What can I use to clean a home that was last occupied by a smoker?

Question

I'm buying a home from a heavy smoker, but I'm allergic to cigarette smoke. What can I use to clean it well enough that my allergies and asthma won't be affected when I move in?

Answer 1

The smoke does not stay, so the allergy shouldn't be a problem. The smell will be there, as will the tar residue. White vinegar should work well for both of these problem. Any carpeting can be shampooed, but honestly may need to be replaced. Also, make sure when cleaning that you wash inside the heat registers. There is no way to get it completely out of the ducts, but to wash as much as you can reach, replace all filters, etc., should do the job.

Answer 2

The only product I have used to remove other people's cigarette smoke, is a cleaner with ammonia it. I like Mr. Clean & Top Job & they come in scents that smell nice while washing with them. You do have to rinse, but that's no biggie. I like the ammonia in a product because it eliminates the yellow stains for good. Sometimes, after washing with an ammonia cleaner, I wash over what I've just washed with Murphy's Oil Soap, using hot water. It has a vegetable base & smells good too. Febreeze & Lysol, Linen Scent, help eliminate the smoke odors, if you can tolerate these sprays. As for existing carpeting, I'm not sure if the smoke odors can be eliminated by haivng it professionally cleaned or not. Ask a pro first, to save yourself some money.

Answer 3

I own rental properties and here is what I would do.

Have the entire place cleaned very well. Have the carpets steam cleaned. Change the furnace filter. Have the place painted in a neutral color.

That would be the best place to start. You might already own an air purifier if you have allergies. Get that thing running in there too.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Good luck! You'll probably have to paint all the walls and ceilings with a sealer and than with a finish coat of paint.
You might be able to shampoo the carpet to get rid of the stench or it may be necessary to tear out the carpet and replace it.
Wash down all the woodwork.
Get a good air purifier.

Answer 5

You would want to get all the odor bacteria out by using some sort of air freshener like febreeze or Lysol. Than would might would want to vacuum the floor (if u have a carpet) with a deodorizing powder or use Lysol disinfectant on your floors.

Answer 6

primer all walls & ceilings using Kilz, then paint whatever color you like using low odor latex paints.

pull up and replace any carpet. vaccuum well before installing any new carpeting. seriously, this is the only way if you are that allergic/asthmatic. this will also get rid of any dust mites that might have taken up residence. i highly recomend installation of a laminate or cork/bamboo floating floor system instead of getting new carpet that will just collect allergens. cork flooring is antimicrobial, antibacterial, low odor, resists moisture (so low mold) and is easy to keep dusted.

Answer 7

I would try bulldozing and rebuilding :-)

Actually most big hardware/home improvement stores sell Kilz paints and primers, which are designed to cover smoke and water damage. Also they have industrial strength air fresheners designed for use after a fire which work pretty well.

Answer 8

Don't waste lots of cash on fancy cleaners with too many chemicals. Simply use Dawn Dish Liquid in hot water. It cuts nicotine residue, dirt, filth, skunk on my cat and oil based paint on my dog's feet. Best stuff on earth!!! No perfume after scent....then paint.

Answer 9

try Loew's or some big hardware and see if they have something the equivelant to (bug bombs).....something to completely fill the house with a neutral odor.....good luck

Answer 10

i've successfully used white vinegar