Moving into a home where the previous owner was a smoker can be a challenge. Getting rid of the odor tobacco leaves behind is very difficult, this is because smoke particles are very small and can permeate almost anything. Nicotine also produces a brown sticky residue that will stick to many areas in the home, which is also hard to remove. So, how can you get your new home smelling fresh again?
One of the first steps is to have a good air flow throughout the home. Try to keep all windows and doors open for as long as possible. You can also place natural odor absorber's around the house. Baking soda, coffee grounds and citrus peel are all good options.
You will likely find nicotine residue on most surfaces, this will even include light bulbs which, when switched on, will heat up and diffuse a nasty smell into the air. It would be a good idea to switch out any light bulbs that have been left behind in the home or give them a good clean. HVAC or air conditioner filters are another thing that should be replaced as soon as possible. Window blinds are another item that if you desire to keep should be taken down, soaked in a tub then scrubbed and hung to dry. Hard surfaces (not including wood) can be cleaned with an ammonia-based cleaner which is good at removing nicotine.
You may want to give the home a fresh coat of paint. Ask advice about which paint is best for walls coated in nicotine, if not, you may start to see the brown residue seep through the paint.
In order to completely eliminate tobacco odor from a home you may need to get rid of some items. Carpets are one such item as it is very difficult to remove nicotine from them. Before installing new carpet, however, make sure the floor underneath has been thoroughly cleaned and dried.
While these are simple suggestions for removing tobacco odor from your home, they will go a long way to making the place smell fresh and new in no time.
One of the first steps is to have a good air flow throughout the home. Try to keep all windows and doors open for as long as possible. You can also place natural odor absorber's around the house. Baking soda, coffee grounds and citrus peel are all good options.
You will likely find nicotine residue on most surfaces, this will even include light bulbs which, when switched on, will heat up and diffuse a nasty smell into the air. It would be a good idea to switch out any light bulbs that have been left behind in the home or give them a good clean. HVAC or air conditioner filters are another thing that should be replaced as soon as possible. Window blinds are another item that if you desire to keep should be taken down, soaked in a tub then scrubbed and hung to dry. Hard surfaces (not including wood) can be cleaned with an ammonia-based cleaner which is good at removing nicotine.
You may want to give the home a fresh coat of paint. Ask advice about which paint is best for walls coated in nicotine, if not, you may start to see the brown residue seep through the paint.
In order to completely eliminate tobacco odor from a home you may need to get rid of some items. Carpets are one such item as it is very difficult to remove nicotine from them. Before installing new carpet, however, make sure the floor underneath has been thoroughly cleaned and dried.
While these are simple suggestions for removing tobacco odor from your home, they will go a long way to making the place smell fresh and new in no time.
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