How to remove cigarette smoke smell - Ask Extension
Can you recommend cleaning solutions to remove cigarette smells from a room?
Knowledgebase
How to remove cigarette smoke smell #195922
Asked July 01, 2014, 12:24 PM EDT
Can you recommend cleaning solutions to remove cigarette smells from a room?
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
The smells from smoke are oil based and cling to walls, ceilings,
curtains, window panes, carpet, etc.
They can be masked with air and/or fabric fresheners, but are best
removed by washing the smoke film from all surfaces. Use a dishwashing detergent labeled as
effective on greasy dishes and warm water to wipe down all washable surfaces
including walls and ceilings. You might be able to find a water soluble deodorizer
to add to the wash water (available at a local hardware or janitorial supply
store), be sure to follow the direction on the label. For windows with heavy smoke, use half water
and half rubbing alcohol and paper towels to remove the smoke film. Shampoo carpets if appropriate. Launder or have curtains cleaned as
appropriate. After house fires which are more dramatic in
both the amount of smoke and smell, I often recommend a product called
tri-sodium phosphate or TSP (TSP can be found at hardware and home improvement
stores). TSP can cut the oil residue more effectively then soap. If you use this product carefully read the manufacture’s
recommendations and safety precautions. Smoke smells can linger in the padding beneath
carpets and in the stuffing of upholstered furniture, so consider replacing
these if the smell is not eliminated after cleaning all hard surfaces.
