If you have recently bought a house or apartment that has been previously occupied by smokers, you may be dealing with the unpleasant smell and residue of cigarette smoke. Removing the smoke odor and cleaning the house thoroughly can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and techniques, you can restore the freshness and cleanliness of your home. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean a house that has been smoked in.
Start with Hard Surfaces
The first step in cleaning a house that has been smoked in is to tackle the hard surfaces. Open all windows and doors to provide ventilation while you clean. Begin by wiping down all hard surfaces, such as walls, doors, knobs, light fixtures, and ceilings, with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and hot water. This mixture helps to neutralize the smoke odor and remove any residue left behind by the smoke. You can also use a mixture of ammonia, vinegar, baking soda, and hot water for a more thorough cleaning of walls and ceilings.
Make sure to clean every surface that the smoke may have come in contact with, including fan blades, knickknacks, photo frames, and decorations. Consider throwing out items such as lampshades and throw pillows that absorb odors well and are difficult to clean. Use a ladder or an extension pole with a rag clamp to reach high spots.
Wash Fabrics
Next, focus on cleaning fabric, carpet, and upholstery. Sprinkle baking soda on all fabric surfaces and let it sit for a few days. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors. After the baking soda has had time to work, vacuum it all up and repeat the process if necessary. Steam clean the carpets using a steam cleaner, which you can buy or rent from a local hardware store. If your steam cleaner has an upholstery attachment, use it to clean drapes or upholstered furniture as well.
For laundry-safe fabrics, such as couch-cushion covers and curtains, wash them in the washing machine with 1/2 cup vinegar instead of detergent. Follow up with another wash cycle using your preferred detergent. It's best to air-dry these items outside to prevent shrinkage.
Air Circulation & Purification
To eliminate the smoke odor completely, you need to focus on air circulation and purification. Keep windows and doors open for as long as possible, weather permitting, to let fresh air in and stale air out. Use fans to encourage air circulation by placing one fan blowing air from outside on one side of the room and another fan across the room to exhaust the air outside.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can also help remove odor-causing molecules from the air. Place activated charcoal or bowls of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) around the rooms to absorb odors. Replace the charcoal or vinegar every few days. Avoid using scented odor removal products, as they may only mask the smell instead of removing it.
Remember to replace HVAC air filters regularly. These filters help remove odor-causing molecules and work best when replaced every two to three months. Consider using charcoal or HEPA filters for better odor removal. Inspect your ducts for any dust or debris that may contain smoke molecules, as this can contaminate the fresh air in your home. If you notice buildup, hire a professional to clean your ducts.
Ozone Generator
If the smoke odor persists even after following the previous steps, you may need to use an ozone generator. Ozone generators create activated oxygen, which can effectively eliminate odors by oxidizing the smoke molecules. You can rent or purchase an ozone generator from a local hardware store. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for usage, which usually involve running the machine in a closed room for a specific period of time.
Call the Experts
Removing the smell of cigarette smoke can be a challenging and time-consuming process. If you are too busy or unable to achieve satisfactory results on your own, it may be best to call in the experts. Rainbow Restoration offers professional residential odor removal services, utilizing state-of-the-art tools and techniques. Their certified experts can help you eliminate the smoke odor and restore the freshness of your home. Contact Rainbow Restoration at (855) 724-6269 or schedule an appointment online. They also provide specialized commercial cigarette smoke odor removal services for businesses and commercial properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I remove cigarette smoke smell from my house on my own?
- How long does it take to remove cigarette smoke smell from a house?
- Can I use air fresheners to remove cigarette smoke smell?
- What are some other methods for removing cigarette smoke smell from a house?
Yes, you can remove cigarette smoke smell from your house on your own by following the steps mentioned in this article. However, it can be a time-consuming and challenging process, especially if the smoke contamination is severe. In such cases, it may be beneficial to seek professional help.
The time it takes to remove cigarette smoke smell from a house depends on the severity of the contamination. Mild smoke odor can be eliminated within a few days or weeks with regular cleaning and airing out of the house. However, severe smoke odor may require a more extensive cleaning process and may take several weeks or even months to completely remove the smell.
Air fresheners may temporarily mask the cigarette smoke smell, but they do not effectively remove the odor. It's best to focus on proper cleaning, ventilation, and odor absorption techniques to eliminate the smoke smell completely.
In addition to the methods mentioned in this article, some other techniques for removing cigarette smoke smell from a house include using activated charcoal, placing bowls of coffee grounds around the house, and using odor-neutralizing sprays or gels. However, these methods may not be as effective as the ones mentioned in this article.
By following these steps and using the recommended techniques, you can successfully clean a house that has been smoked in and eliminate the unpleasant smoke odor. Remember to be patient and thorough in your cleaning process to achieve the best results.
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