How to Get the Smell of Weed Out of Your Clothes

One of the downsides of smoking cannabis is the odors that can not only linger in the air but also seep into your clothes. The smell can last as little as a few hours or as long as several days. 

Whether your next stop is somewhere you can’t smell like weed, or you simply just don’t want to smell like weed, there are a few ways to quickly get rid of the unwanted odor.

Get the Smell Out of Your Clothes Fast

You just got done with your sesh, and now you reek of weed. Below are a few of the quickest ways to get rid of the smell.  

Note: Before using any of these methods, it’s important to check your clothing’s tags to find the best way to care for and preserve each piece's quality.

Air Out the Clothes

If you had an indoor sesh, or maybe just an intense one, the quickest way to get the smell out of your clothes is to air them out. This is also the simplest and cheapest option, as it requires nothing other than fresh air.

If the weather is good, step outside as soon as you can and take a couple of laps. If you have an extra pair of clothes, you can change and hang the weed-smelling ones on a clothesline or over a ledge. This is the quickest and easiest way to remove the unwanted odors.

Machine Wash the Clothes 

If you have access to a washing machine, throw your clothes in for a quick cycle with cold or warm water using your usual detergent. 

If the aroma is particularly pungent or stubborn, pre-soak your clothes in a mixture of baking soda and water before throwing them in the wash. 

Some laundry experts recommend using an enzyme-based detergent, such as Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release or Persil ProClean Stain Fighter, to ensure odors are entirely removed. If you don’t have either of those, you can also add borax, baking soda, or washing soda directly to the wash or white vinegar during the rinse cycle (½ to 1 cup of either is typically recommended). 

Some folks like to add scented fabric softener or even use essential oils, like lavender or eucalyptus, during the wash.

Once washed, you can hang-dry your clothes or use a dryer as you usually do. For additional help removing odors, throw in some scented dryer sheets or a dryer ball with added essential oils, avoiding those that can stain or damage clothing, like lemon, cinnamon, or blue tansy.

Hand-Wash the Clothes

Sometimes you don’t have access to a washing machine or the funds to stop by a laundromat. In that case, handwashing them is a perfectly suitable way to remove weed odors. This method may also be quicker.

To hand-wash:

1. You’ll need a basin, bucket, or sink that you can fill, large enough for your clothes.
2. Start by filling the basin with lukewarm water.
3. Submerge the clothing in the water, adding your regular laundry detergent and any additional ingredients, such as borax, baking soda, washing soda, or white vinegar. 
4. Gently agitate the clothing with your hands (not scrubbing hard) for a couple of minutes.
5. Do a quick rinse, then agitate again for a couple of minutes more for particularly pungent clothing.
6. Next, drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cold water. To thoroughly rinse out the soap, dunk and lift the clothing in the water until all soap and bubbles are gone.
7. Remove any excess water by pressing the clothes (not wringing or twisting).
8. Finally, you can hang-dry the lighter clothing or lay the heavier material flat to dry thoroughly. 

Cover Up the Odor 

One of the most traditional ways to remove cannabis odors from clothing is to cover up the smell with another fragrance. And the great part is that this method is quick and straightforward. 

Simply spray your clothing with whatever perfume, body spray, or cologne you usually use. Some people opt for other odor-eliminating sprays, such as Fabreeze fabric spray. There are also aromatherapy sprays marketed specifically to cannabis smokers, often found in smoke shops and online.

Use a Dryer Sheet

A go-to method for removing weed smells from clothing is to utilize a scented dryer sheet. To do this, simply rub the sheet over the clothing. Sometimes this method isn’t as effective for completely removing the odors, but it can reduce them. Just be wary of which material you use this on, as it can be abrasive to more fragile, delicate fabrics.

If you have access to a dryer and the time to spare, you can also throw the clothing straight into the dryer (without washing or soaking) on a low temperature or with no heat, with a dryer sheet, for a short cycle. 

If you’re using the dryer and don’t want to use or don’t have a dryer sheet, you can use a dryer ball and add essential oils to it. Make sure you don’t use essential oils that can damage or stain clothing. 

How to Prevent Weed Smell on Your Clothes

If you’d like to avoid altogether the potential for cannabis odors to seep into your clothing, you can do any of the following.

Opt for Non-Smoking Consumption Methods

There are a few other ways to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabis that don’t produce any smoke or smells that can linger on clothes. Edibles and tinctures are the most popular options, as you can still get many of the same effects as smoking without the weed smell. 

Some people like to use methods like vaping or dabbing, as the vapor produced is often less pungent than traditional smoking methods like joints or bongs, but there can still be odors that can linger.

Smoke Outside or in Well-Ventilated Spaces 

If you do opt for smoking and want to minimize odors that can seep into your clothing, it’s best to take your sesh outside. However, it’s important to be mindful of where and when you are consuming so as not to get yourself into trouble or offend others.

If you have to smoke inside, make sure it’s in a well-ventilated space. Open windows and turn on fans to help increase the airflow into the space. 

Use a Smoking Filter

Another option to minimize odors if you are smoking cannabis is to use a smoking filter, often called a sploof. You can purchase one of these at most retail smoke shops or online marketplaces, but they’re also really easy to make.

The classic method is to take a cardboard roll (usually from a paper towel or toilet paper roll) and secure a scented dryer sheet over one of the openings with tape or a rubber band. To use it, after you’ve taken a hit of your joint, you’ll blow the smoke into the open end of the roll and allow the smoke to filter through the dryer sheet. While this won’t eliminate the odor, it will reduce it. 

Other Options to Prevent Weed Smells on Your Clothes

Other ways to help avoid weed smells lingering on your clothes are to make sure you have a change of fresh clothes available after your sesh. This way, you don’t have to stress and can save the washing for your regular laundry day.

If you keep your cannabis at home near your clothes, make sure to store products properly in air-tight containers or smell-proof bags. This will ensure the odors are contained until you’re ready to consume again.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.