How to Get Campfire Smell Out of Hair

While siting around campfires offer a wonderful experience with friends and family, they often take an odorous toll one one’s hair.  The smoke created by the fire can quickly many it’s way within one’s follicles and embed a musty odor that is not easily removed.


Fortunately, there are several household ingredient and practices that will work to freshen one’s follicles and return hair to normal.  The following remedies will help in freeing your hair campfire musk to leave you with only fond memories to remind you of your campfire experience.

Deodorizing Campfire Hair Solutions

1 Rinse & Repeat

If your first wash was unable to remove the residual campfire odor, rinsing and repeating with you normal shampoo will often be enough to remove any remaining odors.  If at first you don’t succeed try washing again.

2 Apple Cider Vinegar

The natural acid within apple cider vinegar works to strip unwanted campfire smoke related residues from the hair follicle and leave it smelling fresh.  Mix a small solution of your shampoo and apple cider vinegar within a cup in equal part and bring within your shower.  Although this vinegar can have a sharp smell going on, remind yourself that the odor will be gone once your hair dries.  As an additional benefit, the apple cider vinegar will also leave your hair with a healthy shine.

3 Baking Soda Paste

This household ingrediant has been used for generations for it’s natural powers of odor absorption.  Mix a paste of one part baking soda and three parts water within a cup and bring the solution within the shower. During the shower, turn up the heat hotter than your normal level and gradually apply the baking soda paste within your affected hair follicles.  Once applied, allow for the baking soda to rest within the hair for 2-3 minutes before proceeding to wash it out.

Campfire Hair Solutions Without Washing

1 Let Your Hair Down in Sun

Letting your hair down within the sun will have the effect of releasing the tightly bound hair follicles that may be holding that may be hold campfire odors within. Doing this in combination with going outside for in direct sunlight will have a natural lasting impact on deodorizing hair follicles.  The fresh air, open space and ultraviolet rays will work to sweep through your hair and neutralize any odorous campfire residues.

2 Try a Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Spraying one’s hair down with lemon juice is another effective solution for nuetralizing odors within hair follicles without washing. Mix a solution of one part lemon juice with five parts water within and spray bottle. proceed to spray down hair from every direction until the follicles become moderately moist. The citric acid within the lemon juice will go to work in eliminating any odorous campfire residues and leave it smelling fresh.

3 Vodka Spray It

This party drink has been used for generations in neutralizing unwelcome odors throughout the household.  When vodka is sprayed within one’s hair the alcohol goes to work in eliminating any embedded odors and lifting them off during the evaporation process.  Mix a solution of water and vodka in equal parts within a household spray bottle.  Next, spray down hair from all angles ensuring that no area is left untouched.  Provide 20-30 minutes for the solution to dry away odorously and leave your hair smelling fresh.

4 Febreze the Campfire Out

As a product solution, Febreze can work on short notice for eliminating difficult campfire odors within one’s hair.  Spray hair down from all angles until affected areas of hair have become moistened.  Allow approximately 30 minute for hair to air dry before enjoying freshen hair.  As a preventative measure, pack a bottle of febreze within your camping supplies if you expect odor to develop within your hair.

How to Prevent Campfire Smell Within Hair

1 Put Hair Up

Placing your hair up prior to a campfire can have significant impact on avoid the development of campfire odor within one’s hair.  If less hair is exposed to the woodsy smoke, less smoke will have the chance of embedding campfire elements within your follicles.  This is a 15-30 task that can payoff in the long run.

2 Put on Your Hoodie

As an alternative to putting one’s hair up, a hoodie can be flipped up to shield hair from the odorous campfire smoke.   This is almost 100% effective in maintaining fresh smelling hair for the following day and requires very little preparation time.  In the end, the sweat shirt you’re will likely require a good detergent wash whether you decide to wear the hoody or out.



Photo credit: Wes Rodgers

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How to Get Smell Out of New Jeans

So, you’ve just purchased a smelly pair of new jeans.  The smell within the new jeans almost always steams from the dyes that are used during the creation of the color and shade of the fabric.  This is why darker jeans are often the more affected by this unpleasant dye related arroma.


Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to remove this unwelcome odor and add a bit of freshness within your brand new jeans.  By following some of the below home remedies, you can be sure that you jeans will be smelling fresh and will not require them to be return to the store that they were originally purchased.

Household New Jeans Deodorizing Solutions

1 Machine Wash with Baking Soda

Baking soda has the power to add a boost to just about any washing machine cycle.  Within a normal detergent wash, add in a full cup of baking soda and run the cycle on the highest possible temperature.  This household ingredient will work to soften the fabric while absorbing much of the unwanted chemical dye odor within the new jeans.

2 White Vinegar Rinse & Spin

Similar to baking soda, the mild acid within white vinegar can effectively reduce the amount of chemical odor within new jeans.  Measure a full cup of white vinegar and add within a normal detergent wash 5 minutes within the cycle.  As a note of precaution, you will need to completely dry the jeans before you can tell if the chemical odor has been removed.   Though white vinegar will dry away odorlessly, it contains a sharp smell and will be present while the new jeans are still wet.

