How To Remove Cigarette Smells From Clothes

CONTENTS

• Get your clothes dry cleaned
• Try steam cleaning
• Wash clothing with baking soda
• Invest in a deodorising spray
• Air the garment out
  • Similar services we offer
• Get in touch

Research conducted by the ONS in 2019 found that 14.1% of people aged 18 or over were smokers. While this figure is lower than in previous years, it shows that exposure to third-hand smoke still happens.

Cigarette smoke trapped on clothing can be difficult to remove, and could even render your garments unwearable. However, there are some steps you can take which may help eradicate unpleasant smells.

ICE Cleaning is an expert cleaning company with years of experience in cigarette smoke odour removal services. Its technicians use the latest technologies to remove foul odours from your property, following strict health and safety procedure while they do so.

Have a read of our blog to find out how you can remove cigarette smoke smells from your clothes.

Get your clothes dry cleaned

This is one of the options available to you, though it could be expensive. It is also not the most practical idea if you are exposed to cigarette smoke on a common basis. 

If you're quick at getting the item to the dry cleaners, you might have more luck in getting the odour out. You must be careful if you have allergies though, as some of the chemicals used by dry cleaners may trigger a reaction. 

For a more eco-friendly choice, you can use green dry cleaning. This is kinder to the environment, but may still help to remove odours that have settled within your garment.

In some cases, though, this may not be effective. The smell could be so pungent that not even a dry cleaner can remove it. It might be time to get rid of your item of clothing if the odour refuses to come out.

Try steam cleaning

Steam cleaning is one of the ways you can attempt to remove cigarette odours. If you have a steam option on your iron, this could maybe work ridding clothing of the smell, but make sure you have ironing water in your appliance before attempting this.

Smoke particles become embedded within the material of your garment, causing the odour to remain. Before steaming, be sure to inspect the label of the item to check it is safe.

The temperature of the steam cleaner helps to lift residue, but purchasing a cleaner could cost you a penny. There are other methods for removing cigarette smoke smell that won't hurt your wallet as much.

It is a service that can be professionally undertaken too, though similarly to dry cleaning, might not be the most practical solution if you're often in a smoking environment.

Wash clothing with baking soda

Baking soda is a popular home remedy for cleaning used worldwide, and has been suggested as a method for removing cigarette smells from clothing. 

In order to achieve this, it has been advised that the baking soda should be mixed in with your washing, and is said to reach even the toughest of stains on clothing. It is also a very affordable option, available at most supermarkets.

You can also use baking soda when handwashing an item which is more delicate. Follow instructions given on the manufacturer's label to make sure you don't ruin the item.

If you are experiencing strong cigarette smoke odours in your property, contact the professionals. At ICE Cleaning, we hold multiple industry accreditations, including BICSc, IOSH and Safe Contractor. You can rest assured that we've got you covered.

Invest in a deodorising spray

It has been proposed that trying a deodorising spray may help to eliminate smoke smells from your clothing. However, its effectiveness is not proven. It may mask the smell more than effectively remove it.

Though it is a simple and easy option to use, as you can spray it right onto clothes in a moment. You can also make a home solution that won't require you to spend any money. 

Some retailers even sell liquid capsules that you put in the washing machine to help remove the smell. Check your local retailer to see if they stock this.

If you smoke in your house, it might not just be your clothing that smells. Cigarette residue can settle on walls, carpets, furniture and hard surfaces. Removing this will need professional attention. 

At ICE Cleaning, we will identify the source of the problem, and then use our expertise to completely remove the odour. This means you can enjoy living in your property once more, as the health risks have been minimised.

Air the garment out

This is possibly the cheapest method for removing cigarette smells from clothes. Put your clothes out in the sun if you have been exposed to cigarettes, keeping dark clothing in the shade so that it doesn't discolour from the sunlight.

Placing the clothing outside allows for ventilation. Depending on the weather, try keeping the item outside for a number of days. However, if it starts raining, it's best to bring it back inside. 

You will probably also need to wash the garment even if it has been outside, as cigarette smells can be tough to get rid of. It may even require more than one wash if you were exposed to cigarettes for prolonged periods of time. 

Make sure not to put clothing back in the wardrobe unless you're sure the smell has gone, as it could make your other items smell unpleasant.

Similar services we offer

At ICE Cleaning, we are odour removal specialists. Other odour services we offer include:

• Damp odour removal
• Vehicle odour neutralisation
• Fire smoke odour removal

We are here to help you with whatever you need throughout the process, operating day or night. Following the clean, a member of the customer service team will be in touch to check you're happy with everything and address any concerns you may have.

Get in touch

Our friendly support agents an be contacted on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to find out more about our cigarette smoke odour removal offering.