Post-Bonfire Cleanup: How to Banish Smoke Smells and Soot Without Bringing the Mess Inside

There’s nothing quite like a crisp fall evening spent around a crackling bonfire. The warm glow, the laughter, the s’mores—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. But once the flames die down and the embers fade, you’re left with an unwanted souvenir: the lingering smell of smoke. It clings to clothes, seeps into hair, and somehow finds its way inside, even when you try your best to leave it at the door. Plus, soot and ash have a way of hitching a ride on shoes, chairs, and blankets, making cleanup a challenge.

If you love fall bonfires but dread the post-party cleanup, we’ve got you covered. Follow these simple yet effective hacks to eliminate smoke smells, remove soot stains, and keep your home smelling fresh long after the fire goes out.

Keep the Smoke Outside

Before stepping inside, take a few minutes to shake off the bonfire remnants.

• Shake it off – Give blankets, jackets, and chairs a good shake outside to dislodge ash and soot. If possible, give them a few good thwacks with a broom or paddle to knock loose any stubborn particles. The less soot you bring inside, the easier the cleanup will be.
• Air it out – Hang clothes, cushions, and blankets outside overnight if possible. Fresh air is the best natural deodorizer, and a good breeze can work wonders in carrying away that campfire smell. If overnight isn’t an option, try a few hours in the morning sun—UV rays help break down odor-causing particles.
• Brush off your shoes – Use a stiff brush to knock off dirt, leaves, and soot before walking inside. Pay special attention to the grooves in your soles, where ash loves to hide. A quick wipe with a damp rag can also prevent tracking soot through the house.
• Wipe down surfaces – If you brought any furniture, lanterns, or trays outside, give them a quick wipe with a damp cloth before bringing them back in. This is especially important for wooden or fabric-covered furniture, which can absorb odors if left unchecked.

Freshen Up Your Clothes and Hair

No one wants to crawl into bed with smoky hair and pajamas that smell like a campfire. Here’s how to freshen up fast:

• Baking soda magic – If your clothes reek of smoke, toss them in a plastic bag with half a cup of baking soda and let them sit overnight before washing. The baking soda will absorb the odors and help loosen any trapped particles. If you’re in a hurry, sprinkle baking soda directly onto your clothes, let it sit for 15 minutes, then shake it off before laundering.
• Vinegar rinse – Add a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine when laundering smoky clothes. It neutralizes odors without leaving a vinegar scent behind. For extra freshness, follow up with a scented fabric softener or essential oils in the rinse cycle.
• Dryer sheet hack – If you don’t have time to wash, toss smoky clothes in the dryer with a couple of dryer sheets for 10 minutes on low heat. This helps mask odors temporarily until you can give them a proper wash.
• Hair refresh – Smoke loves to stick to hair. If you don’t have time to shower, sprinkle a little dry shampoo onto your roots and brush through. A spritz of leave-in conditioner or a quick rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar also works wonders. If you have long hair, try braiding it before the bonfire—less surface area means less odor absorption.

Banish the Smoke Smell from Your Home

Despite your best efforts, the bonfire smell can sneak indoors. If that happens, here’s how to clear the air:

• Boil citrus peels – Simmering orange or lemon peels in a pot of water helps neutralize smoke odors and fills your home with a fresh scent. Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for an extra cozy autumn aroma.
• Activated charcoal – Place small bowls of activated charcoal around the house. It’s a powerhouse at absorbing lingering odors. You can also tuck small sachets of it into closets, shoes, or drawers where smoke smells like to linger.
• Vinegar air trick – Fill a bowl with white vinegar and leave it out overnight in smoky rooms. It naturally absorbs and neutralizes smells. For a subtle scent boost, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar.
• Essential oils in the air filter – A few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or citrus on your air filter can help circulate a fresh scent throughout your home. This is a great way to keep the air fresh not just after bonfires, but all season long.

Clean Up Soot and Ash Without Spreading It Around

If soot or ash made its way inside, don’t just swipe at it—this can make stains worse. Use these techniques for safe cleanup:

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter – Regular vacuums can blow fine ash back into the air. A HEPA filter traps tiny soot particles, preventing them from settling elsewhere in your home.
• Cornstarch or baking soda for carpets – Sprinkle either one on soot-stained carpets, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. This helps lift the soot without grinding it deeper into the fibers.
• Damp cloth, not a wet one – For hard surfaces, use a slightly damp cloth instead of a wet one to wipe up soot. Too much moisture can smear the stains, making them even harder to remove.
• Rubbing alcohol for tough stains – A bit of rubbing alcohol on a cloth can help lift stubborn soot from hard surfaces like brick or tile. For painted walls, test in an inconspicuous area first.

Restore Freshness to Your Indoor Fabrics

Smoke loves to cling to soft surfaces like curtains, upholstery, and rugs. Here’s how to freshen them up:

• Baking soda shake-up – Sprinkle baking soda over couches, rugs, and carpets. Let it sit for an hour, then vacuum. This method is safe for most fabrics and won’t leave a residue.
• Steam it out – If you have a fabric steamer, use it on curtains and upholstered furniture to help loosen and lift smoke particles. A handheld steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment works well too.
• Vodka spray trick – Lightly mist fabrics with a solution of one part vodka and one part water. Vodka evaporates quickly and neutralizes odors, leaving behind a fresher scent.

Make Your Home Smell Amazing Again

Once you’ve tackled the smoke, it’s time to bring in the fall freshness:

• Simmer a pot of fall spices – A pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple slices simmering on the stove makes your home smell like autumn bliss. Add a splash of vanilla for extra warmth.
• DIY linen spray – Mix water, a bit of vodka, and a few drops of essential oil (like cinnamon or vanilla) into a spray bottle. Spritz it onto furniture and linens for a cozy, long-lasting scent.
• Bake something delicious – Nothing chases away lingering smoke like the scent of fresh-baked cookies or a warm apple pie. Plus, you get a tasty treat in the process!

Enjoy the Bonfire Without the Cleanup Hassle

Bonfires are one of the best parts of fall, but the aftermath doesn’t have to be a smoky, sooty mess. With these easy cleanup hacks, you can enjoy the warmth and fun without worrying about the lingering effects. Keep the smoke outside, freshen up your clothes and home, and bring in cozy fall scents so your space stays inviting and clean all season long.

And if you need a little extra help getting your home back to its fresh and tidy state, Rocking Robin’s Maids in Louisville, KY, is always here to lend a hand!