3 Dunk within Enzyme Cleaner

If you have failed to find any success with the above methods, you may want to consider dunking the smelly new jeans within a tub of enzyme cleaner.  The active enzymes within this formula will literally go to work in eating through and neutralizing the odorous dyes within the fabric.  Using a large bowl with it with hot water and enzyme cleaner within equal parts and dunk the new jeans within the solution.  Allow the solution to sit for 4-5 hours before removing from the mixture and running the jeans through a normal detergent wash.

4 Hang Within Sun

Hanging you new jeans to dry within the sun is a natural way to give the clothing fiber an additional deodorizing boost.  The fresh air, open space and ultraviolet rays will help to naturally neutralize any existing chemical odors within the fiber of the new jeans and work to lift it off.  As a note of precaution, if the jeans have not dried after a full day within the sun it is recommended that you finish drying them within the drying machine to prevent the jeans from developing any type of mildew odor.  In such cases, the jeans can be further aided within the dryer by adding a clothing softener within the cycle.

5 Activated Charcoal – Deodorize New Jeans Without Washing

Often we can find ourselves within a quandary with new jeans.  If we wash them they will be difficult to return, and if they continue to smell we would prefer to return them.  Fortunately, by using activated charcoal, you will be able to find out if the odor can be removed within a weeks time without needing to wash them.  To begin, place several activated charcoal briquettes within an old pair of nylon leggings.  Proceed to wrap the new jeans around the nylon enclosed activated charcoal until you are left with a ball.  Place this within an enclosed cardboard box and allow a minimum of 7 days for the activated charcoal to absorb the chemical odor from the jeans.  If the odor exist after a week, you can safety return the jeans to the store with purchasing tags and original folds.

New Jeans Deodorizing Product Solutions

1 Febreze Clothing Detergent

This detergent can come in use for deodorizing new jeans as it is specifically engineered to to eliminate unpleasant odors.  Though many have claimed that it can be challenging to find with in grocery stores, it has yet to receive negative assessments within any product reviews.  When using Febreze detergent within your wash cycle, you can further increase it’s effectiveness by setting the washing machine to the hottest water setting allowable by your jean’s fabric.

2 Oxiclean

The chemical mixture within Oxiclean is fantastic at getting deep within clothing fiber to rid your new jeans of chemical odors.  Mix Oxiclean with water as directed within a large bowl, and place the jeans within the mixture to soak for 3-4 hours.  After this time period has passed you can place the new jeans through a normal detergent wash.  Alternatively, Oxiclean can be added to a normal detergent wash to give it an added deodorizing boost.


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How to Get Cat Urine Smell Out of Furniture

A major challenge with cats is their ability to get into several nooks and crannys around the house.  Due to their natural acrobatic abilities, they are often found high and low, on a number of different furniture sets.  Despite such obvious skills in mobility, our feline friends can surprisingly fail to make their way to the litter box and make a urine deposit upon our furniture.


 

When disaster strikes, there remain several solutions to cleaning up the mess and removing the kitty urine based odor.  By following the suggestions below, you will be able to increase your odds of solving your cat urine furniture problem.

 

Cat Urine Removal from Furniture

 

1 Remove Affected Cushions

If you have caught your kitten within the act on one of the cushions from your couch or sofa, gentility remove the cushion to place it outside as soon as possible. Cat urine has a way of making it’s way within the cracks of the couch and underlying furniture frames if it has enough time to soak in.  By immediately removing the cushion, you will be preventing this from happening and diverting a larger problem.

 

2 Use a Black Light

If the smell of cat urine is within a piece of your furniture, it is likely that it has taken a direct hit. In such cases, you can use a blacklight to search out the spot.  Close the blinds within the room, and run a black light over the affected piece of furniture.  Immediately, you should be able to see a subtile grow emanating from that areas where your cat has urinated on the furniture.

 

3 Press Dry Kitty Fluids

On the areas that remain moistened from your cat’s urine spray it is important to press dry the spot to withdraw as much liquid as possible. Using a clean and dry hand towel, press down on these locations until all of the urine fluids have been lifted from the affected locations of the furniture.

 

4 Dilute with Water

Once much of the urine has been lifted from the location, you can proceed to pour small amounts of water onto the affected portions of the furniture to dilute the remaining residues within.  After pouring water onto the upholstery and underlying furniture padding, you can proceed to blot dry the location to pull out additional urine resides from the cushioning.  For best results, pour water and blot dry a second time to lift additional urine fluids out of the furniture.

 

5 Use an Enzyme Cleaner

Once much of the urine and ammonia based residues have been lifted from the furniture, using enzyme cleaner will help to eat through the existing residues and deodorizing the urine odor.  Pour enzyme cleaning solution over the affected areas and allow for the solution to set for 24-48 hours while it literally eats through the organic urine residues within the upholstery and underlying padding.  Once 1-2 days have passed, you can return to blot dry the enzyme cleaning solution from the furniture before placing back within use.

 
 

Alternative Cat Urine Deodorizing Tips

 

1 Deodorize with White Vinegar

When enzyme cleaner is not accessible, white vinegar can make a wonderful household substitute in combating cat urine odors.  The mild acid within white vinegar directly neutralizes the ammonia within urine and leaves it odorless once dry.  Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with five parts warm water and pour over the affected areas of the furniture.  Allow the solution to work it’s magic for 24-48 hours before returning to blot dry the remaining white vinegar from the upholstery and cushioning.  As a note of precaution, the white vinegar will posses a have a mild odor until it have completely evaporated from the piece of furniture.

