To remove cigarette odors from clothing or fabrics without washing them with detergent, you can try the following methods:
Baking Soda: Baking soda is known for its odor-absorbing properties. Sprinkle some baking soda over the affected clothing or fabric, making sure to cover the areas with cigarette odor. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then shake or brush off the baking soda. The cigarette smell should be reduced or eliminated.
Vinegar: White vinegar is another effective odor neutralizer. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and lightly mist the clothing or fabric. Hang them outside to air dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate, and it should take the cigarette odor with it.
Activated Charcoal: Place some activated charcoal in a container or an old sock, and put it in a bag or a sealed box with the smelly clothing or fabric. Leave it for a day or two, and the charcoal will absorb the cigarette odor.
Fresh Air and Sunlight: Hanging the clothing or fabric outside in direct sunlight and fresh air can also help to remove odors. Sunlight and airflow can help neutralize the cigarette smell over time.
Fabric Refreshers: There are commercial fabric refreshers or odor eliminators available in stores that can be sprayed directly onto the fabric. These products are designed to neutralize odors without the need for washing.
Freezing: If the clothing is small enough, you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it for a few hours. Freezing can help kill bacteria that cause odors.
Remember that these methods may not completely eliminate strong cigarette odors, but they should help to reduce them significantly. For persistent smells, washing with detergent is usually the most effective solution.