- Rags (lots and lots of rags)
- White Vinegar
- Spray Bottle
- Baking Soda
- Ammonia
- HEPA A/C filter
- Steam Cleaner
Get the air circulating with open windows and fans
The first step is an obvious one. We need to open every window in the home and turn every single fan on. Replacing the indoor air with some fresh air from outside will get you well on your way.
Wash or throw away any fabrics in the home
Ever go to a very smoky bar and even after you’ve left you can still smell the cigarette smoke on your clothes? The same applies in your home. Things like curtains, carpets or any upholstery that is staying in the home will need to be thoroughly cleaned. Things like fabric window coverings should be able to be washed in the washing machine. Here’s a trick—instead of laundry detergent, use a cup o white vinegar. Then, wash again using detergent. Allow them to air dry. Ideally, you can throw these items away and replace with your own new ones. If this is your choice, do not bring the new items into the home until the smell is completely gone or you’ll just get the new ones smelling bad too.
If replacing the carpet isn’t an option, the carpets will need to be steam cleaned. First though, sprinkle baking soda all over the carpets liberally. Let it sit for a few days. Then, you can rent a steamer at many grocery or hardware stores here in Naples. Make sure you get one with an upholstery attachment because you will use that on any furniture that is remaining. Repeat the process as necessary.
Clean up the HVAC system
Your air conditioner’s handler is your next stop. I would encourage having it professionally cleaned by a local company such as Conditioned Air. The air handler is taking air in around the clock so it only makes sense to have it professionally cleaned. Then, replace the A/C filter and go with the absolute best HEPA filter.
I know it’s a big step but having the air ducts professionally cleaned is another great thing to do to eliminate cigarette smoke smell in the home. There are a number of air duct cleaning companies in Naples so ask for recommendations in the Facebook Naples, FL group.
Wash the hard surfaces in your home
Grab your spray bottle and some rags and mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and hot water. You need to wipe down every square inch of hard surfaces—light fixtures, door knobs, ceiling fan blades or anything else that came into contact with cigarette smoke needs to be wiped down.
Scrub the walls too
I know, this is hard. If you want the smoke smell out of your home, you’re going to need to scrub the walls. Use a mixture of 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cub vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda per gallon of hot water. Spray, wipe. Stay, wipe. Repeat.
Use ventilators to push air out of the home
Renting two ventilators (or more if you can afford to do so) is a great option. Placing one ventilator in the room to push air toward a window while another ventilator is at the window pushing the air out is a great technique. You can move your two ventilators around the home or use more as budget allows.
Paint the walls (and ceiling)
Drastic? Yep, but it really helps a lot. The walls of your home can harbor that nasty smoke smell so painting them after they’ve been cleaned is a great way to eliminate cigarette smoke smell from your home.
Look at it on the bright side—you wanted a fresh coat of interior paint in your brand new home anyway. This is just a good motivator to do so.
That’s a wrap! Have a better method of getting cigarette smoke odor out of a house?
If you have a method that works for you, please let us know!
