How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Pillows: Freshen Up the Right Way

Smoke odors—whether from cigarettes, cooking, fireplaces, or wildfires—can settle deep into fabrics, especially pillows.

Once those odors embed themselves, they’re tough to ignore and even tougher to remove without the right approach.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get that stubborn smoke smell out of your pillows, safely and effectively.

How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Pillows

The goal is to neutralize odor molecules and fully remove them, not just cover them up. Here’s how to do that:

Step-by-Step Smoke Odor Removal:

1. Air out the pillow: Start by placing the pillow outside on a dry, sunny day. Sunlight and fresh air are natural deodorizers.

2. Vacuum thoroughly: Use a handheld vacuum or upholstery attachment to remove surface particles and ash.

3. Baking soda treatment:

   • Sprinkle baking soda over the entire pillow.

   • Let sit for 8–12 hours (overnight is best).

   • Vacuum off completely.

4. Wash if applicable:

   • For machine-washable pillows, use a hot water cycle with detergent and 1 cup of white vinegar.

   • Rinse thoroughly, and repeat if needed.

5. Dry completely: Use a dryer with wool dryer balls and a damp towel infused with a few drops of essential oil (lavender or lemon).

When I had to clean pillows after a neighbor’s backyard bonfire smoke drifted through the windows, airing them out and using a full baking soda soak made a big difference. It’s the same clean, fresh feeling we’ve come to love in our bedroom—especially with how well our Puffy Lux Mattress breathes and stays odor-neutral.

How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam requires extra caution—water absorption can damage the structure.

Safe Methods for Memory Foam:

• Do NOT soak or machine wash memory foam.

• Sprinkle baking soda generously over the pillow and let sit for up to 24 hours.

• Vacuum off thoroughly using an upholstery brush.

• Use activated charcoal pouches or odor absorber gels placed nearby (not on the pillow).

• Air out in sunlight, flipping every couple of hours.

Optional: DIY Fabric Spray

Make a gentle odor-neutralizing spray:

• 1 cup distilled water

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• 5 drops tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil

Lightly mist the pillow and allow to air dry—don’t over-saturate.

Cleaning Different Pillow Types: Smoke Removal Compatibility

Other Variations:

Removing Cigarette Smoke Smell

• Repeat baking soda treatment multiple times.

• Wash covers separately if they’re removable.

• Use white vinegar in rinse cycle to cut through nicotine-based odor.

Removing Smoke Smell from Couch or Car Pillows

• Vacuum thoroughly.

• Air out in dry shade (sunlight may fade colored fabric).

• Use fabric-safe odor removers like Febreze or enzyme sprays.

Natural Deodorizing Options

• Sunlight: Powerful and free, but not ideal for dark or delicate fabrics.

• Essential oils: Lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree.

• Baking soda: Always reliable.

• Vinegar: Mix into wash or spritz lightly for odor neutralization.

• Charcoal bags: Passive odor absorbers great for closed spaces.

Keeping fresh-smelling bedding is easy when it’s part of a sleep system that supports airflow. That’s why our Puffy Royal Mattress—with its cooling layers—has helped us maintain that clean, crisp scent no matter the season.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to get smoke smell out of pillows gives you the confidence to rescue your favorite cushions from lingering odors without needing replacements.

Whether you’re dealing with everyday exposure or one-time incidents, a little baking soda, vinegar, sunshine, and patience go a long way toward restoring freshness and comfort.