https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 04 May 2026 05:06:00 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes/page/2#post-1223443 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:56:58 +0000 Lindsay05 1223443@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: Awww, yeah I would have cried too :( Damn smoke. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes/page/2#post-1223431 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:53:15 +0000 artsyfartsy 1223431@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lindsay05: Upset I had to toss them...I was hoping to make them usable again but after I had a meltdown yesterday (I cried my eyes out!! It's funny to look back on now. I think that was my first pregnancy hormone induced cry fest Lol) I really didn't want to try and deal with it all again. Especially since my washer and dryer have got the smell trapped in them and now I have to focus on cleaning them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes/page/2#post-1223426 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:51:48 +0000 catomd00 1223426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know of any good ways or if it's even possible if they stink that bad. Personally, I wouldn't use them. 3rd hand smoke is real and dangerous. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes/page/2#post-1223397 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:44:00 +0000 Lindsay05 1223397@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Aww yeah what a crappy situation :( You have been given some good advice. I know you originally asked about the smelly clothes but I would try not to stress too much about the third hand smoke. When I grew up, i was exposed to second and third hand all the time (as majority of my friends did). We have all turned out healthy and fine. It still doesnt make it ok, I know. It does suck though and I really hope you can fix those clothes!</p> <p>ETA: just read your update, thats too bad but good job! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes/page/2#post-1223369 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:35:39 +0000 Happygal 1223369@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm just going to repeat what others have said--vinegar and sunshine are miracle workers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1223353 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:29:44 +0000 artsyfartsy 1223353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Glad to report this morning that all of our originally purchased baby clothes have no smell! All but one little onesie. I closed the door in the room they were hanging in and left the window open all night and they smell great! I'm in the process of cleaning my washing machine and dryer because the smell transferred over to the baby blankets I washed. Those are hanging out in the sun this morning.</p> <p>Thanks everyone for your advice! I haven't decided if I'm going to fool with these other baby clothes or not. I'm thinking this is all a sign that I should just toss them!</p> <p>ETA: After posting this I just went ahead and got a trash bag and tossed the rest. Good riddance! I've learned my lesson. It's a shame though because there was a ton of cute baby clothes in good shape I was excited about using. Oh well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222641 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:01:32 +0000 artsyfartsy 1222641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chrispygal: Did you soak them or just add some vinegar in the rinse cycle? Did you still use detergent? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222635 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 19:59:57 +0000 chrispygal 1222635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The vinegar really does work. The clothes I had smelled like ash trays and they didn't smell at all post-wash. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222615 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 19:47:33 +0000 artsyfartsy 1222615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cascademom: Vinegar is my next try if the sunning doesn't work!</p> <p>@danda: I'll try anything at this point. Lol</p> <p>@PrincessBaby: I'm hoping to at least salvage my gifted clothes. I'm so angry about the smoke smell that I'm about ready to just burn the rest to get revenge. Lol!! I can't imagine doing that to my child!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222610 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 19:44:09 +0000 PrincessBaby 1222610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: You poor thing:( I hope you get it out, or at the very least, that you salvage the nice things you already had. I agree, smoking is repulsive, but smoking with a child - DUDE. What are they thinking??? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222607 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 19:42:05 +0000 danda 1222607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Penguin sport wash is amazing - I use it on anything I can't get a funky smell out of as well as for stripping my cloth diapers. Could be worth a try? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222320 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 16:50:30 +0000 cascademom 1222320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Vinegar usually works for bad smelling stuff. I saw a technique on Pinterest that could work. I'll link it when I find it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222304 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 16:35:26 +0000 blackbird 1222304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wash them in hot in regular Tide. Regular Tide does wonders! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222217 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:38:01 +0000 hellobeeboston 1222217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: I would probably wash them hot or warm to get the smell out -- but maybe try hanging them out - and do the heavy duty cycle on cold and see how you fare... Last try could be hot wash. What about soaking in baking soda? That stuff always gets rid of smells - maybe google that! In sure it will come out then you'll be set. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222200 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:13:39 +0000 artsyfartsy 1222200@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: yup I have a heavy duty cycle. What about washing them in hot water? I've only done cold up until now because I was afraid I would shrink them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222197 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:11:21 +0000 hellobeeboston 1222197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like others said - hang them outside for a couple days if you can, then wash them again - do you have a heavy duty/sanitize wash cycle? That would be good too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222194 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:08:31 +0000 artsyfartsy 1222194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ScarletBegonia: It's supposed to be nice and sunny tomorrow so I'll be hanging them out! The good clothes don't smell at all, although they don't smell as nice as my baby blankets I washed separately that hadn't been exposed at all.