 

2 Use Solar Power

Placing the furniture within the sun will do more than allowing the white vinegar or enzyme cleaning solution evaporate faster.  The ultraviolet rays, open space and fresh air will all work to further lift any remaining cat urine odors.  If the pice of furniture is small and light weight enough to move outdoors within direct sunlight for 1-2 days, it can have a last effect on erasing the effects of your feline friend urinary misfirings.

 

3 Sprinkle Baking Soda Within Cushion Liner

Baking soda is a household ingredient that is know for it’s odor absorbing capabilities.  As an additional step, sprinkling baking soda within the cushion liners of the furniture  can help to keep any remaining odors within the padditing at bay.  Measure 1/4 cup of baking soda and disperse it throughout the cushion to make sure that it cover the entire interior.
 
 

Preventative Cat Urine Solutions

 

1 Place Secondary Litter Box

Cats are creatures of comfort and often will opt to relieve their bladders in places that are close and comfortable.  If the cat litter box is located on the other end of the house, you may wish to consider placing another litter box on the other corner of the household.  Doing will ensure that you cat is always within close proximity to the litter box and will have no excuse not to use it.  As an additional precaution, avoid placing that the box within a location that can accidentally be blocked off by a door or obstruction. If cats cannot get to their litter box, you can be sure that they will relieve themselves elsewhere.

 

2 Reward Your Cat

Rewards always work better than punishments.  If your cat successfully uses his litter box, be sure to provide rewards from time to time to increase it’s positive association with the act.  This is especially important after the cat has misfired on you furniture as this will incentives this practice and will ensure that your cat does not get within the habit of peeing anywhere that he pleases within the house. If this problem persists, it may make sense to take you cat to the local feline veterinarian for a checkup.


 
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How to Get Pet Smell Out of House

When our little friends develop an odor within their cage the smell can quickly make its way throughout the home.  The aroma of soiled woodchips and sour urine is one that can cause most pet owners to question their motives for owning a pint-sized critter companion and question the existence of veterinary conditions.


 

Fortunately, there are several practices that can be adopted to minimize these smells within the home and make sure that pet related odors remain within the cage. By following the below principles, you can rest assured that the scent your caged pal will not take over your household.

 
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Pet Deodorizating Solutions

 

1 Replace Bedding on Schedule

It is important that you remember to change bedding for you pet on schedule.  Failure to change bedding on the advised basis of you pet can quickly lead to an odor developing within the cage.  Once this odor develops, the cage can become increasingly challenging to clean and cause the nearby rooms to begin to smell.  In short, be sure to know how often you should change you pet cage and follow it religiously.

 

2 Scrub Cage & Accessories

Though the bedding may be getting changed on a regular basis, it is important to scrub down the cage, accessories and underlying box.  Pet  urine and residues have a way of building up on these surfaces and beginning to smell with time. Remove your caged critter, and layout all parts of the cage on the grass for a thorough spray down.  Using a hose, spray down the cage and scrub area all loose degree and residues with an old rag.  Once you have allowed the cage, box and accessories to air dry reassemble the cage and place your critter back inside.

 

3 Strategic Cage Location

It is important to select an area within your home that it not connected to your main living space.  It is ideal if this location received some natural light and has close proximity to window that can be opened to provide fresh circulation.  Mud rooms exist within many homes, and provide the perfect space for the placement of your pet’s cage.

 

4 Use a Pet Odor Absorber

There are several pet related products that utilize activated charcoal odor absorbers to control odors of pet cages within the home.  Many are made especially for rodent and bird cages and are engineered to clip directly onto the cages.  Many last several months to half a year so you will not need to change out the charcoal absorber anytime soon.

 

5 Air Freshener Next to Cage

When all else fails, you can plug in an air freshener within the same room as the pet’s cage.  This will help to cover and mask any pet related odors that may develop between bedding changes and cage cleanings.  As an added benefit, the room in which you run this freshener will have a pleasant and stimulation scent of your choosing.


Photo credit: Schmeegan

 
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How to Get Skunk Smell Out of House

Skunk smell usually makes it’s way within a house from a spray within close proximity or from a recently sprayed dog rubbing the oil throughout the carpeting and furniture. When skunk smell gets within a home it can cause serious discomfort and require immediate damage control.


Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to remove this repugnant stench from the home, and return freshness within your living space.  By following the suggestions within this guide you can be sure eliminate the sharp reminder of your nocturnal visitor and return your house to normal.

Household Deodorizing Principles

1 Deodorize Home ASAP!

Most skunk sprays happen within the odd hours of the night, and will require your immediate assistance. Wake up and take action rather than going back to sleep. The faster that you act in deodorizing, the less the odor will set become embedded within your home and the easier the skunk spray will be to deodorize.  If your dog is the target of the spray, you will want to first clean and deodorize your canine companion first, and then move on to cleaning your home. You may miss out on some sleep, but fast action will pay off in the long run.

2 Quarantine Your Pooch

At all costs, attempt to clean and deodorize your dog outside. Many people make the mistake of allowing their dog access within their home immediately after being sprayed.  Dogs will instinctively run about the home rubbing against the walls, furniture and flooring.  During this process, the skunk spray oils are gradually spread on household possessions creating a challenging interior environment to deodorize.  If you smell the spray before your dog enter the home via the doggy door, your first step will be to seal the doggy door to keep you puppy outside.

