I've been trying to make my home more livable after taking care of my father who was on hospice care until he passed away in May. He was a smoker, and I managed to keep his smoking confined to just two rooms. Now that I'm trying to eliminate the smoke odor from those rooms, I've opened windows and set up bowls of 30% vinegar to help absorb the smell. I also have a spray that claims to remove smoke odors. I'm looking for additional tips or methods that could be effective in getting rid of that lingering smoke smell. Any advice?
5 Answers
Always wash your walls and don’t forget to clean behind furniture and appliances where smoke tends to settle. Fresh paint is also crucial to seal in any remaining odors. A clean space with good airflow can make a huge difference in how your home feels!
Great advice! I had to do a major clean after moving in and it really transformed the space.
Definitely replace anything fabric-related that smells, like carpets and curtains. After that, a thorough wash of all surfaces followed by a fresh coat of paint can do wonders. The key is in the cleaning method you use – start with vinegar to cut through the odors, then seal everything with paint to keep the smells locked in. It’s a lot of work, but in the end, it’ll be worth it!
Good point! I forgot to mention that painting with a sealing primer is crucial if you really want to block out those smells.
I had to do this when I moved into a house that reeked. It took time, but now it’s perfectly fresh!
If you're thinking about an ozone generator, just be sure to leave the area while it’s running. It’s really effective for breaking down smoke particles, but it can be harmful to breathe in. Once you run it, airing out the room afterwards is essential to clear out any lingering ozone smell.
That’s a solid tip! I’d be nervous about leaving electronics on, so I’d make sure to unplug anything important before using the ozone generator.
Can I run it for just a couple of hours and still see results? Or is it better to go longer?
Don't underestimate the power of simple solutions! For soft furnishings that can't be washed, try using vodka in a spray bottle. It’s an old trick that works well – just make sure it’s the cheap stuff! My friend swears by it for getting rid of all kinds of odors, including smoke.
That's interesting! I’ve never heard that one before, but it sounds worth a try.
Hey, could you use rubbing alcohol instead? I have some at home.
To truly eliminate smoke odors, you've got to go all out. First off, remove any carpeting and curtains, as they can trap odors. Then, wash all the walls and ceilings with a cleaner like tri sodium phosphate (TSP) – you'll be amazed at how much residue comes off! After that, running an ozone generator (while being careful to keep people and pets out) can really help. Just make sure to ventilate afterwards and follow up with a good primer like Kilz before painting. And don’t forget about air duct cleaning to tackle any odors lurking there too. It might seem excessive, but it really works!
Totally agree! I tried a similar method when I moved into a smoky apartment and the paint roller idea was a game-changer. It made a huge difference after scrubbing everything!
Wow, that sounds like quite the process! I had a similar experience and it took a lot of work, but I can second that ozone generators can really do the trick.
Agreed! The cleaner you get those surfaces, the better overall the smell will be. I also recommend using quality air purifiers afterward.