files still being tracked after added to .gitignore

I typically clone a new project and then start coding.  I will create a new directory that I dont want to include in the repo.  Afterwards before I commit the changes I add the directory to the .gitignore file.  The problem is that when I attempt to commit, those files are being tracked.  I know I can do a git remove the cache and readd the files (which I do), but I sometimes need to do this frequently.  Is there a way to have pycharm scan the .gitignore file and remove them from git before they are being tracked?