How to Get a Smoke Smell out of Cotton

Smoke can permeate clothing, causing a strong odor for days after the garment has been exposed to the smoke. A basic laundry routine of just detergent and fabric softener will lessen the smoke odor, but often it won't completely eliminate it. Cotton absorbs odors and stains faster than most fabrics. Nonsmokers and those allergic to smoke no longer have to discard clothing just because of the lingering odor.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Fill the bathtub halfway with hot water. Add 2 cups of white vinegar. Hang the garments above the steam. Leave until the water has cooled.

   • 2

     Wash garments in the washing machine if the odor remains. Add an appropriate amount of detergent and 1 cup baking soda. Run washing machine as usual.

   • 3

     Hang the clothes outside to dry. If you are unable to dry them outside, dry them in the dryer with two dryer sheets.