I'm about to move into an apartment that used to have heavy cigarette smoking, particularly in the kitchen. I'm looking for effective ways to eliminate the smoke smell before I settle in. What should I do?
3 Answers
Honestly, if the smoking was heavy, you might be in for a tough battle. The smell seeps into everything – the walls, flooring, even the HVAC system. A quick coat of paint might help if it wasn’t too bad, but it sounds like it could be more of a headache than it's worth. If there's any chance, I'd suggest looking for another place instead.
I’ve been in a similar situation before. One of the best methods is to wash every nook and cranny. Use white vinegar in bowls around the space, especially in cabinets. And while winds can help deodorize, don’t rely solely on that; extensive cleaning is usually necessary. Just know that it might take a few tries to really clear out that stubborn smoke smell.
You'll likely need to deep clean everything. Start with washing all surfaces using a degreaser to tackle any nicotine residue. A good primer like Kilz is essential before repainting, but I'd caution you that if the smell is deeply embedded, it might never truly go away. Using an ozone generator could help, but make sure you leave the space while it's running, as it's not safe to breathe in.