<br /> It makes my heart hurt for my nephew...especially after reading the third hand smoke risks. Luckily they both WOH and he stays with DH's cousin and grandma during the day who do not smoke at all. So that gives him a break. But when he's at home he's inhaling this stuff by the gallons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222191 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:03:49 +0000 ScarletBegonia 1222191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really think hanging them out in the Sun will make a difference (esp for your 'good' clothes - that were only exposed through washing). My best friends mother chain smokes and when I used to stay over at her house when we were kids/teenagers, my mom would freak out when i got home and wash all my stuff on super hot and then hang it outside for at least 24 hours. It always did the trick. That being said, I was not at all aware of the third hand smoke thing, so that's a major consideration.<br /> Sucks so much that this happened, and I'm seriously worried about your SIL's kid if she and her SO can make clothes smell that bad, imagine the smoke hanging in the air :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222188 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:01:36 +0000 artsyfartsy 1222188@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jennimac: thanks. I had a good meltdown a minute ago and DH came to my rescue and helped me out. We sorted out the clothes and ours actually don't smell at all so I'm glad. I have them hanging in the bedroom windows open hoping to air them out just in case. We smelled the rest. Most are salvageable but some still reeked really bad so we just tossed the ones that were beyond repair. Tomorrow I'm going to hang the donated ones outside in hopes to save them but I also really don't care if I throw them out or not at this point. The good ones that my sisters and friends and ourselves have bought for him are the ones I care about.<br /> We both have headaches again from smell testing the clothes. Yuck. </p> <p>DH says he's tempted to call his sister and say thanks but no thanks to future hand me downs. That we washed them 3 time but couldn't get the nasty smoke smell out. But I feel like that would be mean. She donated them in good heart to us. I just wish she would realize how disgusting she is making life for herself and family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222182 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 14:56:26 +0000 singingbee 1222182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: I'm so sorry!!! This whole situation sucks. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222151 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 14:25:43 +0000 artsyfartsy 1222151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tossed the clothes in the dryer and now they smell like I haven't even washed them once...let alone 3 times. I'm fuming mad at myself for putting my good clothes in with them. I'm fuming mad at everyone who smokes in general!! It's disgusting!</p> <p>I will cry if I have to throw out all my baby clothes. Some of them were kind gifts from friends and now I've ruined them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222149 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 14:24:31 +0000 immabeetoo 1222149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was going to post the same link as @Mrs. Jacks . Id offer them for free to a smoking family, on Craigslist or free cycle. The chemicals wouldn't be worth the risk to me especially on a newborn with their super thin/absorbent skin. I'm sorry! That is awkward and frustrating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222130 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 14:04:24 +0000 Bao 1222130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My MIL gets A clothes second hand and then brings them into her house before bringing them over, (they smoke inside) and they smell so awful I usually don't end up using them if I can't get the smell out. Usually just using regular detergent does the trick, but that's only if there are one or two clothing items. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222127 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 14:01:31 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 1222127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: such a bummer! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222114 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 13:47:20 +0000 artsyfartsy 1222114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not going to throw the clothes out. I just can't. It's a whole laundry load of free baby clothes that are in good shape. I am going to soak them in vinegar and run them through a hot wash again. </p> <p>I am not taking any more clothes from SIL. I already told DH that we are throwing them out if we get any more. Which is sad. She has a son that will be a year older than mine so he will be getting his hand me downs for the rest of his life. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222110 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 13:45:07 +0000 artsyfartsy 1222110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Espion: Me too! I don't even want to go to my in laws house. How can I be comfortable sending T over there? How can I tell my in laws that they reek and are putting him in danger and that he can never ever come in contact with them unless they take a hot shower and put on clean clothes? Too much? Lol</p> <p>I kind of wish I would have never researched it. It makes me realize just how selfish smoking is. You put your loved ones in danger just by being around them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222101 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 13:36:42 +0000 Espion 1222101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh! Now I feel even worse about E going to my relative's house! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222098 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 13:32:46 +0000 yellowbird 1222098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably throw them out due to third hand smoke exposure and the risks :(((. Maybe you can find some consignment clothes locally that are not to expensive and smoke free. Ugh! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222095 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 13:31:47 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 1222095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=what-is-third-hand-smoke" rel="nofollow">http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=what-is-third-hand-smoke</a></p> <p>The chemicals that cause the most harm aren't always the ones you can smell and that most detergents don't remove the compounds from clothes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-the-smoke-smell-out-of-baby-clothes#post-1222092 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 13:30:26 +0000 abbylyn 1222092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You could try homemade febreze - equal parts water and vodka (the cheaper the better) in a spray bottle, and add a few drops of lavender if you want a scent. Spray well and hang dry. I used to work in the wardrobe department for theater shows, and this is what we used to spray the costumes every night in between washings. </p>