How to Remove Smoke Buildup

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Stale smoke is very unpleasant and odor neutralizers often bring only temporary relief, unless you remove the smoke buildup first. As you will be dealing with a variety of materials and fabrics, different approaches are required with each and some remedies will actually pull smoke odor from the air and belongings.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Vinegar
Carpet cleaner
Fabric softener dryer sheets
Wood cleaner
Window cleaner
Eraser sponge
Microfiber towels
Odor eliminator (optional)

How to Remove Smoke Buildup and Smoke Odor

Step1

Work with fabrics and carpets first as these will carry the brunt of the smoke odor. Shampooing the carpet is best but you can also try a foam cleanser/freshener designed for pet and smoke odors.

Step2

Pre-treat fabrics with spot remover if needed or wash with borax and a cup or two of vinegar. Multiple washings may be necessary. You can also try spray-on smoke odor eliminators and let the fabrics air out. Repeated airings will bring better results.

Step3

Place a cup or so of vinegar in a bowel or soak a rag and place in strategic spots around your home or vehicle, such as closets and near upholstery. After 24 hours, remove and ventilate for an hour or more. Repeat if necessary.

Step4

Clean smoke buildup on wood by using oil soap or a degreaser suited for wood. Repeat the process until the cloth is clean.

Step5

Decide whether to wash the walls or to apply Kilz and repaint them. Do not spray the walls as the nicotine will streak. Try a damp “eraser" sponge with built-in cleanser or make a 20 to 25 percent solution of white vinegar and water. This also works to remove smoke buildup from non-wood doors, painted cabinet facings and light-colored computer equipment.

Step6

Use window cleaner with vinegar to clean dark or silver shiny appliances with smoke buildup. Use a microfiber towel to aid in removal.

Step7

Refer to a professional for leather. Alternatively, at your own risk, try wiping a leather coat with 50/50 solution vinegar and water, air out several hours. Repeat if needed. Then, turn the coat inside-out, spray the lining with an odor neutralizer and tumble in a cool dryer for about 15 minutes with several (5 to 8) dryer sheets. Repeat if needed to remove the odor from smoke buildup. Then, condition your leather and let it sit outside for several hours or overnight.

Tips & Warnings

Before proceeding, estimate the effort and cost and if multiple applications will be needed. If so or the integrity of the fabric is in question, consider professional smoke removal.
Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning safeguards or consult a professional when in doubt.