Get Smoke Damage Out Of Clothes

How To Get Smoke Damage Out Of Clothes [Easy Guide]

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Published on May 09th, 2023

Joel Efosa

Author | Real Estate Investor



A Good Starting Place to Consider

Disclaimer: Though we are seasoned fire damage house buyers and are considered experts in the real estate industry, we are not giving you any legal, financial or medical advice. If what you read in any of our articles makes sense to you, please consult with your attorney, financial advisor, or doctor before making any decisions.


There are companies like ourselves that buy houses that have been affected by fire damage. After you do all the critical steps in this guide. Feel free to request a cash offer if you decide not to rebuild the property, which in most cases is a lot harder and stressful than assumed. Sometimes disaster makes us panic and feel like there is no solution, rest assured there is.

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Get Smoke Damage Out Of Clothes

If you've been in a house fire, it's important to know how to get smoke damage out of clothes. After a fire, you'll probably want to clean your clothes as soon as possible. The longer smoke is allowed to sit on fibers, the harder it is to remove. If you're caught in a house fire, don't worry about saving your possessions — just get out!


But if you do have time to grab some things before leaving, make sure they're not too dirty or smoky. The best way to wash clothes after a house fire is with cold water and mild detergent or soap. Don't use hot water or bleach because they can cause stains and actually make them worse.

clean smoke damaged clothes

How Long Does Fire Smoke Smell Last On Clothes?

Fire smoke can leave a lingering odor on clothes for weeks. This is because smoke contains chemicals that cling to your clothing and make them smell like smoke. The length of time it takes for the odor to fade will depend on the type of fabric and how much fire smoke has permeated into it.

wash smoke damaged clothes

How Do You Wash Clothes After Smoke Damage?

Smoke damage can be a challenge to get rid of. It is important to remember that you should never put smoky clothes in the washing machine or dryer. This will only spread the smoke particles around, making it harder for them to be removed later.

The first step is to soak your clothes in a bathtub filled with cool water and detergent. You may have to repeat this process several times until all of the smoke odors.


Next, you will need to launder your clothes on the delicate cycle using plenty of bleach and baking soda. This will help get rid of any lingering odors and minimize any stains that may have formed in your clothing as well.

After they have been washed and dried, it is important not to wear these items again until they have been aired out for several days. While this may seem like a hassle, it is necessary if you want these items back in good condition and ready for wear again!

machine wash

How Do You Wash Clothes After A House Fire?

The best way to remove the smoke smell from clothes is to launder the garments with a laundry detergent designed for heavily soiled items.


Place the smoky clothes in a large plastic bag and seal the bag. Place the bag outside in a well-ventilated area, ideally near open windows, to allow for proper air circulation. Open the bag several times each day, allowing fresh air to enter the room and circulate around the clothes.


Before starting the cleaning process, make sure to remove any furniture or textiles that may be affected by the use of aerosol sprays or an ozone generator. Place baking soda on a sponge or rag and rub it over all surfaces of the smoky clothes. The baking soda will help absorb some of the odor from the material and also help loosen any remaining soot particles on the surface of the fabric.


Turn on your high-powered vacuum cleaner and vacuum all surfaces of each item of clothing until there are no more loose particles visible on its surface. It may be necessary to repeat this step several times until you can no longer see any loose soot particles on the surface of each article of clothing. Ensure proper ventilation when using the vacuum cleaner and cleaning services to avoid inhaling any particles or fumes.


Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and shake well before spraying this mixture onto all surfaces of each article of clothing being cleaned. Allow these articles to sit overnight if possible before laundering them in hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit) with a little detergent added to your washing machine's normal cycle setting. If possible, allow your cleaning machine to complete a full hot water cycle to thoroughly clean all of the soot residues from your clothing.

smell remains

How Do You Get The Smell Of Smoke Out Of Clothes Without Washing?

There's no way to remove the smoke from your clothes without taking them to a dry cleaner, but there are some things you can do at home to get the odor out.

