How to Eliminate Cigarette Smoke in a House
Cigarette smoke contaminates furniture, carpet, clothing, bedding, walls, floors and just about anything it contacts. Whether you are trying to eliminate cigarette residue generated by a family member or guests or have just purchased a home that smells like an ashtray, clearing the air is possible with a little work. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- white vinegar
- hot water
- baking soda
- cleaning cloths
- charcoal briquettes (plain, no lighter fluid added)
- paper plates
- Charlie's Soap All-Purpose Cleaner
- paint
- Murphy Oil Soap
- vacuum cleaner
Instructions
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How to Eliminate Cigarette Smoke
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1
Open as many doors and windows as possible to let the house air out. Avoid airing out the house on rainy, damp days.
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2
Wash all curtains, drapes, blinds and window coverings.
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3
Clean carpet using a professional steam cleaner. Professional steam cleaners can be rented, or someone can be hired to do the job for you.
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4
Sprinkle baking soda on furniture at night to help absorb odors.
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5
Vacuum baking soda from furniture the next day. Cleaning and deodorizing might not salvage furniture that has been severely exposed to cigarette smoke, and the furniture might have to be replaced.
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6
Wash walls with a 50/50 mix of Charlie's Soap All-Purpose Cleaner and hot water. The cleaner, which is available online and at most health-food stores, cuts through tar, smoke and other residues of cigarette smoke.
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7
Wash ceilings and floors with a mixture of white vinegar and hot water (one-third vinegar and two-thirds water). White vinegar deodorizes as it removes cigarette residue.
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8
Clean exposed wood with Murphy Wood Soap. This can remove chemical contaminants left by cigarettes and shine the wood at the same time.
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9
Paint any walls or ceilings that continue to smell of cigarettes. This might be an expensive step, but it might be the only solution for areas that have been exposed to excessive smoke.
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10
Place four or five charcoal briquettes on a paper plate and place a plate in each room to absorb lingering odors. The plate can be placed where it cannot be easily seen, such as under or behind furniture or on top of the refrigerator. The charcoal should be replaced after four to six weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider purchasing an air purifier to help with the removal of cigarette-smoke smells in the home.
