Maybe you quit smoking, but the smell of cigarette smoke is still lingering in your apartment or house — or you simply want to freshen up the place a bit. So how do you get rid of cigarette smoke? Read below to learn some tips as to how to get rid of this nasty odor, and live in a much cleaner environment.
Step 1: Surely you have some friends or family who smoke, or have done so in the past. Do their homes reek of cigarette smoke? Try asking them what they have done to combat this problem.
Step 2: There are some household items that can help. For some reason, vinegar can get rid of the smell. Since vinegar can cut through resin and tar, which is what the smell of smoke is caused by, it is a beneficial way to clean surfaces with the odor.
Step 3: You will need to have your carpet shampooed. Get yourself some baking soda and dust your furniture and carpets with it. Let it set for about one day. This will allow the smoke to be absorbed. You will then vacuum and repeat this process a few times over a week. You can even use scented baking soda.
Step 4: What about your shades, curtains and fixtures? You will need to have these cleaned as well. You can put your curtains in the washing machine. It is probably worth it to buy new shades. As far as light fixtures go, wipe them down with ammonia to remove the odor.
Step 5: When you are done, go outside and get some fresh air. Sometimes it’s better to leave the house for a while. After you come back, determine whether the cleaning process has been successful.
Warnings
- Vinegar should not be used on all fabrics. Keep in mind that vinegar does not have a desirable smell, but it will dissipate long before cigarette smoke does.
Items Needed
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
- Washing machine