3 Keep Doors & Windows Shut

Immediately after the spray make sure that all door s and windows within closed proximity to the spray are closed.  Though the smell will undoubtedly still make it’s way within the home, this will help to keep the majority of the spray from entering the home.  If you are going out to wash and deodorize your dog, be sure to to exist your home from a door that is not located by the area of the house where the dog was sprayed.

Household Deodorizing Solutions

1 White Vinegar Scrub and Spray Down

Using this household acid can work to directly combat the effects of skunk spray residue.  As the skunk spray proliferates through your home, the oily residue can come to rest on your flooring, walls and ceiling.  The acid within white vinegar cuts through this oil and will have the effect of rendering it odorless.  Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with eight parts water and proceed to scrub down the walls, ceiling and flooring with this mixture.  Begin with the rooms within your house most affected by the spray and continue to other rooms as necessary.  As an additional measure for furniture and carpeting, you can mix one part white vinegar with ten parts water and spray these items and areas down within your home.  After making sure that they have become sufficiently moist with this formula allow 24-48 hours for the solution to air dry away.

2 Hose Down Spray Radius & Pour Enzyme Cleaner

If the skunk spray location resides somewhere close to your home, you may wish to treat this location to eliminate the odor.  Spray the general location that is producing the majority of the odor down, and proceed to pour a gallon of enzyme cleaner over the area.  Watering the skunk spray oil down before pouring the enzyme cleaner on the location will allow for the cleaner to hit a wider area and have a larger impact than if it were poured alone.  The enzymes within this deodorizing cleaner will literally go to work in in eating this odorous oil and return fresh air your outdoor area.

3 Ozone Machine

When the above methods have failed to remove the lingering smell of skunk within the household, using an ozone machine within your household is a sure-fire way to remove the difficult odor. Ozone machine can cost up to 500 dollars to rent, but they often are the last line of defense in eliminating skunk odors within households.  They work by removing all of the oxygen from the enclosed space to eliminate odors where they sit.  As a note of precaution, they can be very dangerous if improperly used, and it is important after use to return oxygen the home by opening all doors and windows for a minimum of an hour before going back within the home.

4 Febreze Interior

In minor cases, deodorizing product sprays such as Febreze can do a good job at masking and eliminating difficult skunk odors.  You may find that an extra spray on linens, curtains, upholstery and clothing will help to freshen them enough to avoid the need to launder the fabrics.  Additionally, deodorizing sprays like Febreze can come in handy for spraying down living spaces and freshening rugs and carpeting.  For more advice related to removing skunk spray from clothing, click here.

5 Activated Charcoal Within Cupboard & Refrigerator

After skunk odors have found their way within your home, you may find that several kitchen ingredients have acquired the pervasive musk. When this happens, you need to understand that all porous containers are a lost cause and must be disposed of.  No amount of activated charcoal or baking soda will enough to absorb and remove the skunky smell from their siding.  Once these items have been removed, place several charcoal briquettes throughout the cupboards in strategic locations where they will do the most good.  After placing 20-30 throughout your food-lined shelves, allow the briquettes 1-2 weeks to absorb remaining skunk odors.

6 Ozone Bulb

This handy device can be used in cases where the air conditioner within the household has been affected by the skunk spray.  Once skunk spray gets within an air conditioner, it can work to perpetually spread the odor throughout the house for days and weeks following the incident.  Placing an ozone bulb within the air conditioner can work to sterilize and freshen the air passing through it.  Although the bulbs can cost upwards of 400 dollars, it remains an effective solution for rescuing your air conditioner and returning fresh air within your household.


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How to Get Garlic Smell Off Hands

This cooking ingredient has the ability to season and enrich a wide variety of dishes.  While it can be beneficial to flavoring, it can also have the unwanted effect of rubbing off on one’s hands during it’s preparation.  When garlic residues get within hands, the sharp stench can be quite intense and very challenging to remove from one’s fingers and palms.


Luckily, there are several household remedies for neutralizing the stench of garlic odors within hands.  By following some of the below solutions, you can be certain that your palms and finger will be smelling fresh again.

Hand Deodorizing Solutions

1 Rub Stainless Steel Utensil Under Cold Water

It may sound silly, but rubbing a stainless steel utensil under cold running water is a tested method that works to remove that smell of garlic from one’s hands.  Turning on the faucet, and rubbing for a minimum of 20-30 seconds has a somewhat mysterious molecular reaction that combats the odorous garlic oils.  Allow though any stainless steel utensil will work for this home remedy, a stainless steel spoon is recommended because you are less likely to poke yourself while rubbing.

2 Rub Ice Cube Under Cold Running Water

Rubbing an ice cube under cold water will have a similar effect as using a stainless steel utensil.  Grab a large cube of ice and rub the interior of you palms and fingers under the faucet.  If melting takes place simply continue with a new cube until you have rubbed all affected areas over the course of 60-90 seconds. The cold water will have the effect of tightening your pores within your hand while the water and friction from the ice cube loosens the oils and washes it away.

