How to get rid of stale cigarette smells

How can I get rid of cigarette smells in a new home?

Moving into a home that smells of smoke can feel really overwhelming it clings to everything and just doesn’t seem to shift. But don’t panic, I promise you it can be sorted.

Smoke odour sticks to walls, ceilings, carpets and fabrics, so the key is to tackle it layer by layer. With a few simple products and a bit of consistency, you can completely transform your space and get it smelling fresh again. Let’s get stuck in!Nicotine & Surface Detox

1. Nicotine & Surface Detox

This is your starting point because that yellow, sticky residue you can see (and sometimes can’t!) is what holds onto the smell.

• Mix warm water with sugar soap and wash down all hard surfaces walls, doors, skirting boards, cupboards, even PVC.

• Use a magic eraser on stubborn yellow patches (you’ll be amazed at what comes off!).

• Finish by wiping everything down with a splash of white vinegar to help neutralise the smell.

✦ Sugar Soap
✦ Magic Erasers
✦ White Vinegar

Lynsey Tip: Always work top to bottom so you’re not dragging that residue back onto clean areas.

2. Tackling Carpets & Rugs

Smoke smells LOVE to hide deep in carpet fibres this step makes a huge difference.

The Bicarb Trick

• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda all over your carpets and rugs.

• Leave for at least 24 hours (longer if you can).

• Vacuum thoroughly with a high-suction vacuum.

For a little boost, add a few drops ofpeppermint essential oil to the bicarb before sprinkling it leaves everything smelling super fresh.

✦ Bicarbonate of Soda
✦ Peppermint Essential Oil
✦Cordless Vacuum

3. Curtains, Sofas & Soft Furnishings

Fabrics act like sponges for smoke so don’t skip this step!

• Wash curtains on the highest temperature they can handle and add a cup of white vinegarto the rinse cycle.

• For sofas and non-washable items, use a spot cleaner or steam cleaner to lift out the smell and residue.

✦ White Vinegar
✦ Spot Cleaner
✦ Steam Cleaner

4. Air Reset (This Is a Game-Changer)

Even after cleaning, smoke can linger in the air so you need to tackle that too.

• Leave bowls of white vinegarr ound the room overnight to absorb odours.

• Open windows as much as possible to keep fresh air circulating.

• Invest in an air purifier honestly, this makes such a difference if the smell is strong.

✦ Air Purifier

5. Walls & That Final Step

If you’ve cleaned everything and the smell is still there, it may be trapped in the walls.

• Use a stain-blocking primer before repainting this seals in any remaining nicotine and stops it coming through your fresh paint.

✦ Stain Blocking Primer

Don’t forget:
Give your light bulbs a wipe (when cold!) they can hold onto the smell and release it again when switched on.