05 Apr How to Clean Clothes Exposed to Smoke, BBQ, or Fire Pit Smells

After a summer evening around the fire pit or a weekend BBQ with friends, your clothes often hold onto more than just memories—they absorb the lingering smell of smoke. Unfortunately, this odour can be stubborn, refusing to budge with a standard wash. If you’ve been struggling to remove smoke smell from laundry, don’t worry. With the right steps and a little patience, you can refresh your clothes and banish the odour for good.

Why Does Smoke Smell Cling to Your Clothes?

Smoke smell clings to your clothes because of the tiny, oily particles released when organic material (like wood or charcoal) burns. These particles—full of tar, ash, and other combustion byproducts—are extremely lightweight and airborne, making them easy to absorb into fabric fibres.

Clothing, especially porous materials like cotton or fleece, acts like a sponge for these particles. Since the particles are microscopic, they penetrate deep into the weave of the fabric, making them difficult to remove with a standard wash.

Additionally, if your clothes are exposed to smoke in a humid or enclosed environment, the smell embeds more strongly and may linger longer. That’s why odours from fire pits, barbecues, or cigarette smoke often stick around even after washing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Smoke Smell from Laundry

Getting rid of smoke from clothes doesn’t need to be difficult. Follow these simple steps to properly remove smoke smell from laundry and leave your clothes fresh and clean.

1. Air Out Clothes Before Washing: Take your smoky clothes outside as soon as possible. Hang them in a breezy spot—preferably in direct sunlight. Fresh air helps break down and release odour particles before washing even begins.
2. Pre-Soak with Vinegar or Baking Soda: Fill a basin or bucket with cold water. Add one cup of white vinegar or half a cup of baking soda. Let your clothes soak for 30 minutes to an hour. These natural ingredients neutralise stubborn smells by loosening the smoke particles clinging to the fabric.
3. Use a Strong Detergent in Hot Water: Next, wash the clothes in your washing machine using the hottest water safe for the fabric. Use a quality detergent, and for added power, toss in half a cup of baking soda or a laundry booster.
4. Add White Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle: Pour half a cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. This will give the rinse cycle an extra boost to remove smoke smell from laundry without leaving a vinegar scent behind.
5. Dry Clothes Outdoors: Hang your clothes to dry in fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight not only helps eliminate any remaining smoke odour, but it also acts as a natural disinfectant. If outdoor drying isn’t possible, use a tumble dryer on a high heat setting.
6. Repeat If Necessary: If your clothes still smell after one wash, repeat the process. Heavy smoke exposure, especially from bonfires or barbecues, might need two or three rounds to fully remove smoke smell from laundry.

Extra Tips to Remove Smoke Smell from Laundry

If you’ve followed the main cleaning steps but want to go the extra mile, these additional tips will help you keep smoke odours at bay and make sure they don’t return. Here’s how to remove smoke smell from laundry even more effectively:

• Wash Smoky Items Separately: Always wash clothes exposed to smoke on their own. Mixing them with clean laundry can spread the odour and make it harder to fully eliminate. This simple step prevents the smell from transferring to fresh garments.
• Don’t Overload the Washing Machine: Give your clothes enough room to move freely. When the machine is too full, the water and detergent can’t circulate properly. So, the smoke particles may stay trapped in the fabric. For best results, stick to medium-sized loads.
• Use Odour-Removing Laundry Additives: Consider adding an odour-fighting laundry booster or a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree to the wash. These help target stubborn smells and leave your clothes with a clean, fresh scent.
• Keep a Fabric Refresher Spray on Hand: For light smoke exposure—like sitting briefly near a BBQ—use a fabric deodorising spray immediately after wearing. This can stop smells from settling in too deeply and make it easier to remove smoke smell from laundry later on.
• Deep Clean Your Washing Machine: Sometimes the smell lingers because your machine needs a cleaning. Run a hot cycle with two cups of white vinegar or a machine cleaner once a month. A fresh-smelling washing machine means fresher laundry every time.
• Store Clothes Properly After Cleaning: Once you’ve washed and dried your clothes, make sure to store them in a clean, dry wardrobe. Avoid packing them away until they’re completely free of odour—otherwise, you risk trapping the smell again.

Read More:

Why Clothes Smell Musty After Washing and How to Prevent 

The Science Behind Odour: Why Clothes Smell and How to Remove Clothes Odour

Quick Guide to Dealing with Common Smells in Your Laundry

How Can NeatEx Laundrette & Dry Cleaning Help?

While at-home methods can be effective, sometimes the smell just won’t budge, especially after heavy exposure to bonfires, BBQs, or fireplaces. That’s where NeatEx Laundrette & Dry Cleaning steps in.

Our professional team uses advanced odour-removal treatments that go far beyond ordinary washing. Whether it’s delicate fabrics, thick jumpers, or smoky coats, we treat each item with care using high-quality detergents, steam cleaning, and specialised dry cleaning solutions. These methods deeply cleanse fibres and remove smoke smell from laundry thoroughly, without damaging the garment.

What’s more, our same-day service and eco-friendly practices mean you’ll get fresh, clean clothes fast, without compromise. From walk-ins to regular service plans, we’re here to help your wardrobe stay odour-free and looking its best.

Don’t let smoke smells linger. Let NeatEx handle the tough jobs, so you can enjoy the fresh feel of properly cleaned laundry again.

Final Thoughts

The smell of smoke might remind you of cosy nights and delicious barbecues. But that’s not something you want trapped in your clothing. By acting quickly and using the right techniques, you can easily remove smoke smell from laundry and keep your wardrobe fresh. Don’t settle for smokey jumpers and trousers—treat your clothes well, and they’ll thank you with every wear.