Just the experience of walking into a house that reeks of cigarette smoke can be a deal-breaker to many buyers, and they may perceive the property as worth less. Likewise, should they consider the home, they’ll soon realize the scope of the project that awaits them in removing the smell. Even in a competitive market, sellers of a smoker’s house can have a hard time getting buyers to make an offer.
First, here are the best natural products for your smoke-removing arsenal
Vinegar is one of the most effective household treatments for removing the smell of smoke, mainly because of its deodorizing properties. Vinegar cuts through odors naturally and can also be mixed with essential oils to cut the tangy smell. One popular cleaning mix includes one part water and one part white vinegar, which can be used for almost all surfaces and items. Meanwhile, baking soda is an inexpensive and handy household cleaner great for making simple cleaning pastes and also for soaking up odors.
To get you started, here is a list of three expert-recommended tips for removing the smell of smoke from your house.
1. Tackle hard surfaces
Ceilings
Floors
Kitchen counters
Doors, knobs, and handles
Windows and frames
Light fixtures, including the bulbs
Appliances
Furniture
Aside from vinegar, you may also place bowls of coffee grounds in affected rooms to help neutralize the cigarette smell. For wood or tile, usual cleaning with the recommended cleaner should suffice.
Because paint is porous, it may be difficult to remove the smoke smell completely from a wall. A fresh coat of paint may seem like an easy solution, but the pre-existing smoke smell will still permeate through.
After ensuring the walls are thoroughly cleaned and dry, you first need to seal the smell with an odor-neutralizing primer as your base coat to prevent it from eventually seeping back through the paint. Then apply two coats of a new color, preferably a neutral, for a better chance of resale. Repeat for trim work and doors if needed as well.
Wall-to-wall carpet, on the other hand, can be much more difficult to deal with than area rugs and upholstery. You may need to get a professional cleaner’s opinion or replace the carpet altogether. Just wait to install a new carpet until you have completed the cleanup so it stays fresh.
A professional cleaning service may yield better results if you are not satisfied with your DIY efforts or your attempts at cleaning and washing are still unsuccessful. You can take the soft items to a local dry cleaner, especially for larger stuff. You may also hire a home restoration company to thoroughly clean surfaces and fabrics and eliminate smoke smell more efficiently and effectively. They have the capacity and knowledge to use some big guns or specialist equipment, such as steam deodorizers or ozone generators.
Sellers, do not go at it alone. As you start the process of preparing your home for sale, hire an experienced real estate agent. You can ask them to do a “nose check” to help you detect any lingering smells. Aside from guiding you through the ins and outs of selling a home with a smoke smell, they will advise you on how to disclose or confront a smoke odor during closing negotiation and refer you to a reliable home restoration company if needed.
