Removing old cigarette smoke smell from house?

Question

I own a house in which the previous owners apparently spent a lot of time in the basement smoking. We have done a lot of remodeling and removed many of the old walls, leaving an unfinished basement, but there continues to be a strong smoke smell down there which we can occasionally smell throughout the house, especially when we've been away for a few days. What can I use that will remove the smell most effectively? I am completely willing to go as far as removing everything from the basement and hosing it down. I've read in a few places that vinegar and/or baking soda works. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Answer 1

Most of these remedies don’t work in the long run. If you don’t get rid of the source, you won’t get rid of the smell. You have to get rid of the tar build-up that is a result of the burning tobacco. There may be several ways of accomplishing this but the one that I know works is a product called Vamoose 1808T. You can smell the product working (not so much a pleasant smell at first but it goes away quickly). If you use this product properly, the odor will be gone for good. We have a cleaning business that uses this product in houses, apartments, cars and other types of vehicles and it’s the only cleaning product we use that our customers inquire about. We are reluctant in giving them that information since some of them are repeat customers who own dealerships or are in the real estate business. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Commercial air fresheners only mask odors with an artificial scent and don't provide a long-term solution. Instead, try to neutralize the odors.To neutralize the smoke smell, place saucers of white vinegar around the house. Leave it in the room overnight or for several days, preferably with the room closed off. Then thoroughly air out the house. The odor may have also seeped into the second layer of carpeting, which is tough to get rid of. To remove the smell from the carpet, sprinklle with a mixture of 1 cup Borax and 2 cups cornmeal, wait an hour, and then vacuum. If the odor has really sunk in and these tricks don't help, then the smoke residuals need to literally be washed off. I know you've already painted your walls, but you should wash them anyway. For painted walls and ceilings, try a solution of 1 gallon of warm water, 1/2 cup plain ammonia, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 1/4 cup washing soda (which can be found in the laundry additives area of supermarkets). Refresh this solution frequently while washing, and you won't need to rinse. Start at the bottom of a wall and work your way up. Combining all of these steps should definitely do the trick. I hope this helps!

Answer 3

I bought a house that had a bad cigg smell, and i was told by a contractor to buy as many bottles of febreeze as i could and spray the was and soak the floors even if there concrete, and it worked after about 20 bottles i now have a home that does not smell like an ash tray good luck

Answer 4

We used to smoke in the house, but not in the basement too much. At any rate, just clean and clean. We tried using a spray like Oust or Fabreeze. It will fade with time. Try it and see how it works. good luck.

Answer 5

get some small bowls and fill them with white vinegar, and set them around the room in different places. leave overnight, This will help vinegar is an odor eater. During the weeks you can use 1/2 cup of white vinegar 1 cup of water and a squirt of dish detergent to clean around the room.

Answer 6

I would paint everything with KILZ. Floors, ceilings, concrete, you name it. This really is a miracle cure. And will prevent the smell from seeping out of the pores. Good luck and hope this helps!!

Answer 7

Leave the windows open as much as you can, day and night. It will go away in time. especially when it is humid outside.

Answer 8

clean everything with a neutral cleaner.