How to Get Cigarette Smell Out of a House
When you move into a new home in Cincinnati, you expect new smells. But when those smells give you a headache or remind you of a habit you gave up, something needs to be done. Enjoy your new abode without the smell of stale cigarette smoke. Here we’ll cover some tips on how to clean cigarette smoke off walls, floors, carpets, and anywhere the scent lingers in the house.
How to Clean Nicotine Off Walls
You can dilute the scent by introducing fresh air. Opening windows, turning on the HVAC, or running an air purifier are good ways of increasing ventilation and reducing the smell of cigarettes in the home. However, simply improving ventilation can’t eliminate the odor. You will need to clean the residue clinging to the walls. Try these methods for removing nicotine stains from walls and ceilings and getting rid of the smell for good.
Vinegar. Make an effective solution for cleaning cigarette smoke off walls and ceilings by mixing one part white vinegar with one part water. Use the mixture and a rag or sponge to wash the walls. Alternatively, you can add undiluted vinegar to a spray bottle. Spray down and dry the walls in small sections, making sure not to saturate the drywall.
Baking soda. Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer. Sprinkle it on the floors and furniture and leave it for a few hours to absorb the odors before vacuuming it up. You can also set bowls of baking soda in different rooms to pull the cigarette smell out of the air.
Activated charcoal. Though known as a detoxifying agent, activated charcoal also absorbs smells. Set bowls of activated charcoal powder around the home to absorb the smoke smell.
Paint. If you can’t remove cigarette smoke from your walls completely—or if you plan to put new color on the walls anyway—you can seal the smell with paint. First, thoroughly wash and dry the walls. Then add a layer of odor-sealing primer and let it dry before adding your color of choice.
How to Get Cigarette Smell Out of Carpet and Other Soft Surfaces
The smell isn’t only in the cigarette-stained walls, so how do you eliminate it? You’ll find that the scent clings to several other parts of the house, especially to soft fabric surfaces. Learning how to get the cigarette smell out of carpet, curtains, and upholstery is key to removing the old ashtray smell.
Carpet. Replace old carpet for a fresh look and smell. If you keep the carpet, you can reduce odors by sprinkling a heavy layer of baking soda. Leave it to set for eight hours before vacuuming. If the scent lingers, a professional cleaning should clear the smell.
Curtains and upholstery. You can treat the fabric with steam or try a deodorizing spray. If you choose a treatment spray, avoid odor-masking sprays that will mingle with the smell but not remove it.
Air ducts. Regardless of your efforts freshening the house, soot, ash, and smoke residue left in your air ducts can leak the smell back into the air. A professional air duct cleaning will remove the source of the scent. Afterward, clear out the residual smell of cigarette smoke by changing the air filter once a month for the first year.
Cabinets and closets. Nooks and crannies in your cabinets, drawers, and closets provide more surfaces where cigarette residue can linger. Wipe the spaces down with soft detergent and a cloth. Be careful of cleaners that could damage the material.
Professional Smoke Remediation in Cincinnati
Cigarette smoke odor is hard to clear, but it is possible. By thoroughly cleaning all the spots where smoke residue lingers, scrubbing down walls, and replacing the HVAC air filter, your home can smell fresh again. And should the DIY approach fail, STOP Restoration of Cincinnati has you covered. Our experts specialize in deodorizing smoke damage, so if you need a hand removing cigarette smoke from the walls, we’re prepared to help. Simply give us a call at (513) 506-2739 or schedule service online.
