How to Get Cigarette Smoke Out

Cigarette smoke lingers in homes.

Cigarette smoke odor is pervasive. It gets into every surface and fabric and stays there for long periods. Carpets and walls are common areas that hold cigarette smoke smell, and are often overlooked by people when they try to remove the smell from the home. To get rid of cigarette smoke, you will need to attack each surface and fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry detergent
• White vinegar
• Baking soda or carpet deodorizer
• Non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner
• Rag
• Bowls
• Air purifier
• Carpet cleaner

Instructions

1. Throw all washable items -- clothing, bedding and towels -- into the washer with laundry detergent. To aid the detergent in removing the cigarette smoke, add a cup of white vinegar to the wash.

2. Sprinkle baking soda or a carpet deodorizer on the carpet and on upholstered furniture. Allow it to sit overnight, so the granules will absorb the cigarette smoke smell. Vacuum up the granules.

3. Shampoo the carpet with a rug cleaner, if the smell persists. Also, steam clean the upholstery.

4. Clean walls with a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner. If the smell still lingers in the wall, apply a sealant to the wall and repaint.

5. Remove light bulbs from the light fixtures and wipe them down with a rag and water. Make sure they are dry before replacing them back into the fixture.

6. Pour white vinegar or ammonia into a bowls. Place the bowls through the house. The solution will help absorb the smells. Keep bowls out of the reach of small children and animals.

7. Clean the air. Open a window to allow fresh air inside. Place an air purifier in the room, turn it on and close the door. The air purifier may take several days to clean the odor from the air.

References

• Good Housekeeping: How to Remove Cigarette Smoke Odor
• HealthGuidance: How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell
• EcoLife: Removing Cigarette Odor