How To Remove Cigarette Smell From Your House?

Sanitizing & Disinfection

remove cigarette smell from house

Cigarette smoke can be one of the most stubborn odours to eliminate from a home. Whether you’ve recently quit smoking, moved into a new place, or are simply tired of the lingering smell, removing cigarette smoke from your living space is crucial for both a pleasant environment and better health. This Mold Assassins comprehensive guide will walk you through the most effective strategies to eliminate that persistent odour and breathe easy again.

Steps To Remove Cigarette Smell

remove cigarette smell

Cigarette smoke doesn’t just linger in the air; it permeates every surface in your home. The smell gets absorbed into carpets, furniture, walls, and your HVAC system. Removing it requires a multi-faceted approach to tackle all the areas that might be affected.

Step 1: Air Out Your Home

The first step in removing the smell of cigarettes is to ventilate your house thoroughly. Open all your windows and doors to let fresh air flow through your home. Use fans to increase airflow and help move the smoky air out. This won’t eliminate the smell, but it is an essential first step.

Step 2: Deep Clean All Surfaces

Walls and Ceilings

Smoke particles cling to walls and ceilings. To clean them:

  • Wash with Vinegar Solution: Mix white vinegar with one part water and use a sponge or cloth to wipe down all walls and ceilings. Vinegar is a powerful odor-neutralizer.
  • TSP Cleaner: For tougher stains and smells, use a Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) cleaner. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
  • Repaint if Necessary: If the smell persists, you might need to repaint. Use a primer that seals in odours before applying a fresh coat of paint.

Floors and Carpets

Carpets are notorious for trapping smoke smells.

  • Vacuum Thoroughly: Clean all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
  • Steam Clean: Rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional to clean your carpets deep. Add a few drops of essential oils to the cleaning solution for a fresh scent.
  • Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda liberally over your carpets and leave it overnight. Vacuum it up the next day. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odours.

Furniture

  • Upholstery: For upholstered furniture, use a fabric cleaner or steam cleaner. Sprinkle baking soda on cushions and vacuum after a few hours.
  • Hard Surfaces: Clean all hard surfaces, such as tables, countertops, and cabinets, with a vinegar solution or a specialized cleaner.

Step 3: Clean Your HVAC System

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can harbour cigarette smells, circulating them throughout your home.

  • Replace Filters: Change the air filters in your HVAC system. Opt for high-quality filters designed to trap smaller particles.
  • Air Duct Cleaning: Consider hiring a professional to clean your air ducts. This can significantly reduce lingering smoke odours.

Step 4: Use Odor Absorbers And Neutralizers

After cleaning, odour absorbers and neutralizers can help eliminate any remaining smells.

  • Activated Charcoal: Place bowls of activated charcoal around your home. Charcoal is highly effective at absorbing odours.
  • Air Purifiers: Invest in a good air purifier with a HEPA filter and activated carbon. These devices can remove smoke particles and neutralize odours.
  • Odour Neutralizing Sprays: Use sprays specifically designed to neutralize odours, not just mask them.

Step 5: Wash Fabrics And Linens

Curtains, bed linens, and other fabrics can hold onto smoke smells.

  • Laundry: Wash all washable fabrics, including curtains, bedding, and throw pillows. Use a cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle to help neutralize odours.
  • Dry Clean: Take non-washable items to a professional dry cleaner.

Step 6: Maintain A Smoke-Free Home

Once you’ve removed cigarette smells, keeping your home smelling fresh is important. Enforce a strict no-smoking policy inside your home. Keep up with regular cleaning to prevent odours from building up again. Continue to ventilate your house regularly, especially if guests smoke.

Natural Remedies For Deodorizing Cigarette Odor In Your Home

natural remedies to remove cigarette smell

Natural remedies can also play a role in removing cigarette odours.

  • White Vinegar: Leave bowls of white vinegar around your home. The vinegar will absorb odours over a few days.
  • Baking Soda: As mentioned earlier, baking soda can be sprinkled on various surfaces to absorb smells.
  • Citrus Peels: Place citrus peels in various rooms. They release a pleasant fragrance and help mask smoke odours.
  • Essential Oils: To add a fresh scent to your home, use essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil in a diffuser.

Conclusion

Removing cigarette smoke from your home can be daunting, but with patience and persistence, it is entirely possible. Following these steps, you can reclaim your living space and enjoy a clean environment. Not only will your home smell better, but you’ll also create a healthier atmosphere for you and your loved ones. Remember, the key is to tackle the problem from all angles and maintain good habits to prevent the smell from returning.