Cigarette smoke has a way of lingering in a home long after the last cigarette has been lit. The smell seeps into walls, carpets, furniture, and even air ducts, making eradicating it difficult. If you recently quit smoking, moved into a home where someone smoked previously, or simply would like to refresh your living environment, removing that stubborn odor is very important. Fortunately, there are ways to banish the smell of cigarettes for good.
Deep Clean All Surfaces
The process of removing the smoke odor starts with a deep cleaning of every surface in your home. Start with the walls and ceilings since the residue from smoke can cling to these surfaces over time. Soak them in a solution of vinegar and warm water or a mild detergent and baking soda to deodorize. If the smell doesn’t disappear, try repainting the walls, first with a stain-blocking primer and then the usual coats of paint. Scrub hard surfaces using an ammonia-based cleaner or vinegar and water mixture, including countertops, cabinets, and floors.
Clean Carpets and Upholstery
One of the biggest offenders regarding a lingering odor is that smoke will sit in carpets and upholstery. Start by vacuuming off everything,” including surface debris and ash. Then sprinkle baking soda generously across the carpet and let it sit for at least several hours (up to a few days) before vacuuming again. Against more deeply held odors, perhaps steam-cleaning the carpet — a professional carpet shampooer would take care of that — and an enzyme-based cleaner designed to neutralize smoke odors can be applied. Get furniture upholstery and drapes steam cleaned or treated by a professional for optimum results.
Stop Washing or Replacing Soft Furnishings
Smoke lingers in fabric, so all curtains, bedding, and throw pillows in your home should be washed in hot water with a cup of vinegar added to the wash cycle. If the odor stays after washing, repeating the process may work. “If you get a lot of smoke damage, you may need to replace old fabrics, and it can be the smallest things like curtains that have years of buildup,” he says
Improve Indoor Air Quality
An essential element in smoke odor removal is purifying the air. “Begin by opening windows to bring fresh air into your home and ventilate,” said David Evans, a clinical microbiologist and associate professor of microbiology at Melbourne University. Air purifiers with HEPA filters and activated carbon are highly effective at trapping smoke and odors. Houseplants like peace lilies, snakes, and spider plants can also help absorb pollutants and freshen the air , channeling nature more organically.
Absorb odors using natural deodorizers
Instead of spraying air fresheners to mask the smell, use natural deodorizers that absorb and neutralize the odor. You can also leave bowls of activated charcoal, baking soda, or white vinegar around the home; they will pull smoke odors from the air. Another good way to introduce fresh scents while eliminating unpleasant ones is to simmer citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or cloves on the stove.
Clean or Replace HVAC Filters
Cigarette smoke particles can build up in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, repeatedly circulating the odor. Frequent replacement of air filters and having the ducts cleaned professionally can greatly minimize residual odors from smoke. You may also want to invest in odor-eliminating or charcoal-based filters that help to improve air quality.
Finally, you should deal with long-term solutions by eliminating the root cause of the smell and overcoming the series of challenges to removing smoke smells from your home. If you prepare your home for resale, welcome guests, or just want a healthier atmosphere for your family, these methods will provide you with permanent and smoke-free living.
