Banish Campfire Smell: Easy Tips to Freshen Clothes, Gear, and Hair

Evenings by the campfire are a cherished part of RV life. The warmth, the stories, and the crackling flames are unforgettable. Unfortunately, the campfire smoke smell clinging to your clothes, jackets, and bedding? Not so much.

When you’re in a small space like an RV, even the faintest odors can become overwhelming. Luckily, there are some simple, effective ways to refresh your gear and say goodbye to the smoky aftermath—no laundry session required.

Air It Out

The first step in tackling campfire odor is as simple as letting fresh air do its magic. Hang your smoky clothes and gear outside overnight. If there’s sunshine, even better! UV rays can help break down odor-causing particles while leaving everything smelling fresh.

Just be sure to check the weather—you don’t want to swap smoky clothes for wet ones. Airing things out immediately after the campfire can also keep the smell from seeping into your RV.

Odor Eliminators for Clothes and Gear

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a tried-and-true odor absorber. Here’s how to use it:

• Place smoky clothes in a large garbage bag.
• Add half a cup of baking soda.
• Seal the bag and give it a good shake.
• Let it sit overnight to allow the baking soda to absorb the odor.

In the morning, take the clothes outside and shake off the excess baking soda.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that works wonders on smoke smells. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and lightly mist your clothes. If you’d like, add a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or mint) for a more pleasant scent. Let the clothes air dry in the sun for the best results.

Commercial Sprays

Odor-eliminating sprays like Febreze, Pooph, or Lysol can be lifesavers in a pinch. These sprays are designed to neutralize and trap odor molecules, not just cover them up.

For the best results, use products specifically formulated to handle strong odors like smoke. While sanitizers and disinfectants might help with bacteria-related smells, they’re less effective on smoke particles.

Alcohol

Got some vodka? Mix it with water in a 1:4 ratio and spray the solution onto smoky clothes. Alcohol breaks down odor-causing particles and evaporates quickly. Once sprayed, let the clothes air out in the sunlight. This method is convenient for fabrics that can’t be washed immediately, but a quick rinse or full wash afterward will ensure no residue lingers.

Steam

Steam can be a game-changer for non-washable items. Use a garment steamer. The heat and moisture help loosen and release smoke particles trapped in the fibers, leaving your clothes fresher.

Get the Smoke Smell Out of Your Hair Without Washing

Campfire smoke doesn’t just cling to your clothes; your hair can carry the smell, too. If you can’t shampoo right away, try these tricks:

• Air it Out: Spend time outdoors to let the smoke smell fade naturally. Fresh air helps disperse trapped particles.
• Lightly Mist with Vinegar: Mix a small amount of white vinegar with water and spray your hair lightly. The vinegar neutralizes odors, and the smell will disappear as it dries.
• Dryer Sheets: Run a clean dryer sheet through your hair, or attach one to your brush and comb through. While this won’t eliminate the smell, it can mask it temporarily with a fresh scent.
• Damp Towel: If you don’t mind getting your hair slightly wet, use a damp towel to wipe through it, focusing on the areas that smell strongest. This can help remove some surface particles.

For a thorough fix, wash your hair as soon as possible to remove the smoky residue fully.

Conclusion

These no-wash hacks will remove campfire smoke from clothes, blankets, van interiors, and even hair, and you don’t need to have many supplies on hand.

Check out our RV Life forums, such as the Class B Forum and  Sportsmobile Forum, to share ideas and to continue the conversation with the RV Life community. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.