How to Get Bonfire Smell Out of Clothes

If you’ve just come home from your local bonfire night celebration, chances are your coat and jumper have brought a bit of the bonfire home with them. That unmistakable smoky smell seems to cling to everything, from your favourite scarf to your hair, the kids clothes and your own.

The good news is, with a few easy steps, you can get rid of that bonfire smell and enjoy fresh laundry again in no time.

First Things First: Air It Out

Before reaching for your washing machine, hang your smoky clothes outside in fresh air if possible. Even a few hours in a well-ventilated area can help reduce the strength of the smell of smoke. The UV rays from direct sunlight can also help break down volatile compounds and smoke particles, giving your fabrics a natural boost.

Use White Vinegar for an Easy Natural Fix

One of the most effective methods for removing smoky odor from clothing is a simple cup of white vinegar. Add a cup of vinegar to your washing machine along with your regular detergent and run a warm wash cycle. The acetic acid in vinegar works to neutralise odor-causing compounds, leaving clothes smelling fresh without synthetic fragrance. You can also try a vinegar rinse in the final cycle if the lingering odor is stubborn.

Try Baking Soda for Stubborn Smells

If your campfire clothes still carry that smoky smell after the first wash, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum before your next regular wash cycle. Baking soda is an excellent natural laundry aid that absorbs unpleasant smells and balances the pH of your wash. For even better results, leave the clothes to soak in warm water with baking soda overnight before washing.

Don’t Forget About Fabric Type and Care Labels

Always check the care label before washing. Delicate fabrics like wool or silk might not tolerate hot water or certain odor-removing laundry products. In those cases, it’s best to take them to a professional laundry service or dry cleaners who can safely treat smoke-damaged clothes.

how to read laundry symbols fabric care labels

Boost Your Wash with Laundry Add-Ons

If you’re using a standard laundry detergent, try adding laundry scent boosters or a few drops of fresh lemon juice for a natural clean scent. Products like Branch Basics Laundry or an odor-eliminating spray made with distilled water and essential oils can help neutralise the smoky odor without relying on synthetic spray odor absorbers.

Drying for the Best Results

Once your clothes are clean, hang them in the fresh air again rather than drying indoors. Air drying outside helps remove any last traces of campfire smoke. If you use a dryer, toss in a couple of dryer sheets or use a dry steam cleaner on smoky clothing for a natural steam refresh. Just make sure to dry at the highest temperature that’s safe for your type of fabric.

Extra Tips and Preventive Measures

Aside from Bonfire Night or guy Fawkes, if you go camping often or use portable propane fire pits, it’s a good idea to keep smoky clothes in a plastic bag until you can wash them. This prevents the smell from spreading to clean laundry.

You can also use an essential oil diffuser in your laundry room for a light, natural scent and to freshen up the space while you work.

For severe smoke odors (like from a house fire or cigarette smoke), stubborn smoke smells may need a more powerful option such as oxygen boost products or Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator. These can help break down volatile organic compounds trapped deep in the fabric fibers.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors, Minus the Smell

Bonfire Night and camping trips are full of memories, but the smell of campfire smoke doesn’t need to linger long after. With just a little effort and some natural hand-on remedies, you can have fresh, clean clothes again, ready for your next adventure around the fire.

Activities and Ideas for Bonfire Night and Fireworks Night

Bonfire Night is such a fun family tradition here in the UK, whether you’re heading out to a local display or celebrating at home. From watching fireworks light up the sky to enjoying warm treats and cozy crafts, there are so many ways to make the evening special for kids and adults alike. Here are some of our favourite activities and ideas to help you enjoy the night safely and memorably.

Handprint Campfire Craft

15 Fireworks Crafts for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve or 4th July

More Home Tips for Families

Looking for more simple family-friendly home ideas and natural cleaning tips? Browse our latest posts for practical ways to keep your home fresh and happy all year round.

And if this helped you rescue your favourite coat from that stubborn smoky smell, please share this post with your friends!