Hey everyone! I'm in the process of closing on a house and I'm already planning some renovations before I move in. However, there's a strong smell of cigarette smoke lingering throughout the place that's got me worried. We're planning to completely redo the kitchen and give the whole house a fresh coat of paint. The house doesn't have any HVAC or ducting. What other steps can I take to get rid of the smell effectively?
3 Answers
You’ll definitely want to clean any surfaces, especially the walls, before you start priming with Kilz. I recommend using TSP (trisodium phosphate) for a deep clean. Pay special attention to ceilings and closets; they often trap smells too. After washing, you can use an ozone machine to help clear out the air. Also, keeping windows open during renovations helps a lot!
Using an ozone machine can be really effective for eliminating the cigarette smell. You might also want to check underneath the floorboards since the smell can settle there. Don't forget to clean every surface thoroughly before you start any painting, and consider using a shellac-based primer when you do. It really helps lock in any remaining odors.
Here's a solid plan based on my experience: 1) Remove all carpeting and blinds. 2) Wash the walls thoroughly using a bleach solution. 3) Use a white pigmented shellac primer from Sherwin Williams for the walls; it may need two coats. 4) Finish with a normal paint job. After following this process in my smoke-filled house, nobody could smell smoke anymore—it worked like a charm!