Leave Them Hanging:

If you can, place the clothing in a plastic bag and leave it hanging outside for a few days. If not, let it air out for as long as possible before washing

Spray with White Vinegar:

White vinegar is another good odor remover that doesn't leave behind any trace of itself on clothing when used in moderation (no more than 1/4 cup per load). Soak your garments in 2 quarts of water mixed with 1/4 cup of white vinegar overnight before following their normal washing instructions for the removal of smoke stains.

Spray with Vodka:

Vodka is one of the best ways to remove odors from clothing because it's odorless itself. Pour some vodka into a spray bottle and spray it on any smoky areas of your garment, then let dry completely before washing according to its care label.


Spray with lemon juice:

Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray onto the affected area of your clothing, let it sit for an hour or two, and then launder as normal.

Steam your garments:

You can use a handheld steamer or a large steam iron to help lift the odor from fabrics that have been exposed to smoke.

Freeze them overnight:

If you don’t have access to lemon juice or steamers but still want to get rid of the smoke smells from clothes, try freezing them overnight instead! Just put your stained clothing in a plastic baggie or container and place it in the freezer for 12 hours or more before washing as usual.

further damage

How Do You Remove Smoke Damage Stains?

There are many methods to remove smoke damage from clothing. The most common method used is dry cleaning. Dry cleaning uses a solvent to remove the stains from your clothing, and professional services can help you salvage your clothing without causing any additional damage.

This can be done in a commercial setting or at home, depending on your experience and available resources. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure that you follow all safety precautions and wear protective gear like goggles and gloves. Additionally, keep in mind the types of materials your clothes are made of, as certain wash cycles and treatments might differ.

If you have items that cannot be dry cleaned, perhaps delicate materials or perfumes, there are other options available such as using oxygen bleach or baking soda and vinegar. When using these methods, make sure that they are not on a part of the garment that will be visible when wearing the item as a helpful tip to ensure the best possible results.

Another way to remove smoke damage from clothing is by soaking the stain in water with dish soap added for 30 minutes, then washing it in warm water with regular laundry detergent before drying it in the dryer or hanging it out in the sun.

smoke molecules

Can Smoke Damaged Clothes Be Saved?

Yes! You can save smoke-damaged clothes. Many people have been able to save their clothes from total destruction by following the simple steps below. If your clothes are still wearable after fire damage or another type of smoke damage, then follow these steps:


  • Rinse them immediately in cold water (do not use hot water as it may set stains).
  • Then wash with detergent and a cup of distilled white vinegar.
  • Use bleach if necessary - but make sure it is color-safe bleach for colored fabrics.


professional fire restorers

How Do You Get The Smoke Smell Out Of Clothes After A House Fire?

The best way to remove smoke from clothing is by washing them in cold water and adding a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. This should help remove most of the smell. If your clothes still smell smoky after washing, try using an enzyme-based strong laundry detergent like OxiClean.


Enzyme cleaners break down protein stains better than traditional detergents, so they can help get rid of smoke residue on your clothes.


If you don't have access to a washing machine, you can also put your smoky clothes in an airtight bag with dryer sheets and leave them overnight. The dryer sheets will absorb some of the smoke odor while you're sleeping and make it easier for you to wash them in the morning.

What neutralizes the smell of smoke?

Enzymes are proteins that help break down organic matter, and when used in laundry detergents, they can help break down the smoke molecules that are embedded in your clothing. To get the best results, use a detergent that is specifically designed


Enzymes help break down protein-based stains and odors and they work well on smoke damage as well.


The key to successfully removing smoke damage from your clothing is to act quickly. The longer the smoke damage stays in your clothing, the more difficult it will be to remove it. There are many ways to treat clothing for smoke damage.

Whether you're concerned about the smell or the discoloration of your clothing, these tips will help get rid of the problem. In most cases, you won't need expensive or complicated equipment to remove the smoking odor and restore your favorite clothes to their proper state.

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