Top 5 Tips for Deep Cleaning Your Home to Get Rid of Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoke can leave behind a stubborn and unpleasant odor that permeates every corner of your home. Not only does it cling to surfaces, but it also poses serious health risks to you and your family. If you are a smoker or have recently moved into a home where smoking was allowed, it is crucial to take immediate action to eliminate cigarette smoke residue. In this article, we will discuss the top five tips for deep cleaning your home to get rid of cigarette smoke, ensuring a fresh and healthy living environment for you and your loved ones.
How to Effectively Remove Cigarette Smoke Odor from a House
Cigarette smoke odor is one of the toughest smells to eliminate because the tiny smoke particles and tar embed themselves into nearly every surface of a home. Removing the odor requires a combination of deep cleaning, air purification, and sealing. Based on the latest IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) S500 and S520 standards, here’s the most effective approach to completely remove cigarette smoke odor from your home.
Step 1. Assessing the extent of cigarette smoke damage in your home
Before diving into the cleaning process, it is essential to assess the extent of cigarette smoke damage in your home. Start by inspecting each room, paying close attention to walls, ceilings, carpets, upholstery, and curtains. Look for yellowish stains, discoloration, and a strong odor. Take note of the areas that require the most attention and prioritize them during the cleaning process. This initial assessment will help you create a plan of action and determine the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment.
Step 2: Remove Smoke-Contaminated Items
- Soft goods (curtains, upholstered furniture, bedding, and clothing) absorb smoke deeply and often need professional cleaning or replacement.
- Porous materials like wallpaper and unsealed wood might need to be removed if they retain odor after cleaning.
Step 3: Deep Clean All Surfaces
Walls, Ceilings & Hard Surfaces:
- Wash all surfaces with an alkaline cleaner or degreaser to break down tar and nicotine residue. A mixture of TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) and warm water is highly effective.
- If TSP is not available, a mix of white vinegar and baking soda can work as a natural alternative.
- Repeat the cleaning at least twice to ensure all residue is removed.
Floors & Carpets:
- Hardwood & tile floors: Mop thoroughly with a specialized degreaser.
- Carpets: Professional deep cleaning with hot water extraction and an odor-neutralizing agent is critical. If odors persist, replacing the carpet and padding might be necessary.
HVAC System & Duct Cleaning:
- Smoke circulates through the HVAC system, embedding odor in the ductwork and filters.
- Replace air filters, clean vents, and consider professional duct cleaning with an activated carbon treatment to trap remaining odor molecules.
Step 4: Advanced Odor Removal Techniques
Once all surfaces are cleaned, lingering odors can still be present in the air and deep within walls. This is where professional techniques come into play:
1. Ozone Treatment (O3):
- Highly effective for eliminating smoke odor by oxidizing odor molecules.
- Requires professional-grade ozone generators and an unoccupied space during treatment.
2. Hydroxyl Generator Treatment:
- Uses hydroxyl radicals to neutralize smoke odor.
- Safe to use while occupants remain in the home, making it a preferred method in occupied spaces.
3. Thermal Fogging:
- A deodorizing fog replicates the way smoke penetrated the home, bonding with smoke particles and neutralizing them.
4. Sealing Surfaces (Primer & Paint):
- If odor persists after cleaning, seal walls and ceilings with an odor-blocking primer like Kilz Restoration Primer or Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer before repainting.
- This prevents smoke odors from seeping through into fresh paint.
Step 5: Continuous Air Purification & Maintenance
- Activated Carbon Air Purifiers: Help trap any remaining airborne odor particles.
- HEPA Filters: Use HEPA air purifiers to remove fine smoke particles.
- Regular Cleaning & Ventilation: Keep windows open when possible and maintain clean air filters in your HVAC system.
Call a Professional Like IRPRO Restoration
Eliminating cigarette smoke odor is not a simple DIY job—it requires specialized knowledge, professional-grade equipment, and the right techniques to permanently remove the smell. If you want your home to be truly fresh and smoke-free, call IRPRO Restoration today! Our certified fire and smoke damage specialists use the latest industry-approved techniques to restore your home completely. Contact us now for a free assessment!
