How to Keep a Smoke Smell Out of a Closet

Cigarette smoke travels easily around a home.

Keeping cigarette smoke out of a room or closet is an ongoing process. Anytime someone smokes inside, the smoke will travel, and the smell will become stronger the more it happens. Smoke is not stopped by regular doors or walls because it travels through cracks and ventilation systems. The best way to keep clothes and closets smelling fresh is to stop smoking inside. Otherwise, you need to use odor absorbers to keep the smell out of the closet. Replace odor absorbers frequently so they work their best. When they lose their own odor, they need replacing.

Things You'll Need

• Dishes
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Coffee grounds
• Activated charcoal
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Avoid smoking in the room next to the closet, or indoors at all. The more you smoke in the house, the more likely it will seep through the vents and under the doors to the closet.

2. Place dishes of baking soda or vinegar in the closet to remove smells before they can thoroughly permeate.

3. Hang socks filled with coffee grounds or activated charcoal in the closet. These quickly absorb odors and stop them from lingering.

4. Clean the closet frequently and vacuum the carpet regularly. Sprinkle a carpet deodorizer, such as baking soda, on the carpet before you vacuum to increase the absorption of odors.

Tips & Warnings

• If a closet has an odor that is particularly difficult to remove, repaint it. The fresh paint gives you a fresh start.

References

• "Good Housekeeping"; Instant Air Fresheners; Heloise
• "Good Housekeeping"; Deodorizing a Closet and Bedroom; Heloise
• "Reader's Digest"; 150+ Household Uses for Vinegar