January, 2012:

Removal of pungent cigarette odor from any apartment can be an over whelming process. It isn’t impossible though and in most circumstances may be completed in one weekend’s time or over the course of a few days. Keep in mind that removing cigarette smell in any living space depends on how severe the situation is, since cigarette smoke penetrates all soft material and leaves a sticky, yellow residue on everything else it comes in to contact with.

The following outline of cigarette smell removal suggestions have been proven to assist in creating a fresh smelling living space and acts as a guide if at any point cleaning becomes too stressful. If cleaning does become over whelming, walk away from the area for a few minutes or longer if needed and clear your mind. Return to the space when you feel calmer and able to continue detoxifying your surroundings, it may be helpful to ask friends or family for support and to lend an extra pair of hands if the cleaning scenario requires more work than just a few days’ time.

● Start with curtains, wall hangings or fabric items that may be easily washed. Wash items in hot water adding a half cup of White Vinegar during the washing cycle. White Vinegar will assist in removing sticky tar residue.

● Carpets may be cleaned using a rented steam cleaner or professionally cleaned. Specialized carpet cleaners are also available instead of steam cleaning, mix baking soda with any powdered carpet cleaner and allowing it to sit overnight, this will neutralize odors. If the scenario is severe it may be wise to remove the carpet completely and have a new one installed.

● Wood and linoleum flooring must be washed completely. Use a one gallon hot water solution:  ¼ cup White Vinegar, ¼ cup Washing Soda and ¼ cup of mild detergent. This mixture loosens built up cigarette tar, neutralizes cigarette smell and leaves a fresh smelling floor area. Change the water frequently, as soon as it looks dirty it should be changed and a fresh water solution created. Continue washing until the water remains clear or not as significantly dirty as the first bucket. If the floor is unsealed wood, repeat washing over the course of few days allowing the wood to completely dry in between washes. This will prevent warping or damage to the wood floor from excessive water exposure.

● Walls and ceilings need to be washed using mild detergent and White Vinegar. A simpler alternative to washing walls is to repaint. Still, a strong primer must be used if pre-washing walls is not an option. The strongest, shellac based primers are “Killz” and “Zinsser”.  These primers will seal out cigarette smell and are usually used in basements to remove or block mildew odor.

● Windows, picture frames and knick knacks need to be thoroughly washed. Just one item that hasn’t been cleaned can emanate a funky cigarette smell.

● Air Purifier and Ozone Machines significantly reduce and neutralize lingering cigarette odors in unreachable spaces and from furniture that has been subjected to prolonged cigarette smoke. In time cigarette smell will be noticeably reduced or may be eliminated completely. In addition, boiling fresh peels of Orange and Lemon also help to give an apartment a fresh smell.

By CJ Levatino – Freelance Writer for eCigarette365 Blog