How To Get Rid Of Cigarette Smoke Odor
Do not let the stale smell of cigarettes contaminate indoor air quality. It takes patience to get rid of cigarette smoke. The acidic smoke can leave resins and tars in the air that permeate everything around it.
It depends on how bad the smoke smell is. The severity of the smoke odor may dictate that restoration might be more difficult, such as removing items or replacing carpet and drywall. You might consider throwing away any items that have sentimental value. Sometimes, an overstuffed couch can be too obnoxious to worth the effort and time it takes to restore.
Some people can remove the smoke smell using just a few tips. Others may need to use multiple methods and repeat the process several times to get rid of the entire smell.
Get started with hard surfaces
To allow ventilation, open all windows and doors. You can wipe all surfaces clean with a spray bottle or a rag and 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. A mixture of 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 Cup baking soda, and 1/2 cup ammonia can be used to wash the ceiling and walls.
Make sure to clean all surfaces: Doors, knobs and light fixtures (bulbs included), ceilings, fan blades and everything else that smoke touched. You should also clean out all decorations, photo frames, and other knickknacks. You can throw out lampshades or throw pillows, which absorb odors well but are easy to replace. Use a ladder or extension pole with a clamp to reach high places.
Wash Fabrics
Next, you should focus on upholstery, carpet, and fabric. Let everything sit for a few days before you sprinkle it with baking soda. After the baking soda has absorbed the odor, vacuum the carpets and do the same again. Next, steam clean the carpets. You can rent or buy a steamer at your local hardware shop. You can also use your upholstery attachment to clean drapes and upholstered furniture with your steam cleaner.
Use 1/2 cup vinegar to wash laundry-safe fabrics like cushions, drapes, and curtains. Next, repeat the process with your favorite detergent. To prevent shrinkage, it is best to dry these items outside.
Purification & Air Circulation
Keep windows and doors wide open as long as possible, if the weather allows. Fans can be used to promote air circulation. One fan should blow air from the outside and another fan should blow air through the room. A HEPA filter is a good option to remove odor-causing molecules. To absorb the odors from your home after cleaning it, you can place activated charcoal in the corners of the rooms or white vinegar bowls (or apple cider vinegar) in the corners. Every few days, you should replace the vinegar or charcoal. Avoid scented “odor-removal” products that may mask the smell rather than removing it.
It is important that homeowners replace HVAC air filters. Air filters in your home help to remove odor-causing molecules. They should be replaced every two to three month. For odor removal, consult your furnace or AC unit manufacturer. Also, inspect your ducts for dust and debris that could contain smoke molecules. This may be contaminating your home’s fresh air as it passes through your ducts.
Ozone Generator
An ozone generator can be used if smoke odor persists after all the steps have been completed. Ozone is a strong cleanser that is highly effective in eliminating odors. Generators that create ozone can activate oxygen. Ozone generators can oxidize smoke molecules and eliminate smoke smell completely (if used correctly). Ozone generators are available for rent or purchase at your local hardware store. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which often require that the machine is left running for a certain time in a closed area.