The smell of smoke in the room can make guests uncomfortable and disturb family members who live there. The smell of smoke can be difficult to get rid of, especially if it has been accumulating in the room for a long time. You can try simple methods to disguise or neutralize odors. For stubborn odors, try cleaning the house and items that harbor the odor thoroughly. Other techniques such as filtering the air can also help create a cleaner room with a better scent.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Simple Solution
Step 1. Remove ashtrays and other smoking equipment from the room
Ashtrays and other smoking utensils are a major source of smoke odors, apart from the smoker himself. To get rid of the smell of smoke, you have to get rid of the source of the smell.
Step 2. Open the window
This may not be enough to get rid of the strong, old smoke smell, but it can help get rid of other, less dominant odors. If possible, install the fan near the window with the fan pointing inward. This will help bring fresh air into the room.
Step 3. Use an air freshener spray
You can buy air freshener sprays that are widely sold in the market. This product can work effectively, as long as you choose the right type. Not all air freshener products have the ability to remove odors. When you're choosing an air freshener, look for products that offer "deodorizing" capabilities on the packaging. This product will get rid of the smell of smoke and make the room smell good.
Step 4. Burn the incense
The spicy, musk-scented incense smoke can mask the smell of smoke. You can buy incense sticks, powder, or pellets. Make sure you burn the incense in a fireproof container and keep an eye on it while it burns. When you're done, you can turn off the incense by sprinkling a little water.
Step 5. Put a bowl of vinegar
Not everyone likes the smell, but vinegar can absorb other odors, including smoke. You can feel the difference once at the end of the day. After 2-3 hours, discard the vinegar. Unlike smoke, the smell of vinegar does not stay.
You can also use baking soda, cat litter, or a piece of activated charcoal for the same effect. All of these can absorb odors. Remember, you have to replace it every few days
Step 6. Aerate the furniture
If the smell persists after you let air into the room, it's likely the smell has seeped into the furniture. Move the furniture outside for a day or two. UV rays will kill odor-causing bacteria, and neutralize the smell of smoke.
Step 7. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and upholstery
Leave for 72 (maximum), then clean with a vacuum cleaner. Baking soda is great for absorbing odors.
- You can also spray white vinegar directly on the furniture and then wipe it off.
- This method may not be as effective at removing strong odors.
Method 2 of 3: Performing a Thorough Clean
Step 1. Clean the walls and ceiling with a cleaner containing ammonia
The smell of smoke lingers everywhere. You may not be able to see it, but the smoke is there. This "layer" of smoke is often the source of the smoke smell, even if the smoker himself is long gone.
- In more serious cases, you may have to repaint the walls and ceiling. The new paint will cover the old paint that has absorbed the smoke. Apply primer first before applying new paint. This way, the smell of smoke will be locked inside.
- If you can't repaint the walls, use a matte polyurethane coating instead. This layer will lock in the smell of smoke without changing the color of the walls.
- If the walls are covered with wallpaper, wipe them with vinegar first. If the smell persists, you may need to remove the wallpaper and replace it with a new one.
Step 2. Clean the hard surface with a rag
This includes window frames, shelving, furniture, and flooring. Don't forget the cabinets, cupboards, drawers, and dressers, both outside and inside. You can use a cleaner that contains ammonia, or white vinegar. Don't worry about the vinegar smell as it will wear off over time.
Step 3. Clean the carpet with a steam cleaner
You can rent or purchase a steam cleaner to clean carpets. Or, you can also hire a professional carpet cleaning service. In extreme cases, you may have to replace the carpet as it is very difficult to get rid of the odor that has seeped into the carpet.
- If you're changing the carpet, don't forget to scrub the floor under the carpet to get rid of any traces of smoke smell.
- Add a deodorizing agent to the steam cleaner to get rid of that stubborn smoke smell.
Step 4. Wash clothes, upholstery, pillows and blankets
If you wash it in a washing machine, add 250 ml of white vinegar to the washing machine. The vinegar will help remove the odor. For items that cannot be machine washed, take them to the laundromat. Keep in mind that you may have to wash it several times to get rid of the odor.
- In some cases, you may have to buy new pillows and blankets. It is possible that you will have to replace the upholstery.
- If the smell doesn't go away after the washing machine, take the clothes to the laundry for dry cleaning.
Step 5. Clean the blinds and blinds
Remove all window coverings. If the curtains are machine washable, go for it. If not, take the curtains to the dry cleaners for dry cleaning. You can wash the blinds in the bath using white vinegar.
Step 6. Don't forget to clean windows and mirrors
Smoke leaves a thin residue on any surface, including windows and mirrors. You can't always see it, but the layer is there. When the weather is hot, this layer warms up and emits the smell of smoke again. So, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar, grab a paper towel and start wiping windows and mirrors. You can also use glass cleaning products that are sold in the market.
There is nothing wrong with cleaning the light bulbs in the room because they can also cause unpleasant odors due to the heat released. You just replace it with a new one
Method 3 of 3: Filtering the Air
Step 1. Buy an air purifier
Air purifiers suck in odor-causing bacteria and chemicals in the air. That way, the air becomes fresh and clean.
Air purifiers are also able to get rid of allergens in the air, making them very suitable for allergy and asthma sufferers
Step 2. Replace the air filter on heating and air conditioning
These air filters tend to trap odors. If the smell of smoke in the room is very strong and keeps coming back even though you've cleaned the room many times, it's most likely trapped in the air filter in the air conditioner.
Step 3. Try an ozone generator
This device produces O3, which oxidizes organic molecules (a common cause of odor). Many people claim that this method is effective in getting rid of the smell of smoke. Place the appliance in the room and set the timer. Don't forget to close all windows. Leave the room and close the door. Let the appliance work and fill the room with ozone. After the appliance has stopped, wait at least 1 hour before entering the room.
- Ozone-producing devices can cause throat irritation. This tool is not recommended for people with asthma because it can worsen the condition.
- Turn on the fan on the air conditioner if possible. This step helps air circulation as well as cleans the unit.
- If the smell of smoke is very strong, you will need to set the air purifier longer. For example, if the smoker smokes in the room for several days, you should turn on the appliance for a few hours. If the smoker lives there for several years, you may have to operate the appliance for several days.
- Ozone-generating devices can only remove smoke odors to a certain extent. If the odor has permeated the walls, floors, curtains, and furniture, you may not get satisfactory results.
Tips
- Buy air freshener products that can eliminate bad odors, not just scented ones.
- Place scented candles in the room. Some say candles not only give off a pleasant smell, but also help absorb odors.
- Do not smoke in the room. If it's cold outside or it's raining, smoke by an open window.
- Blow air into the room after you finish smoking. Open the window and place the fan in front of it. In this way, fresh air will flow back into the room.
- Do not store ashtrays and smoking utensils indoors. Even if you smoke outside, you should not keep smoking-related items indoors. This includes coats and jackets.
- Don't forget to test the cleaner in a hidden area first in case it stains or damages the surface.
Warning
- Keep windows open while you work with cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia.
- Do not use room sprayers around pets, especially birds.
- Do not use an ozone generator if you have asthma.