3 Toothpaste Scrubdown

The use of toothpaste can work wonders in eliminating the smell of garlic from one’s palms and fingers.  Squeeze double the quantity of toothpaste that you would normally use for brushing your teeth within hands.  Proceed to rub the toothpaste within palms and in and between fingers.  Finally, finish by rinsing off the toothpaste from hands under the faucet.

4 Lemon Juice

The citric acid within lemon juice can help to strip the garlic oil from hands and leave palms and fingers smelling fresh.  Either splash hands with lemon juice or proceed to scrub palms and fingers with the inside of a lemon.  Either way, lemon juice will need to come into contact with all affected areas for 5-10 seconds for desired results.  As a note of precaution, you may want to avoid this particular remedy you your hands are dry, cracked or have any cuts.  The acid within lemons can cause quite a bit of pain if you presently have any of these conditions within palms or fingers.

5 Tomato Juice

This solution works in the same fashion that it eliminates and makes sprayed oil from a skunk’s behind.  Although opening a can of tomato juice may not be warranted for removing garlic smell from hands, this is nonetheless effective at eliminating garlic oil odor.  Splash palms and finger with tomato juice and rub through hands for 10-15 seconds over the sink.  Once complete, rinse hands under faucet and enjoy freshened hands for the rest of your day.

6 Palm Rubbed Salt

Rubbing salt between palms under  cold water can have the effect of wiping out garlic odor within one’s hands.  Pour 1-2 teaspoon of salt in hands and rub between palms and fingers for a total of 30-60 seconds under a cold faucet.  It is important that enough salt is poured prior to washing to avoid the salt be liquid and carried away prematurely.

7 Splash of Mouthwash


Similar to toothpaste, mouthwash can be used to clear your hands from garlic odor.  Pour a small amount of mouthwash in hand and proceed to rub it between palms and fingers for 15-30 seconds.  If the smell persists after one use, try pouring and repeating an additional time for better results.

8 Drizzle Olive Oil

Many claim that using olive oil to helps diffuse the natural garlic oils and remove the smells from one’s hands.  Pour a teaspoon of olive oil in hands and rub between palms and fingers for 30 seconds.  After this time has passed, place hands under a cold running faucet and wash with dish detergent to remove both type of oil.

9 Apple Cider Vinegar (or White Vinegar)

The strong acid within vinegar works well in striping garlic odors from out hands.  This household acid directly lifts the natural garlic oils from palms and eliminates the source of the stench.  Pour a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar within hands and proceed wit rub between palms and fingers for 30-45 seconds.  Once complete, wash hands under faucet with dish detergent to remove any existing vinegar odor.

10 Rub a Bundle of Parsley

This method may not completely remove the garlic odor from your palms, but many stand by it’s ability to mask the stench within your hands. Select a small bunch of parsley and wad up and rub between palms and fingers for 45-60 seconds.  The fiber will work to strip some of the garlic oils while the parsley juices cover up the garlic smell.

Extra Garlic Hand Tips

1 Prepare Garlic With Cold Water


When preparing and washing garlic, always make sure that you do it with cold water.  The hot water has the effect of opening the pores within your hands and letting the odorous garlic oils within the palms.  Cold water has the opposite effect of contracting the skin pores and preventing garlic oil from making it’s way within the pores of your fingers and palms.

2 Preventative Latex Gloves

As a preventative method, latex gloves can be worn prior to handling garlic cloves.   It can be a bit of a hassle to if you regularly find yourself cooking with garlic cloves, however it is 100 percent sure to keep garlic oils off of your hands. Warning:  If you are serving to any one who may potentially have latex allergies, you may need to go without using this preventative method.

3 Stainless Steel Soap Bar

This product solution works under the same principle used while rubbing a steal utensil under cold water.  The increased benefit of rubbing stainless steel within bar form is that it will allow for faster deodorizing due to it’s ability to come in contact with more areas of your palms and fingers.


Photo Credit: Clay Irving

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How to Get Campfire Smell Out of Clothes

Spending time around the campfire is a wonderful pastime for friends and family.  Regrettably, the smoke created can quickly make it’s way within clothing while conversations are being held and stories being shared.


Fortunately, there remain several household solutions for lifting the campfire aroma off from clothing.  By following some of the below suggestions, you will be sure to remove this smokey stench to return your camping clothing to normal.

Traditional Washing Solutions

1 Always Use Hot Water

Smells are best extracted by using while using hot water.  Before beginning a washing machine cycle, be sure to check the tags of your clothing to discover the maximum level of heat that they can withstand.  Once you know the limitations, be sure to set the wash cycle to the maximum amount of heat that the clothing will withstand.  Doing this will help to open the clothing fiber and allow for easier access of the detergent to the odorous campfire residues located on the clothing.

2 White Vinegar Cleanse

This household acid works to cut through difficult odors and add an extra deodorizing kick within any wash.  Measure a full cup of white vinegar and pour within the beginning of a normal detergent rinse cycle that includes the campfire affected clothing.

3 Baking Soda Boost

Similar to white vinegar, baking soda is another kitchen ingredient that has long been used to add a deodorizing boost within washing machine cycle. Begin a normal detergent wash cycle with the affected clothing, and simply pour in a half cup of baking soda within the first five minutes of the cycle.

