Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: paul.fr on 11/03/2007 22:31:08

Title: smells that linger on your clothes
Post by: paul.fr on 11/03/2007 22:31:08
Why is it that some smells cling to your clothes more than others?

Specifically, smoke. You can always tell a smoker from the smell of their smoke. The same way you know someone has been to a firework display.

Why is it that these smells more than others seem to cling to clothes and linger longer?
Title: smells that linger on your clothes
Post by: another_someone on 11/03/2007 23:01:39
My guess is that particulate matter from the smoke gets caught in you clothes.

A smell obtained from a simple gas would not easily settle on your clothes.  A volatile liquid (such as perfume) might condense on your clothes a little, but will also evaporate quickly.  Particulate matter that is carried by the smoke could easily get lodged in your clothes, and once lodged, will not shift easily.

That is my guess, but it is not an authoritative answer.