Moving into a previously owned home or rental can be quite the experience. With so many interesting finds left behind, it can be a challenge as to where to even begin. But for those who are nonsmokers, coming into a home where the smell of smoking habits is overwhelming and will make removing the odors your first priority. Nadia’s House Cleaning would like to share some advice on how you can neutralize the cigarette odors in your home.
Cigarette Smoke Odor Air Purifier Tips
Air Cleanse: Freshening up the air in the building is already a tremendous help. Open up all the windows. The fresh air will immediately start to flow. White vinegar is a major contributor to deodorizing. In every room, place a bowl of white vinegar in the center. Keep in mind the pets and children; keep the bowls out of their reach. Adding a purifier in rooms will speed the process up as well. Believe it or not, orange or lemon peels fight odors and adds a lovely fresh smelling citrus fragrance. Boil the peelings for resonated freshness. Most importantly, replace the filters to the HVAC system.
Surface Cleaning: Start at the walls and ceilings with a warm soapy water mixture after you have dusted off the cobwebs and dust. Tackle the windows, window frame, window sills and their screens, along with the light fixtures, ceiling fans and vents. Follow up by performing a surface clean of the hard floors as appropriate. A bleach and water formula is ideal to eliminate odors wherever the surface is applicable; do a test patch on each location in an inconspicuous places to ensure the colors and materials won’t be compromised. If after the area cleaned still wreak of cigarette smell you may have to do a paint job on the ceiling and walls. Be sure to use a sealant before painting to prevent the odor from seeping through over time.
Floor Cleaning: Carpets are likely to absorb cigarette odors. You may ultimately have to rely on a professional to effectively neutralize the odors depending on the severity. In the mean time, try using an odor removing detergent first on the carpets with a rented shampooer, again, might be a better investment to go directly to the professional. Follow label directions after performing a patch test to ensure it is safe, perform the patch test. Once dry vacuum well. Be mindful of the wood. If there are hardwood floors, clean them with a good wood-friendly cleaner. Don’t forget to the cupboards to neutralize the odors.
Blinds & Drapes Cleaning: If any blinds or drapes linger, they also absorb cigarette smells and are often overlooked. A hot water and vinegar mixture is most beneficial for removing odors. Do not soak overly long as vinegar has the potential and capability to lighten the colors. Rinse with warm water after 5-10 minutes.
House Cleaning & More in Boston, Brookline, Lexington, Cambridge, Suffolk, Middlesex, & Norfolk County Massachusetts
Cigarette odors stick to fabric, wood and cellulose materials; keep that in mind when performing the cigarette odor neutralizing project. If you need assistance cleaning the house and neutralizing the cigarette odors, contact Nadia’s House Cleaning.