4 Let Enzymes Eat It

Using an enzyme cleaner will have the effect of literally eating the smelly campfire residues off of the clothing.  Mix a solution of one part enzyme cleaner with ten parts warm water and dunk the affected campfire clothing within the mixture.  Allow for the clothing to sit for 2-3 hours before lifting the contents from the solution and placing within a normal detergent wash.

5 Hang In Sun

Rather than drying the clothing within the dryer, opt to air dry it outside within direct sunlight.  The open space, fresh air and ultraviolet rays will all work to help in neutralizing the unwanted odor.  If you suspect that a campfire odor still remains after placing your clothing through the washer, this is a good option to add additional freshness within the clothing fiber.

Deodorizing Solutions Without Washing

1 Vodka Spray Down

Besides being an excellent party drink, this substance has been used for generations for deodorizing unpleasant odors.  Mix a solution of vodka and warm water within a spray bottle.  Proceed to spray down the interiority of the clothing and hang them outside within direct sunlight.  As the vodka quickly evaporates, it neutralizes the campfire aroma and dries away odorlessly.

2 Lemon Juice Squeeze & Spray

The citric acid within lemon juice can work wonders in eliminating unwanted odors.  Mix one part lemon juice with eight parts warm water within a spray bottle.  Mist down the entire outside of area of the affected clothing until it is sufficiently moist.  Hang the clothing outside within direct sunlight and provide 3-4 hours for the formula to dry and for the campfire odor to be lifted off.

3 Deodorizing Product Spray

On short notice, a variety of deodorizing product sprays can be used to lessen the built up  smell of campfire odors.  Simply spray down the affected clothing and provide 30-90 minutes for the moisture to dry off and leave the clothing smelling fresh.  Packing a bottle of Febreze with your camping supplies can go a long ways in covering and eliminating campfire odors.

4 Activated Charcoal Box

If you have the time, using activated charcoal to deodorize your camp clothing can be an effective way to eliminate campfire odor without using any moisture. Place activated charcoal briquettes within an old pair of nylon leggings and place in an enclosed box with the campfire affected clothing.  Allow for the content of the enclosed box to sit for 5-7 days before returning to remove the freshened clothing.



Photo Credit: Martin Cathrae

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How to Get Skunk Smell Out of Clothes

When coming into contact with the offensive odor of a skunk’s oily spray, we are often caught in disbelief by it’s intensity and ability to travel from one possession to the next.  Clothing can quickly absorb this stench within it’s fabric fiber and is one of the most challenging items to deodorize.

 


 

Fortunately, there are steps to remove a skunks repugnant odor from clothing and help to freshen the fabric.  By following the household remedies outlined below, you can be sure to eliminate any residual skunk spray oil and return your clothing to normal.

 

Skunked Clothing Principles

 

1 Wash Skunked Clothing ASAP!

The sooner that you take action to wash and deodorize your clothing the better chance you will have to remove the residual effects of skunk spray.  As a general rule of thumb, try to place the clothing within a deodorizing wash within 1-2 hours from the initial contact.

 

 

2 Wash Skunked Clothing with Hot Water

It is always good idea to wash skunked clothing within hot water.  The warm water will work to open and expand the stitching to allow for detergent to make it’s way in to eliminate the odorous skunk oil.  However, always remember to check the maximum water temperature that your clothing will allow before placing through a wash cycle.

 
 

Household Solutions for Skunked Clothing

 

1 Soak in White Vinegar

This household acid works to break apart the skunk spray oil within clothing.   Mix one part white vinegar with five parts warm water and dunk the affected clothing within the formula.  Be sure to work the formula within the clothing fiber for several minutes before leaving it to soak for 2-3 hours.  Once 2-3 hours have passed, place the clothing within a warm wash cycle.  For an added boost, you can add a half cup of baking soda during the beginning of the rinse.

 

2 Deodorize with Hydrogen Peroxide

This household compound works equally well at breaking down skunk spray oil within clothing, however it is only recommended for white clothing due to bleaching properties within the substance.  Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with six part warm water and dunk the affected clothing within the formula.  After the clothing has soaked for 1-2 hours, remove and place within a washing cycle.  Similarly, you can place a half cup of baking soda within the beginning of wash cycle to provide additional freshness.

 

3 Tomato Juice – Red & Black Color Exception

The acids within tomato juice work well in breaking down the oils within skunk spray.  However, this solution can have harmful staining effects on all colors of clothing except for red and black.  If the affected clothing is of a black or red color, consider soaking it within a bowl of hot water and tomato juice in equal parts and a teaspoon of dish detergent.

 

4 Open Windows

Use Solar PowerHanging your clothing outside in direct sunlight will do much remove any residual smell of skunk spray.  The ultraviolet rays, fresh air and open space will all go to work in neutralizing and lifting off any smell of skunk that is left within the clothing fiber.  This solution does much than drying within a conventional dryer, and also works well in combination with some of the home remedies listed above.

 

 

Product & Professional Solutions for Skunked Clothing

 

1 Febreze  Detergent

This is a relatively new detergent developed by Frebreze to directly combat odors within clothing and linens.  In comparison to other detergents, many have found this product to be much more effective at tacklign difficult odors to return freshness within the rinse cycle.  If the above solutions have not been effective at removing skunk spray odor from your clothing, you may want to give this product a go.

