Cigarette smoke odor, like all smoke odor, clings to surfaces, including the skin. If you are alone in your own home and also a smoker, the odor may not be a big deal. If you are on your way to a job interview, a date or in any other situation where you want to look and smell your best, the clinging cigarette smell is rarely welcome. Soap and water diminish the odor but may not remove it entirely. Other simple, inexpensive products can.

Wash your hands well with hand soap and warm water. Rub your hands together briskly to create a lather.

Scrub beneath your fingernails with a fingernail brush (you can find these in the cosmetic aisle of many grocery stores). This helps remove dirt and odor trapped beneath the nails.

Rinse your hands well under warm running water. Fill the sink with water until it is full enough for you to submerge your hands. Add a half cup of white vinegar to the water.

Remove your rings (if applicable) and set these aside. Dip your hands into the vinegar and water solution and soak for 30 seconds to one minute. Vinegar quickly neutralizes many odors. Vinegar is a mild acid, however, and may harm some jewelry if you don’t remove it. Alternatively, you can use baking soda--simply remove your jewelry, wet your hands, sprinkle baking soda on your skin, rub your hands together and rinse.

Let the sink drain and rinse your hands again. The vinegar odor will dissipate soon. If it bothers you, wash your hands with soap and water again.