Camping is an excellent way to spend quality time outdoors and experience nature’s splendor. Sitting by the campfire for warmth and cooking is usually one of camping’s highlights. Unfortunately, the smoke odors can stubbornly stick to your clothing and remain long after you go back home.
Learning how to remove the smoke smell from clothes might seem challenging. Fortunately, our team at North Fort Myers Laundromart shares a simple smoke odor removal guide below for your next camping adventure.
1. Wash Garments Immediately
The first thing to know when learning to remove the smoke smell from clothes is that the odor will linger longer unless you wash the clothes quickly after your camping trip. Most campfire smoke has an earthy scent, which can be unpleasant.
The closer you sit to the fire, the more you’ll smell like burning wood. Prevent the smoke particles from embedding in your fabrics by immediately washing them, even if they are otherwise clean.
2. Pre-Soak in Vinegar
Before putting your camping garments in the washing machine, try soaking them in water and vinegar. Vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent and helps neutralize harsh smells. Make the solution by adding one cup of vinegar for each gallon of water, then let your clothes soak for at least a half-hour.
3. Use the Right Detergent
Smoky clothes carry a strong scent, so you’ll need a powerful detergent to override the smell and freshen the garments. Strong liquid detergent is best because it can effectively break up smoke molecules and rid them in the wash.
Elevate your detergent’s power by adding baking soda to the washing machine. Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer, so it can help remove the campfire smell from your items.
4. Consider Alternative Cleansers
If you don’t have a powerful liquid detergent or want to know how to remove the smoke smell from clothes using more natural methods, try lemon juice or vodka. Lemons have citric acid that generates a chemical reaction with the smoke molecules and neutralizes the unpleasant scent. You can squeeze the fresh juice of two or three lemons into the washer for great results.
Additionally, a half cup of vodka or another clear alcohol in the wash can also help remove smoky odors from clothes. You could also put the alcohol in a spray bottle with water and spritz the clothes to freshen them quickly or soak them in a mix of vodka and warm water for up to 60 minutes before washing them.
5. Wash in Hot Water
Whenever you wash clothes after camping, use the hottest water allowable according to the clothing’s care instructions label. The hot water will help eliminate odor-causing bacteria, leaving your garments smelling fresh after a single washing cycle.
Freshen Your Camping Clothes with Quality Laundry Services
Now that you know how to remove the smoke smell from clothes, head to North Fort Myers Laundromart. At our laundromat, you will find many top-tier washing machines and dryers for self-wash. We also have a convenient drop-off service.
Contact the North Fort Meyers Laundromart team at (239) 995-0260 for more details.