How To Get The Smell Of Campfire Smoke Out of Your Clothes
It doesn’t matter if you’re out camping, having a bonfire at the beach, or just hanging around a fire pit in your backyard. The memories you make around a campfire will last long after the flame has died out. But what will also last, is the smell of the campfire. That smell doesn't just linger, it clings, and will follow you everywhere. And while it might remind you of s’mores and stories, it's not exactly a scent you want to carry around for days. So, here’s the easiest way to get that smoky campfire smell out of your clothes for good.
Air It Out
The first instinct is usually right: hang your clothes outside. But where you hang them matters. Don’t just toss them on a chair or hook. You need good airflow, so pick a place with decent air circulation. Hang them on a clothesline or a porch railing where the breeze can hit from all sides. Avoid damp places or still air. If it’s sunny, that’s even better. The sun can help break down odors naturally, so throw them on a clothesline outside. You’ll want to let them air out for at least a full day. Sometimes, just doing this can get rid of the smell. But if it doesn't, check out more suggestions below.
Try Vinegar Before Detergent
It sounds weird, I know. But before you load up the detergent and crank the washer, run a load with just white vinegar. No soap. No softener. Just put a cup of plain old vinegar in with your smoky clothes on a normal cycle with warm water. Vinegar’s great at neutralizing odors because it doesn’t just mask them, it actually breaks them down. You can always do a second wash with your usual detergent after if you’re worried about smelling like salad dressing.
Freeze Out the Funk
This one’s a little weird but it works, especially for delicate fabrics or things you can’t wash right away. Put your smoky clothes in a large freezer bag, seal it, and stick it in the freezer overnight. The cold kills odor-causing bacteria and can take away some of the smoky smell. It’s not a perfect fix, but it can buy you time until you can do a proper wash. I’ve done this with waterproof fabric and wool sweaters that I didn’t want to toss in the machine. It’s simple and surprisingly effective.
Use Coffee Grounds Like a Scent Sponge
Did you know that coffee grounds are super good at absorbing smells?. Grab an old shoebox or bin, line it with newspaper, pour in some dry coffee grounds, and loosely place your smoky clothes on top. Close the box, walk away, and let the grounds and your clothes sit for a day or two. This is another gentle option that works on anything you’re nervous to wash too much. Your clothes won’t smell like coffee either, just a little fresher.
Go Natural with Baking Soda Soaks
For another old school solution, try baking soda. It’s safe, cheap, and works for a ton of different things. Fill a tub or large basin with warm water, mix in about half a cup of baking soda, and let your clothes soak for several hours, or even leave them overnight if you can. This is a good fix for cotton shirts, flannels, or anything you don’t mind soaking. Rinse them well after, then hang to dry. If you have a top loader washer, you can do this right in the drum. It’s slower than the washing machine, sure, but it’s more gentle and super effective.
Avoid Sprays
This is more of a tip than a solution, but it’s worth including. While it may be tempting to just spray something strong, like perfume, and call it a day, these sprays usually just mix with the smoke and create something worse. Trust me. You end up with a lavender-flavored bonfire smell, and no one wants that. The truth is, real odor removal takes a bit of time. A few wash cycles, some fresh air, maybe a soak or freeze. If the smell still lingers after trying everything, give it a few days. Smoke fades and soon your shirt will be back to smelling like you again.