How to Get Rid of Cigar Smell on Clothes

Strong cigar odors can cling to fabrics, making clothes uncomfortable to wear and difficult to refresh. This guide provides practical, step-by-step methods using common sense laundry practices and effective odor-control products to remove cigar smoke from clothing in American homes.

Quick Answer

Best first steps: air out items, pretreat with a cigar-specific odor remover spray, then wash with an enzyme laundry deodorizer. For persistent odors, add an activated carbon odor absorber for clothing in the rinse or storage phase to keep fabrics fresh longer.

What You’ll Need

cigar smoke odor remover spray for clothes fabric refresher
activated carbon odor absorber for clothing
enzyme laundry deodorizer for cigarette cigar smoke on clothes
standard laundry detergent suitable for fabrics

	Jenray Zero Smoke Odor Eliminator Spray, 8 oz – Eliminates cigars, cigarettes, smoke odors as well as mold, food smells and musty rooms.
	Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber for Strong Odors in Car, Closet, Shoe, Basement. 10 Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorbers for Home. Bamboo Charcoals Air Purifying Bag Charcoals Deodorizer Eliminator

Before You Start

Inspect delicate fabrics for care labels before treating odors. Spot test any product in an inconspicuous area to avoid discoloration. Prepare a well-ventilated area for spraying and washing; avoid mixing with chlorine bleach. Time estimates vary: pretreating and washing can take 1–2 hours, while longer odor-neutralizing cycles may require extra drying time. Critical cautions include not applying aggressive solvents directly to silk or wool and keeping products away from heat sources until fabrics are dry.

Step-By-Step: How To Remove Cigar Smell From Clothes

Air out the garments by hanging them outside or in a breezy room for 15–30 minutes to vent initial odor.
Gently brush off any surface ash or residue from the fabric with a clean clothes brush or lint roller.
Apply cigar smoke odor remover spray for clothes fabric refresher to areas with the strongest odor, following the product’s instructions for spray distance and dwell time.
Allow the spray to sit for the recommended time, which helps break down volatile compounds before washing.
Run a wash cycle using enzyme laundry deodorizer for cigarette cigar smoke on clothes and your regular detergent. If the garment care label permits, wash in warm water to boost odor removal.
For heavy odors, repeat the pretreatment and washing step once more, then proceed to an additional rinse cycle to remove any enzymatic residues.
In addition to washing, place items in a dryer with a lint screen clean and use a low heat or air-dry setting. If tumbling is not advised, air-dry flat to prevent shrinking or distortion.
To extend freshness between wears, use activated carbon odor absorber for clothing in storage areas or between wears, especially in damp closets.
Store freshly laundered garments in a clean, odor-free space and avoid packing them tightly to reduce odor buildup.
Reassess odor after drying; repeat steps if any cigar scent remains, focusing on targeted areas first.
For stubborn odors, consider an additional wash with a specialized enzyme deodorizer and ensure complete drying before wearing.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix	Prevention
Lingering odor after washing	Enzymes exhausted or insufficient dwell time	Re-treat with odor remover spray and extend wash/dwell time	Follow product directions and pretest fabrics
Discoloration on fabric	Overuse or incompatible chemical on delicate fibers	Spot test first; wash delicate items separately	Use milder cycles and diluted pretreatments
Odor remains only on lining or seams	Odor trapped in folds or liners	Spray seams, then air out and rewash	Treat garments inside-out when possible
Fabric stiffening after wash	Detergent buildup or residue from deodorizer	Extra rinse cycle; run through a second wash with reduced product	Measure product amounts carefully
Allergic or irritant reaction	Sensitivity to fragrances or enzymes	Switch to fragrance-free options or wash with plain detergent	Test small areas first and ventilate well

Common Mistakes

Using only air-drying without pretreatment on strong cigar odors
Overloading the washing machine, which limits agitation and rinse effectiveness
Relying on a single product; odors often need a combination approach
Disregarding care labels, especially on delicate fabrics like silk or wool

Tips For Best Results

Pre-treat odor-prone items immediately after exposure to cigar smoke to increase success.
Combine natural ventilation with odor-fighting products for more effective results.
Choose enzyme-based deodorizers for ongoing odor control after initial washing.
Store clean clothes in a dry, ventilated closet and consider a small sachet or carbon-based absorber to maintain freshness.
Test any product on a hidden area before broad application to protect fabric color and texture.

Call A Professional

If odors persist after multiple wash cycles or if garments are highly valued or delicate, consult a professional cleaner. Stop removing odors if fabrics show color change, texture damage, or shrinking. Seek professional care for leather or suede items, which require specialized treatments.

FAQ

Can I use regular air fresheners to remove cigar smell from clothes?

Non-fabric sprays may leave residues or worsen odors; use odor removers designed for fabrics and follow label directions.

Will washing alone remove cigar odors from all fabrics?

Most fabrics respond to washing with enzyme deodorizers, but some textiles may require additional odor-control steps or professional cleaning.

How often should I use activated carbon odor absorbers for clothing?

Use them in storage areas or closets to maintain freshness; replace carbon absorbers as recommended by the product guidelines.

Is it safe to use enzyme deodorizers on colored fabrics?

Yes, most enzyme deodorizers are color-safe, but always test first and follow care labels to avoid color wear.

Buying Guide

When choosing products to remove cigar smells from clothes, consider several factors to ensure effective results with minimal fabric impact. Start with powerful yet gentle options that pair well with normal laundry cycles.

Size and Capacity

Look for sprays and enzyme deodorizers available in sizes that fit your laundry routine. For households with frequent odor exposure, larger bottles reduce replacement frequency and provide cost efficiency over time.

Noise Level and Convenience

Choose products and devices that are easy to use and quiet during operation. Simple spray-on formulas and straightforward dosing reduce the effort required for regular odor control.

Energy Efficiency

Opt for washing products that work effectively in standard machine cycles without requiring extra hot washes. Energy-efficient practices include using appropriate water temperatures and shorter cycles when possible.

Controls and Usability

Prefer products with clear instructions, dermatologist-friendly fragrance options, and visible dwell times. Clear labeling helps ensure proper application without overuse.

Placement and Storage

Store odor-control products in a cool, dry place away from heat. Use in the laundry room or closet area where quick treatments can be applied after exposure. Consider keeping a dedicated spot for odor-removal supplies to streamline routines.