How to Get Smoke Out of Cushions

Cushions are decorative and appealing--until they become covered in smoke. Smoke soot stains can discolor pillows, while the smoke odor makes them unpleasant to use. Because smoke lingers, the cushions can spread it to other areas of your home such as your couch or bed. Spraying the cushions with a fabric freshener only masks the smell. Remove the smoke from the cushions to return them to their original condition.

Dry cleaning solvent
Washcloth or sponge
Baking soda or Borax
Vacuum
White vinegar
Large plastic bag
Fabric softener sheets

Instructions

- 1
  Read the care tag on the cushions to determine if they are machine washable. You may be able to wash the cushions or the cushion covers in the washing machine to remove smoke odors and stains. Follow the care tag properly to prevent damage to the cushions.
- 2
  Apply a dry cleaning solvent to the cushions with a washcloth or sponge. Blot the solvent instead of rubbing it onto the cushions so you don't push the stain deep into the material. Once the cushions absorb the solvent, blot them again if the smoke stain remains.
- 3
  Cover the cushions with baking soda or Borax. You likely can treat only one side at a time. Leave the Borax or baking soda to sit overnight, then vacuum it off. Repeat for the other side.
- 4
  Dampen a washcloth with white vinegar, wring it out completely and wipe across the surface of the cushions to remove the smoke smell. Vinegar neutralizes smoke odors without harming fabric. If they linger, however, continue to the next step.
- 5
  Place the cushions into a large plastic bag. Add two to three sheets of fabric softener and seal the bag. Leave the cushions in the bag for two to three days to remove the smoke smell.

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