, it might help to deep clean it, which can be done three ways: 1) using a foaming upholstery cleaner, 2) using just soap and water in a bowl and washing the fabric, then blotting with plain water to rinse, or 3) using a carpet extraction cleaner that has an upholstery attachment like a Rug Doctor, which can be rented in most major cities.
Another option is to use a vinegar spray: mix an equal amount of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, test it on a small hidden area first to be sure it’s safe, then spray the stroller down thoroughly. This can be repeated as many times as needed.
If you don’t want any cleaners on the stroller, you can put the baking soda or vinegar in a bowl and set it inthe stroller overnight, or use several bowls/plates and set them on different parts of the stroller. Fresh coffee grounds can also be used for deodorizing. Good luck!
Hi. I was given a leather suit from a neighbour, but the neighbour is a smoker and I can’t get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke. Can you help?
Taylor,
This is the article that you need: How to Remove Cigarette Smell from Leather. Good luck!
Would this work on a Supreme Box Logo hoodie?
Anthony,
The wash tag for Supreme Box Logo hoodies does not appear to have any special restrictions other than keeping it away from heat. So, yes, this guide should work fine. However, if you decide to spray the item with Febreeze, you may want to test it on a small hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction as every fabric is unique. Good luck!
Source: Reddit – My guide on how to legit check Box Logo hoodies
I have some yarn that was given to me. All the yarn smells so bad from cigarette smoke. Any suggestions to get rid if the odor?
Linda,
Try using the method that would be used for removing odors from books:
Get a storage container, pour a generous layer of baking soda into it, set a cookie rack over the baking soda, and put the yarn on the rack. This way, the baking soda can remove the odor from the yarn without actually touching the yarn. You could also use coffee grounds instead, if you don’t mind the yarn smelling like coffee. Close the lid on the box and leave it for a day, then check the yarn. Repeat as many times as needed (with fresh baking soda each time) until the smell is gone.
Source: Book Think – How to Remove Odors from Books
I have a pair of denim jeans that I have done this to a couple of times. It does not seem to work; the pants still smell like I was at a BBQ.
That you have done what to? What method didn’t work?