Yes, the smell of smoke can often linger on clothes even after they have been washed. Smoke particles are tiny and can penetrate fabrics, especially if the exposure to smoke was significant or prolonged. When you wash smoky clothes, the water and detergent help to remove some of the smoke particles, but they may not completely eliminate the smell.
The extent to which the smoke smell remains can vary depending on factors like the type of fabric, the intensity of the smoke exposure, and the washing process itself. Some fabrics are more porous and can hold onto odors more stubbornly than others.
To increase the chances of getting rid of smoke smells, you can try the following:
Pre-treat the clothes: Before washing, you can soak the smoky clothes in a mixture of water and white vinegar or baking soda. Both vinegar and baking soda are known for their odor-neutralizing properties.
Use a strong detergent: Use a high-quality detergent designed to remove tough odors. Some detergents are specifically formulated to tackle smoky smells.
Wash with hot water: Hot water can help break down and loosen the smoke particles from the fabric. However, be sure to check the care label on your clothes, as some fabrics may be damaged by hot water.
Rinse thoroughly: Ensure you rinse the clothes thoroughly to remove any remaining detergent and smoke particles.
Sun-dry the clothes: Hanging the clothes outside in the sunlight and fresh air can help reduce the smell of smoke. The UV rays from the sun can also have some deodorizing effects.
Despite these efforts, it's possible that the smoke smell might still be detectable to some extent, particularly in severe smoke exposure cases. In such instances, you might consider repeating the washing process or seeking professional cleaning services to help eliminate the smell.