How to Remove Smoke Smell with Essential Oils

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

While the smell of campfire smoke on vacation may be enjoyable and comforting, most of the time, the smell of smoke is not an aroma we seek or desire. Not only is smoke hazardous to our health, but it leaves a lingering, unpleasant odor. The sleeping bags, tents and clothes reek of it when you get home. Then there’s the smell of burnt dinner, or Uncle Lloyd’s cigar, or a current wildfire permeating the fabrics in our homes (carpet, drapes, upholstery, clothing), we need to clear the air and fast! How? You can remove smoke smell with essential oils!

Best Essential Oils To Remove The Smell Of Smoke

Some essential oils are powerhouses when it comes to clearing the smell of smoke. Their powerful deodorizing properties can help eliminate the smoky odor and make your home smell fresh and inviting again. Our favorite smoke-busting, deodorizing essential oils are:

Cedarwood
Citronella
All Eucalyptus
All Lavender
Lemon
Lemongrass
Orange Sweet
Peppermint
Pine
Rosemary
Tea Tree

I’m sure you’ll be able to pick a few aromas from the list that make you go, ahhhh! One of the first and most effective ways to combat smoke smell is to replace your air filters. Once the new one is in place, add 10 drops of Lavender essential oil directly to your air filter. This will quickly spread a light, pleasant scent in the air that helps eliminate the smell of smoke and creates a relaxing environment.

DIY Power Diffuser

4 drops Rosemary
4 drops Tea Tree
4 drops Eucalyptus

Fill a 12 – 16-ounce spritzer bottle with water and add essential oils to a water bottle spritzer. Spray it on a pillowcase and drape it behind an electric fan to freshen up the room.

This blend is especially helpful for infants or asthmatics who might be more sensitive to smoke. Spray frequently if there’s a lot of smoke to enjoy a wonderful smell in your home.

Freshen Your Upholstery

Carpets and upholstery can hold smoke odor for a long time. This recipe really helps!

1 cup Baking Soda
10 drops Pine
10 drops Tea Tree
10 drops Lemongrass

Stir oils into the baking soda.

Sprinkle the mixture across the carpet or other fabric surfaces in your home.

Gently and lightly brush it into the fabric with your hand or a soft brush. (Make sure to test an area of upholstery before applying.) Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.

Vacuum the surface and enjoy the fresh, clean scent.

Lemony Room Spray

This room spray of odor-fighting vinegar and essential oils can get rid of those last traces of smoke.

4oz Glass Spray Bottle
2 ounces Distilled Water
1 ½ ounces White Vinegar
10 drops of Eucalyptus Citriodora
10 drops of Cedarwood USA
10 drops of Lemon

Mix all the ingredients in the spray bottle. Shake well to combine thoroughly and again before each use. Spray all around your home and especially on upholstery and drapes to help eliminate lingering smoke smell.

Three other nice essential oil combinations are:

Lemon, Eucalyptus & Lavender;
Peppermint, Tea Tree, Pine & Cedarwood;
Eucalyptus; Orange Sweet, & Citronella

As you get rid of the heavy smoke smell, and your home becomes clean and fresh smelling, notice how it changes your mood. Yes! What we smell affects us powerfully. Would you like to learn more about how aromatherapy and your sense of smell work? Grab a copy of our downloadable free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy, you’ll get a 20% off coupon you can use on any essential oil or blend of your choice.

Photos by Chris Holder, Delaney Van, Precious Plastic Melbourne, Giorgio Trovato