I am often asked how to get rid of stale cigarette smells particularity when people move into a new property. No matter how much cleaning they do the smell just won’t go away.
Smoke smells really do hang and is a very persistent odour lasting a long time. Part of the reason for this is the leftover resins and tars from the smoke but also because the smoke from cigarettes is composed of about 4,000 different chemicals, some in particulate form bonds which cause the stench of smoke to stick to walls, carpets, furniture,and upholstery.
No matter how muck spray you spray or air fresheners you use the smell is still there or it is only masking for a few days and then the smell comes flooding back!
Interestingly, two common household products do a fantastic job of neutralising odours and deodorising the air helping you to combat this strong persistent smell.
One being one of may favourite products white wine vinegar, which being an acid, it is very effective at cutting through resin and tar. Just placing saucers of white vinegar around the affected items and leaving them in a sealed room overnight or for several days can really help. Alternatively mix with warm water and gently wash surfaces and windows making sure you buff dry. White wine vinegar itself has a pungent odour which not everyone likes but this will evaporate and fade quite quickly so don’t panic!
Secondly another favourite of mine Bicarbonate of soda . Bicarb is really good with fabric and upholstery. simply sprinkle the bicarb over as much of the surface as possible and leave for several hours or even a day if possible, and then vacuum everything off. Repeat a few more times if necessary. You can even add to the bicarb a few drops of your favourite essential oil too.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of fresh air. Just leaving items in a well-ventilated room or outside in the fresh air can help enormously in removing unwanted odours.
If you are soon to be moving into a new property soon take a look at my Cleaning guide
