Getting Rid of Cigarette Odor in your Home: 6 Options
Cigarette odor can linger indoors for days or weeks after the last cigarette smoked. This is because the smoke permeates furnishings and draperies. It even attaches to the wall. The odor creates an uncomfortable atmosphere indoors for children and non-smokers. However, there are various options available to you to eliminate the odor. Try one or a combination of the 6 options outlined below to get rid of the odor and improve the air in your home.
Materials Needed
- Fan
- White vinegar
- Dishes
- Spray bottle
- Cat litter
- Vacuum, with brush attachment
- Baking soda
- Air purifier
- Cinnamon sticks
- Aluminum foil
- Cookie tray
Step 1 – Air out the Room
This works well for infrequent odors such as if you had guests over who smoke. Open all doors and windows to allow plenty of fresh air into the room. It helps to dissipate the odor. You may also want to make use of a fan to facilitate proper ventilation. Allow the fan to operate for several hours daily.
Step 2 - White Vinegar
Pour some vinegar into a few dishes. Place the dishes in rooms where the odor is detectable. Select open sites to allow the vinegar to absorb the odor properly. However, be sure to place the dishes away from areas where people are likely to tread upon. The vinegar absorbs the odor and helps to clear the air indoors. You could also fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. Liberally spray the carpet, rugs, upholstery and draperies to deodorize. Let the vinegar dry on the items.
Step 3 – Cat Litter
If you have a cat, you may want to make use of its litter to solve your problem. Place cat litter in a couple of small bowls. Cat litter absorbs cigarette odor, to leave you with rooms that smell clean and fresh. Be sure to empty the bowls once the odor is eliminated.
Step 4 – Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda liberally onto carpets, rugs and upholstery. Allow the baking soda to remain in place overnight. It helps to deodorize the room. Open all doors and windows in the room the next morning. Vacuum the room to clear the baking soda from surfaces. Leave the doors and windows open for a couple of hours to enable good air circulation.
Step 5 – Air Purifier
You may want to install an air purifier in your home. This uses electrostatic means to get rid of cigarette odors as well as other impurities indoors. You can install the purifier on a wall, ceiling or as a stand-alone unit. Some air purifiers work in collaboration with the household warm air heating system. This helps to eliminate smoke odors from the entire house.
Step 6 - Cinnamon Sticks
Wrap a handful of cinnamon sticks in aluminum foil. Place on a cookie tray inside an oven preheated to 325 degrees Celsius. Leave the sticks in the oven for about 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and retrieve the sticks. Remove the foil. Distribute the cinnamon sticks in the room. The pleasant aroma will fill the room and also helps to eliminate the odor of cigarettes.
