One of the most aggravating things that you’ll have to deal with when camping is the smell of smoke on your clothes. While some people actually love the smell of smoke, others (including myself) don’t. However, there’s not much you can do about it, except wash it out. In this article, we’re going to give you a few tips on how to get the campfire smell out of your clothes, so that you don’t smell like a fire pit the next time you put them on.
Over the years, I’ve found that the best way to get the smell of smoke out of your clothes after a camping trip is to wash them as soon as possible in a good quality laundry detergent. I like to use Arm & Hammer laundry detergent with baking soda. If I don’t let the clothes sit for too long after being exposed to the smoke, the smell usually comes out after just one wash.
Spending time outdoors by the campfire can be a wonderful experience, especially when it’s with family and friends. Although you may have to deal with a little smoke on your clothes, it’s well worth it in my opinion.
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How to Get The Smell of Smoke Out of Your Clothes
Simply Wash The Smoke Out of Your Clothes
If you browse around online, you are sure to find a bunch of different hacks for getting the smell of smoke out of your clothes. While I’m sure that some of these tips actually work, the vast majority are a waste of time. You can usually get the same results or better by simply washing your clothes as soon as possible with a good laundry detergent.
As I mentioned above, I’ve had great success using Arm & Hammer with baking soda. For a little added scent reducer, make sure to use scented dryer sheets when drying.
Just so you know, Arm & Hammer is by no means the only detergent that will get the job done. Other laundry detergents will work too.
If your clothes are really smokey, or maybe they’ve had to sit for awhile before being washed, they may need a little more attention to get the smell out.
In this case, you could soak them in a mixture of water, white vinegar and lemon juice before washing them. As we all know, vinegar and lemon juice are a natural odor eliminator and stain remover.
Prevent The Smoke From Getting on Your Clothes
One of the best ways to keep the smell of the campfire off of your clothes is by limiting your exposure to it. One way to do this is to not sit so close to it! I know this may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised.
Also, pay attention to which direction the wind is blowing. If there is even the slightest breeze, it can blow the smoke all over you and your clothes.
Another option, however expensive, is to purchase a smokeless fire pit such as the Solo Stove. This might just be what you need if the thought of smokey clothes bothers you!
I have to admit that I’ve never used one, but after doing some research I found this particular brand to be reasonably priced, not to mention it has excellent reviews on Amazon. For more information and to check the price of the Solo Stove check it out on Amazon.com.
How to Get The Smell of Smoke Out Without Washing Your Clothes
Getting the smell of campfire smoke out of your clothes is pretty easy if you have access to a washing machine and dryer, but what do you do if you are way out in the middle of nowhere with only a few outfits. I know you don’t want to wear smokey smelling clothes each day!
One method is to bring a small bottle of Febreze with you. After you take your clothes off, simply spray with the Febreze and leave out to air dry.
Another method that I’ve heard about but haven’t tried is mixing vodka with water in a spray bottle and spraying down your clothes. You’ll want to fill the water bottle up about 70% with water and the rest with vodka.
Again, spray the clothes and sit out to dry. Supposedly the vodka will kill any type of odor causing bacteria and dries odorless, so there’s no need to worry about replacing the smell of smoke with liquor.
The best part about this method is that if doesn’t work, you can just have yourself a drink. After that, you forget that your clothes even smelled like smoke!
Use Products With Charcoal
Charcoal is your friend! That is if you want to get the smoke smell out of your clothes without having to wash them.
There are numerous odor absorbing bags on the market that can help reduce the smell of smoke on your clothes. I like the ones that use charcoal as their main odor eliminator. Charcoal is a natural odor absorber and doesn’t just mask the scent like some of the other products, but eliminates it.
One last hack that always seems to be the go-to method for getting stains and smells out of almost anything is to make yourself a water, white vinegar and lemon juice solution and spray it on your clothes. I know a lot of people who swear by this method!
Will The Campfire Smoke Ruin Your Clothes
I have yet to have the smoke from a campfire ruin my clothes! I have at times had to soak them, wash them, let them air dry, and even spray them with Febreze to totally get the smell out, but I’ve yet to have to throw them away.
If you do have to throw them out, chances are it’s because you forgot about them and they just sit for days marinating in their stench.
If you think this is the case, let them soak in white wine and vinegar solution overnight before washing them. If they still smell like smoke, then they’re probably done.
Conclusion
Getting the smell of the campfire out of your clothes, while sometimes a pain in the butt, is for the most part pretty simple. Usually a good wash is all that they need. Even the stinkiest clothes only require a few more minutes of prep in order to rid them of any traces of smoke.
The good news is that you will rarely, if ever have to throw anything away due to relaxing around the campfire.
If you have any useful tips that you would like to share with us on how to get campfire smell out of clothes, we’d love to hear from you. Please leave your tips in the comment section below.