I recently moved into a rental and, surprisingly, noticed a lingering cigarette smell that wasn't apparent during the viewing. It seems the previous tenants used air fresheners that have now worn off. I've cleaned the walls with vinegar and dish soap and even tackled the cabinets, but one still has a faint odor. I'm feeling overwhelmed and tired from moving, and I'm not sure how to effectively eliminate this smell. Does anyone have any low-cost tips that could help?
3 Answers
Ozone machines can really help with stubborn odors like this! Many hardware stores rent them out, but remember to leave the house while it's running and air it out afterwards. Just a heads up: it's important to ventilate well since you don't want to breathe it in directly. It works wonders, though!
You might want to look up "third-hand smoke" as well. It can linger in places even after the source of smoke is gone. There might be more cleaning involved than you think!
If your rental has drapes, blinds, or any soft furnishings like carpets, those could be the culprits! Try cleaning them with a mix of alcohol and Febreze, and if you can, put them outside in the sunshine for a few hours. I've dealt with a place where the previous tenant smoked inside, and it took a lot to clean it. It's not fun, but it can be done! Just make sure you're tackling all the soft surfaces, since smoke can cling to them.
Thanks for the advice! I didn’t think about the soft furnishings. I might give that a shot soon.