Permanently Eliminating Cigarette Smells from Your Home

Having a previous cigarette smoker as a tenant can leave your home with lingering odors. Gone are the days of simply air-drying and waiting for the smell to dissipate. With some effort, you can effectively eliminate these lingering odors to make your home fresh and welcoming again.

Step 1: Address the Walls

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the walls to remove any surface dirt and grease. A solution of TSP tri sodium phosphate is an excellent choice for this purpose as it is effective at breaking down tough grime. Once the walls are cleaned, sand and patch any imperfections. Then, apply a stain-blocking primer before finishing with two coats of your chosen wall and trim colors. This method not only cleans the walls but also helps to seal and protect them from future odors. However, if you find that paint is the most cost-effective and easiest solution, go for it.

Step 2: Thorough Cleaning of Surfaces

For areas like carpet and hardwood floors, a combination of vinegar and mild soap or a product like OdorBan can be very effective. Be careful not to saturate the walls or floors, as excess water can cause damage such as water streaks in the sheetrock. If you decide to use OdorBan, it is particularly good for carpet shampooing. For floors, a deep scrubbing with a heavy-duty cleaner like Chlorox Clean Up can help tackle mold and mildew underneath carpets.

Step 3: Focusing on Cloth and Upholstery

During your cleaning process, do not neglect large appliances such as refrigerators. Bleach wipes are an excellent tool to sanitize the interiors of these appliances, especially if they have a strong smell. For upholstered furniture, a thorough cleaning regimen can help eliminate odors, but you may need to replace the carpet if the smell is pervasive and persistent.

Step 4: Addressing Closet and Cabinets

Closet odors can be particularly stubborn, especially if the previous tenant was a chain smoker. Wash the walls of closets and scrub them from the bottom up. For deep-seated odors, consider using a mildew cleaner like Chlorox Clean Up under the carpeting. Similarly, don’t overlook cabinets; nicotine residue can seep into and attach itself to every corner, so ensure you scrub them both inside and out.

Step 5: Paint and Perforated Paint

Once you have addressed all the surfaces, consider painting the walls. Paint can help seal in odors, and there are specific perfumes mixed into the paint that can help mask lingering odors. This is especially effective in combination with a thorough cleaning process. Another tip is to strategically place open bowls of used coffee grounds around the house, as they are very effective at absorbing odors.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key to successfully eliminating cigarette smells is thorough cleaning and the right products. Follow these steps, and you should be able to create a fresh-smelling, healthy living environment for your next tenant or resident. However, it’s also important to be a responsible landlord and follow the law, especially regarding replacing carpet and repainting walls. Failure to do so can be in violation of health and safety regulations, and it may be seen as neglecting the property, or even worse, as being a slumlord.