How do you get rid of cigarette smoke smell out of walls?

Question

We just purchased a home, and I have destroyed my hands scrubbing the walls trying to get the stale cigarette smell out of them, we are going to paint..I am just afraid that the smell will still be there even after we do that!! Any suggestions???

Answer 1

I use either TMX to wash the walls or a product I buy at Sam's club called OdoBan. Both work well.
OdoBan seems to get out smells that a normal product can't. (for example hockey gear) It smells like Eucalyptus.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Paint To Cover Smoke Smell

Answer 3

Years ago, I also moved into a house with a stale cigarette smell. The smell went away when we painted the walls. You might even consider oil-based paint to to increase the odds. While you're painting the walls, you may wish to re-stain the floors as well. Most of those stains have a strong odor.

But the mere painting of the walls with latex paint was enough for my house.

Answer 4

The paint should do the trick but there is a product out on the market called Smoke-Out...it's mostly for the air, furniture and carpet. Use it followed by a Febreez and smell is gone. We use it when ever we have to show a home (real estate sales) that had a former smoker in it. We get it at the local Home Depot

Answer 5

Painting is good, but I would recommend applying a sealer such as Kilz before the paint to avoid the bleed thru. Also, after the painting is complete, have the area painted shock treated with high ppm Ozone. It will oxidize the remaining smoke smell and the VOC's that are present after painting. Look in the yellow pages under "indoor air quality". Medallion Healthy Homes is one co.

Answer 6

The new paint should cover up the smell. When I went on vacation with my parents, someone had smoked in the condo for a week! We went to Publix and got Febreze. That worked. But, we wern't allowed to paint, so I say you should paint.

Answer 7

there is a great primer on the market to get rid of that horrid smell. its an oil based primer used in fire restoration.( check out Home Depot) you can paint over it with a latex paint.

Answer 8

If I am not mistaken, check your local Paint Store (Sherwin Williams is good) and ask if there is an additive (you mix in the paint) that will help with this problem. It could be that their additive for killing mildew will also kill the tobacco odor.

Answer 9

Wash the walls and don't forget to add some baking soda in your cleaner.

Answer 10

Home made remedy.... vinegar....
put it in a glass around your house...... a little bit in every glass....after couple of days... it will all be gone including the smell of a fresh paint.....try it to believe!!!