 

2 Enzymes Product Solutions

The active enzymes within the Nature’s Miracle product line work well at eating through difficult animal odors and to freshness. While the majority of their product are aid at tackling dog and cat related odors, the have developed a skunk shampoo for dogs that can be used on clothing fiber.  Draw a large bowl of hot water and mix in 5-6 teaspoons of skunk shampoo.  Repeatedly dunk clothing within the mixture and work the solution within the fiber of the clothing.  Allow for the clothing to soak for 3-4 hours within the solution before place the clothing within a normal detergent wash.

 

3 Spray Product  Solutions

There are several spray products that work well to mask and eliminate unpleasant odors.  Using Febreze or a stronger spray related product like “Skunk Off” can be helpful to quickly freshen clothing.  This comes in great use for lightly affected clothing that has caught the residual skunk odor from a recently sprayed dog coming into the house.  Simply spray down that clothing and provide 30-45b minute for the clothing fiber to dry before use.

 

4 Get Professional Help

When the above solutions are not enough to remove the residual effects of skunk spray, consider getting professional help from your dry cleaners.  Though this is a pricey solution, many professional dry cleaners will only make you pay if they can get the smell out of the clothing.  Additionally, this solution works well with clothing items like leather jackets that cannot be placed through a wash cycle.

 

Skunked Clothing Prevention

 

1 Keep Your Distance from Skunk

If you happen to spot a skunk, be sure to keep a healthy distance of at least 30 feet (10 yards) and do not do anything to agitate them.  Skunks can spray with accuracy at 10 feet and can still mist your clothing at a distance of 15 feet.  As long as they do not feel threatened they will not resort to using this line of defense.

 

2 Wash Spray Dog with Old Clothing

Be sure to change into old clothing before approaching your dog to wash and deodorize it’s fur.  Dogs are often covered head to tail in skunk spray, and you should anticipate some of this rubbing off on your clothing.  Although some of your clothing may still get smelly during this process, you can rest easy that it is not an outfit that you care about.


 
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How to Get Skunk Smell Off Dog

Our canine companions are naturally curious of mysterious critters within the night.  Regrettably, when this curiosity has a chance encounter with the full spray of a skunks behind, the pet and it’s owner will be wishing that it had just stayed indoors for the night. The spray is undoubtedly one of the most smelly substances known to man, and can be quite chalenging to remove.


 

Fortunately, there are several household ingredients that can be employed to remove the odor and add freshness back within your dog fur.  In following some of the below suggestions you will be on your way to eliminating skunk odor and returning your pooch to normal.

 
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Dog Deskunking Preparation

1 Treat Your Pouch Quickly

The longer you wait to clean and deodorize you canine companion after a spray the more challenging it will become to remove the unwelcome odor. If not treated immediately, the skunk spray oils have the unique potential of being embedded within the fur and the smell lasting up to two years. As a safe margin of treatment, try to clean and deodorize your dog’s fur within two hours of the initial spray.

 

2 Prepare Yourself For Battle

Before you com into contact with your dog, know that the skunk related oils will likely come into contact with your hand and clothing.  These odors can be challenging to remove from your palms and are almost impossible to remove from clothing.  For this reason, it is wise to place on rubber gloves and thrift store clothing before coming into contact with your dog.

 

3 Absorb and Contain Skunk Oils

The majority of skunk sprays only hit part of your dog’s fur.  Before attempting to clean and deodorize your dog, you can help to absorb and contain the smells within the affected area.  First locate the area of the spray and proceed to pat the dog down within the affected areas with paper towels to absorb as much odorous oil as possible.  Using a paper towels are key, as these oils are unlikely to ever be fully removed from traditional bath towels.

 

4 Keep Your Dog Outside

Before you let your dog inside, do an evaluation of whether you can clean and deodorize your dog outside before allowing them into the house.   Allowing your do to walk though the house can quickly fill the home with the odor and infuse the stench within the flooring, walls, linens and clothing.  If you have a working garden hose outside, it is recommended that you fully treat the dog before letting it indoors.  If not, be sure that you have prepared one of the below deodorizing treatments and that you take your dog directly to the bathroom to clean and deodorize it’s fur.

 

Dog Deskunking Solutions

1 Traditional Tomato Juice Remedy

Once you have taken some of the above precautions, mix a bowl of your dog’s shampoo and tomato juice within equal parts.  Once completed apply this solution on your dog making sure that no area is left untouched.  As an additional precaution be sure that that tomato juice has 2-3 minutes to soak in and neutralize the odor before you rinse the solution free from your dog.  As an extra precaution, be sure to rinse and repeat at least once.  This will help in striping away any remaining skunk spray oils that may remain within the dog’s fur.

 

Tomato Juice Warning: Be sure to clear any fabrics that may be stained from the red tint of tomato juice from the bathroom in which you are bathing your dog.  Dogs have a tendency to want to regain their scent after being sprayed by a skunk and sequentially bathed within tomato juice.  They will be prone to shake the juice off and run about the house and rolling on the carpet.  Be sure to close the bathroom door and only allow your dog to freedom after having been thoroughly rinsed free of tomato juice.  A house can quickly resemble a crime scene if these steps are not carefully followed.  As a final word of precaution, tomato juice can cause a staining within dogs that have light fur tones. If this is the case with your dog, you may want to consider using one of the alternatives below to eliminate the skunky odor.

