Have you ever gone camping or sat around a bonfire and noticed that the smell of smoke seems to follow you home?
Unfortunately, it’s not just your imagination – the campfire smell can cling to your clothes long after the fun has ended.
While some people may enjoy the fragrance, others find it unpleasant and want to get rid of it as soon as possible.
The problem: campfire smell on clothes
The reason why campfire smell sticks to clothing is due to the porous nature of most fabrics, which can trap smoke particles in its fibers.
These particles are not only smelly but also contain small amounts of toxic chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled for an extended period.
It’s essential to remove this odor from clothing as soon as possible.
NOTE: Fresh Gear machines can sanitize and deodorize pretty much anything. But, even though they’re bigger than a fridge, we realize that not everything can fit inside.
And, even though there are many Sanitizing Centers across 10 countries, there may not be one near you.
So, we’ve gathered a collection of the most popular, non-FreshGear ways of sanitizing and deodorizing to help you out.
Importance of removing the smell
Aside from protecting yourself from toxic chemicals, there are other reasons why you might want to remove campfire smells from your clothes.
For one thing, you don’t want to walk around smelling like a walking bonfire. It’s also crucial if you’re planning on wearing these clothes again soon, especially for work or social events where smelling like smoke isn’t appropriate.
Now that we’ve established why removing campfire smells is important let’s discuss how we’re going to do it! The good news is that there are several methods and products available for getting rid of this pesky odor quickly and safely. In this article, we will cover different pre-wash preparations such as shaking off excess debris and brushing soot off visible areas before washing with heavy-duty laundry detergent in hot water.
We will also explore additional cleaning methods like vinegar soak or baking soda treatment before air drying outside or using a dryer.
With all these solutions at your disposal, there’s no reason why you should let that campfire smell linger on your clothes any longer than necessary.
Pre-wash Preparation
Shake off excess ash and debris
Before washing your campfire-smelling clothes, it’s important to get rid of any loose ash or debris. Shake off your clothes outside to remove as much of the loose soot as possible.
This will ensure that you don’t accidentally transfer any leftover ash into your washing machine or onto clean clothes. If you don’t have access to an outdoor space, take the clothes into your bathtub or shower and shake them off there.
Brush off any visible soot or dirt
Once you’ve shaken off the excess ash, use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any visible soot or dirt from the clothing. A brush can help loosen up dirt particles that are embedded in the fabric fibers.
Be gentle when brushing, as rough handling can cause damage to delicate fabrics. Don’t forget to do this step on both sides of the clothing item!
Turn clothes inside out to expose the smelly areas
As smoky odors tend to linger on areas that come into direct contact with firewood smoke and ash such as collars, cuffs, pockets and hoodies turn these problem areas inside out before washing. Turning your clothes inside out will expose these areas for better cleaning during wash time.
Check for any holes or tears
Before washing your campfire-smelling clothes it’s important not just checking for stains but also looking at seams, pockets and hems for holes that could become worse during wash time if left unattended.
Since campfire smells linger longer in fabrics with gaps such seams being torn will only intensify odor retention in those spots.
Noticing tears is a good opportunity to repair them before they become worse making sure they end up clean and odor-free after all is said and done!
Washing Process: Remove That Smell
The Importance of Hot Water and Heavy-Duty Detergent
When it comes to getting campfire smell out of clothes, using hot water and a heavy-duty laundry detergent is key.
Why hot water?
Well, hot water is great at breaking down stubborn odors and stains.
It helps the detergent penetrate deeper into the fibers of your clothes, which helps remove the smell more effectively. So if you’re serious about getting rid of that campfire smell, turn up the heat. In addition to hot water, using a heavy-duty laundry detergent is also important. These types of detergents are specially formulated to tackle tough stains and odors like those left behind by a campfire.
They contain enzymes that break down organic matter like smoke particles and ash that can cling onto your clothes.
Recommended brands include Tide Original, Persil ProClean, Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean, or any other detergent labeled as “heavy-duty” or “powerful.” But keep in mind that not all heavy-duty detergents work the same way for everyone.
What works for one person may not work for another.
