How to Cover Up the Smell of Cigarette Smoke

Not only is cigarette smoke unhealthy to inhale, but the smell also sticks to anything the smoke comes in contact with. Removing the smell of cigarette smoke is difficult because of how strong the smell is. In general, the closer an object is to the source of smoke and the longer its exposure, the harder it is to remove the cigarette smoke smell. Although it's not easy, it is possible to cover up and remove the smell of cigarette smoke from most items. Read on to discover the most effective ways to cover up the smell of cigarette smoke.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Candles
• Room freshener
• Fabric refresher
• Surface cleaner

1. Wash fabrics. Laundering fabrics removes most of the smell of cigarette smoke. Dry cleaning fine fabrics also rids the items of the smoke smell. Check the labels on the fabrics for cleaning instructions and suggestions.

2. Clean skin and hair. Skin and hair hold onto the smell of cigarette smoke. Wash the entire body, since smoke permeates clothing and makes the skin underneath it smell, too. Pay extra attention to the face and hands, since they absorb more smoke than any other area. Wash hair thoroughly to get the smell of smoke out. Use scented soaps and shampoos to cover up the lingering smoke that exists on the skin and in the hair. Use perfume to further guarantee that the smell doesn't linger.

3. Spray the area. Any fabrics that aren't easily removable for washing, such as chair or sofa coverings, benefit from fabric refresher. While the refresher's effects are not permanent, it does a decent job of temporarily covering up the smell of smoke.

4. Wipe everything down. Even hard surfaces need cleaning after cigarette smoke exposure. Use scented cleaners to ensure better coverage of the smell. Walls, countertops, tables and electronics all need a good cleaning after coming into contact with cigarette smoke. To completely cover up the smell, clean every surface.

5. Try air freshener. Spray a room freshener to temporarily mask the smell of the smoke. Spray according to the instructions on the canister for best results.

6. Use candles. Candles cover up cigarette smoke by emitting a fragrance of their own. Keep in mind that the addition of more smoke from the candle will further aggravate any asthma or allergy sufferers, so it's not the best choice for many situations. There are candles specifically made to cover up the smell of cigarette smoke (see Resources).

Resources

• Cigarette Smoke Removal Candles and Sprays