Smell of cigarette smoke in house, can it be cleared up?

[changeofpace]

Personally I would not take the chance that the smoke smell will go away entirely so I would find another house.

[Poohjz]

Originally Posted by bowtie350

Is it possible to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke from a house where previous owners were smokers? If so, what are the methods that work best?

My wife and I found a house we really like except for the smell of cigarette smoke. We were wondering if we could ever get rid of that stink. I have read that it is hard to clear up the smell because the smoke penetrates the walls, ceilings, insulation, a/c ducts, carpet, everything. Is it really that hard to get rid of?

Thanks

It is really hard. Almost may seem impossible. You need to wash the walls with a degreaser, like Dawn. Then I would use bleach as a second wash. When that has dried, I would paint the walls with the brand "Kilns". You can find it at Walmart and at paint stores. They have one, I think,that is made for smoking or atleast ordors. If you have any drop ceiling, you will have to replace it. Also, you might have to replace insulation. Depends on if you can smell it there. Carpets need to be replaced. Also with washing the walls you will need to do the same thing to trim and baseboard. Wash light fixtures doors. In every nook and crany. Alot of work, but if you really like the house, it can be done.

Hope it works for you.

[talk2natalia]

Their is a product that will remove the smell. It's called Vamoose. It breaks down the smell at a molecular level. Warning! At first it smells like medicine for about 8 hours. But after that the smell is completely gone. It works super well. I could not believe it. Vamoose Remove Cigarette Smoke Smell and Odors is the website. I used the fresh scent. Now if you need to do your entire house its a little expensive. But I promiss it does work! Best of luck.. -Nat

[alexprice]

Who wants to live in a home that smells bad? It is certainly not somebody looking to invest in prime property. The present buyer's industry makes it tough for sellers to begin with, and simply whipping out the Febreeze and fresh-baked cookies will not cut it. Make smelly houses something of the past with these easy recommendations for deodorizing a home.

[RayStokes]

Start smoking yourself and you soon won't notice or care.

[Cyborgt800]

Rent a few Ozone machines after cleaning everything and removing all fabrics/carpet, then repaint with an outdoor rated paint.

[migee]

Some of these responses here are just fanatical...I've been in some pretty bad houses, but some of the people posting here are just too dramatic and phony.

The air you breath outside is just as bad....And I suppose none of you drive cars, or have dogs crapping or cats crapping (in the house). When I go into a house with pets, I want to vomit.

Anyway...give it a coat of something like Kilz primer, and then use a good paint.

A good washing of wood, glass and anything else that can be cleaned with a cleaner and water will take care of that.

Steam or shampoo the rugs. Make sure that you regularly change the AC filters (AC vents mostly clean themselves when maintained).

Most of these things one would do anyway in a new house...so it is no great burden, with the exception of the good primer.