How to Get Rid of the Smoky Smell
We love the campfire smell while we’re by it…
Here's how to bid it adieu afterwards
Campfire vibes and the aroma of smoke brings up nostalgia for s’mores and campfire games. But, once the campfire is said and done, you’re ready to rid your backyard of the smell. Here’s how to do this:
1. Use vinegar
Wipe or spray white vinegar over furniture, walls, floors, and any major surfaces impacted by the smell. Let vinegar sit for Scatter bowls of white vinegar around the party area to cut through the smoky smell. If the smell of vinegar makes you gag, drop a bit of lavender oil into the bowls. #serenity
2. Sprinkle baking soda
Your secondary natural odor-absorber. Spread baking soda around the areas impacted. Sprinkle over the floor and especially on any outdoor furniture cushions. Let sit overnight or at least two hours, and then vacuum it up. Alternatively, set bowls of baking soda throughout the area for a few days.
3. Turn on fans
Use outdoor fans to move the air around. The more quickly air moves, the more the smoke smell will dissipate. Be gone, smoke!
4. Clean your glass
Windows will retain an unusual amount of soot and tar from the smoke. To combat this, mix water with white vinegar to wipe your windows and any glass surface tables down. Keep streaks away by using a basic glass cleaner post.
5. Wash your clothes
The sooner you wash your clothes, the better. For best results, add 1 cup of vinegar to the laundry load, along with detergent. If you can still smell smoke after one wash cycle, it’s worth running the wash a second time to kill the stench. Throw in a cup of vinegar again for good measure. Make sure to not run the clothes in a dryer until the smoke smell is out… or you may just dry it in them for good. For patio cushions or blankets you’d rather not put in the washer, spray them with a vinegar detergent mix.
6. Keep windows shut
If your party is held outside, keep windows to your home shut to keep the smoke out. Set bowls of vinegar or baking soda in less visible places throughout the smoky area beforehand.
So go have your campfire, and get rid of the smoky smell too! For more campfire tips, check out these ideas:
More articles
Turn Your Backyard Into the Ultimate Summer Gathering Space
You don't need a perfectly designed backyard to become a great host. By focusing on comfort, simple hosting zones, self-serve food and drinks, thoughtful details, and an inviting atmosphere, you can transform any outdoor space into a place where people naturally want to gather and stay longer.
Why Everyone Wants Summer Camp Energy This Summer
Recreate “summer camp energy” at home by hosting an easy, low-pressure outdoor hang built around nostalgic food, shared activities, and a cozy gathering spot—so connection happens naturally without needing perfection.
Love Island Is Better With Friends: How to Host a Watch Party
Host a Love Island watch party that’s low-lift but high-fun—set a glowy “villa” vibe, put out easy grazing snacks and drinks, add a pre-show playlist, and make it a weekly tradition your group chat actually keeps.
Sign up for expert tips, exclusive content, and the 411 on the latest parties—all straight to your inbox.
Your shortcut to stress-free hosting
Spend less time coordinating and more time actually connecting.