The most pesky smoke smell comes from our clothes. After all, our clothes follow us around wherever we go, and if they smell like smoke, everything smells like smoke then too.
Machine wash or handwash with baking soda
The best way to remove smoke smell from clothes is by washing them with a healthy dollop of baking soda. Baking soda is a natural laundry booster that will help cut through smoke stains and odors.
For top-loading washing machines, add about 1 cup of baking soda when the water level is getting full. For front-loading washing machines, add 1 cup of baking soda during the rinse cycle. For clothes that must be handwashed, try adding a 1/2 cup of baking soda to your normal handwashing routine.
Use the warmest water temperature your clothes can tolerate. The warmer temperature will open up the fibers in your clothes, letting odor out and clean in.
Use dryer sheets
Not the way you’re used to, though. Place any smoke-smelling garment in a large, resealable plastic bag with one or two unscented dryer sheets, then seal. Leave the bag sealed for a few days, and presto: The dryer sheet will have absorbed some or all of that smoke odor.
Try a deodorizing spray
For lingering smells, or for clothes that cannot be washed, try spraying either a commercial laundry freshener or distilled white vinegar on your garment. This will help mask the smoke smell until you have time for a deeper clean.