Washing Machine vs Hand Washing
Now that you know about the importance of hot water and heavy-duty detergent let’s talk about how to use them properly when washing your smelly clothes.
You have two options: washing machine or hand washing.
If you’re using a washing machine, make sure to select the hottest temperature possible on your machine’s settings; this will ensure maximum odor removal efficiency. Add your chosen heavy-duty detergent according to the manufacturer’s instructions before placing your clothes inside – don’t overload!
You want enough space for everything to be submerged in water during agitating cycles so they can be effectively cleaned without leaving any areas untouched by soap suds. If you’re hand washing instead, fill a basin with hot water and detergent and let the clothes soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Gently agitate the clothes, moving them around in the soapy water to ensure all areas are covered. Rinse thoroughly with hot water until all suds are gone.
Remember: when it comes to washing your clothes, patience is key!
Take your time and make sure you’re following the instructions carefully to get the best results possible.
Additional Cleaning Methods
Vinegar Soak: A Natural Solution for Stubborn Smells
If you’ve tried washing your clothes with detergent and hot water but still can’t seem to get rid of that pesky campfire smell, a vinegar soak may be just what you need.
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and has been used for centuries to clean and freshen up all sorts of items. To prepare a vinegar soak, start by filling up a large bucket or sink with enough water to cover your clothes.
Then add 1-2 cups of white vinegar to the water and mix it well. Once you’ve mixed in the vinegar, add your clothes to the bucket or sink and make sure they are fully submerged in the water.
Let them soak for at least an hour, but ideally overnight if possible. After soaking, drain the water from the bucket or sink and rinse your clothes thoroughly with fresh water.
Then wash them as usual with detergent and hot water. The benefits of using vinegar on smelly clothes are many.
It not only helps remove stubborn odors like campfire smoke, but it also softens fabrics, brightens colors, removes stains, and even acts as a natural fabric softener.
Plus, it’s much gentler on your clothes than harsh chemical cleaners or fabric refreshers.
Baking Soda Treatment: Scrubbing Your Way to Freshness
If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn smells that won’t budge no matter what you do, baking soda may be just what you need.
Baking soda is another natural deodorizer that can help neutralize even the toughest odors. To use it on your clothes, start by creating a paste using baking soda and warm water.
Apply the paste directly onto any particularly smelly spots on your clothing (like armpits or cuffs), then use a brush to scrub it in. For larger areas, you can add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your regular detergent.
The benefits of using baking soda on clothes are numerous. It’s a natural and effective cleaner that won’t damage or bleach fabrics, and can even soften them over time. Plus, it’s much more affordable than commercial fabric refreshers and other odor-eliminating products.
So next time you’re struggling with stubborn campfire smells, give baking soda a try and see the difference it can make.
Drying Process
Air-drying outside: Saving money and energy
Air-drying clothes outside is a great way to save money on your electric bill while also reducing your carbon footprint.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays will help to naturally bleach and disinfect clothes leaving them smelling fresh and clean. When hanging clothes outside, it is important to choose an area that is well-ventilated to allow for maximum airflow.
A breezy day is ideal for drying clothes as it helps speed up the process while also ensuring that the fabric doesn’t become musty or damp. To hang your clothes outside, use a drying rack or a line between two trees or poles.
Be sure to hang the clothes loosely so they can dry evenly and avoid stretching or misshaping the material.
Before hanging, shake out each item of clothing to release any wrinkles or stubborn debris from previous wear.
Dryer usage: Convenience with a price tag
If you don’t have access to outdoor space or need an alternate solution, using a dryer can be convenient but more expensive compared to air-drying.
When using a dryer, set it on high heat for about 15-20 minutes to kill any remaining bacteria and germs that may still be present in the fabric. Use dryer sheets or wool dryer balls during the cycle will help neutralize odors while adding freshness.
It’s important not overload your dryer with too many garments as it may affect its performance leading you into paying more electricity bill without effectively drying up your clothes.
Also remember that some fabrics are delicate and require low heat because high heat could damage them.
Final Words
Getting rid of campfire smell on your clothes might seem like an impossible task but with these helpful tips, it can be done at home.
Start by using the pre-wash tips and follow through right to the drying process and you’ll have fresh-smelling clothes in no time!