 

2 Sizzle Out the Smell with Mouthwash

This is a highly effective substitute to tomato juice for de-skunking your pup.  The great advantage to using this solution over tomato juice is that it leaves no scent and does not have the potential for staining the canine’s fur.  Mix a solution of mouthwash and doggy shampoo within a bowl and proceed to apply the solution to every square inch of your dog’s fur.  Provide 2-3 minutes for the solution to strip the skunk spray oil and then proceed in rinsing the mouthwash blend from your canines fur.  Similar to tomato juice, it is a good idea to rinse and repeat at least once to catch any residual skunk odors that my continue to lurk within your canines coat.

 

Mouthwash Warning: Anyone who uses mouthwash knows that it can sting the insides of their mouths while it is disinfecting and killing bacteria.  Taking this into account, pay extra attention to keep this solution clear from your dog’s eyes as this can lead to an unpleasant sting and irritation.

 

3 Try a Household DeSkunking Concoction

To make this household deskunking concoction, you will need to mix one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of dish detergent within a bowl.  It is important to first wet your dog’s fur, and then proceed to rub this mixture within your canine’s coat.  Allow for the mixture to set for 3-5 minutes before rinsing and repeating with the solution.

 

DeSkunking Concoction Warning:As an additional magic trick to this de-skunking mixture, a chemical reaction will be created that will cause the ingredients foam once mixed.  While this is relatively harmless within a bowl or open container, it can be dangerous and cause a minor explosion within  an inclosed space.  As pressure builds, this mixture can cause bottle tops and lid to blast off at record speeds.  As an additional precaution, be very careful while applying this solution around the canine eyes, nose and mouth.  While it is unlikely that this will cause any lasting damage, it can cause some temporary irritation.

 

4 Be Prepared with a Deskunking Product

If your dog regularly chases down skunks or if you live near a pet store, you may consider purchasing a veterinary approved skunk deodorizer.  Many of these products will work better that household solutions and provide a much cleaner and simplistic application within the dog’s fur.  The great majority of these cleaners use active enzymes that will eat though the skunk related oils and render the dog smelling fresh.


 
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How to Get Fish Smell Out of House

Fish is a healthy alternative in compression to any other type of meat. While you body will love you for cooking and eating fish, it is very likely that your family and flatmates will not. Cooking fish can quickly fill an entire home, and leave a sharp fishy scent behind.


Fortunately, there exist several preventative steps to minimize the impact that cooking fish within the home has on the air quality. By following the below steps, you will be able to eat fish in fresh smelling home with a clear conscience.

Preventative Fish Odor Solutions

1 Open Windows

Taking this step prior to cooking fish will save you much headache later on. Be sure to open all of the windows within the kitchen as well as the windows within any rooms that connect directly with your cooking space that do not have a sealable door. As another rule of thumb, leave the windows open 10-15 minutes after you are finished cooking.

2 Run Stovetop Fan

Running the stovetop fan does much to suck out the most odorous scent of cooked fish from the kitchen and send it directly outside. The fan is located directly over the oven and stove, and works to catch the fish scent as it naturally climbs upwards prior to spreading throughout the home. As a preventative step, always begin the fan prior to beginning to cook your fish.

3 Close Kitchen Door

Keeping the kitchen door closed is essential to making sure that the smell of fish does not make it’s way thought the home. As a guiding principle, close the door prior to cooking and keep the door to the kitchen shut a total of 10 minutes after the cooking has completed. To take this step one further, a towels can be used to seal up the space under the kitchen door where the stench of fish may slip though if otherwise not in place.

4 Try to Oven Cook

Cooking fish within the oven creates less of a characteristic fishy smell than cooking fish on the stove top. Be sure to still run the stovetop top fan as this will work to further minimize the odors that are coming out from the oven.

5 Use Olive Oil When Frying

Use of cheap cooking oils like vegetable oil can add to the odor problem. Many on them have a characteristic smell that can intensify the fishy stench within your home. Whenever you are frying fish on top of the stove top, always make an effort to cook with olive oil.

6 Kitchen Febreze Spray Down

Once you’ve finished cooking your fish, try spraying down the kitchen with Febreze or another type of scented spray. In addition the the windows being open and the oven fan running, this should be enough to disguise any signs that a fish has been cooked within the kitchen.

Fish Odor Removal Solution

For those that cook fish on a regular basis, you may have the unpleasant side-effect of your kitchen beginning to smell like it. If this is the case, one of the following solutions can help to clean your kitchen and remove the fishy odors found within.

1 White Vinegar Wall Scrub

This household acid works well at striping built up odorous residues from surfaces within the kitchen. Mix solution of one part white vinegar and five parts hot water. Dunk a disposable rag within the solution, and proceed to scrub down the walls, ceiling and cabinets within the kitchen. Though the vinegar will smell during it’s application, it will dry away odorlessly and leave no trace of fish related odor behind.

2 Bleach Wall Scrub

Bleach works in a similar fashion to strip the walls of organic fish related build-up. Mix a solution of one part bleach with ten parts hot water, and proceed to scrub down the walls, ceiling and cabinets of the kitchen with a disposable rag. The windows can be open to speed the drying and minimize the chemical odor of the bleach within the kitchen.


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