Expert shares how to remove the smell of smoke from your home this spring

The smell of smoke can be unpleasant in your home, lingering on walls, furnishings and carpets.

If you’re a smoker, or living with one, it may be a top priority to eliminate the smell of smoke from your living space.

Similarly, if you’re an ex-smoker, or have recently purchased a home from a smoker, you may be looking for ways to get rid of smoke odour so that you can enjoy your home.

David Phillips from Vape Superstore has shared five things you can do to help neutralise the smell of smoke from your surroundings.

1. Invest in an air purifier 

Investing in an air purifier will not only assist with removing harmful components of cigarette smoke from the air, but will also aid in eliminating the unpleasant odour from your home. The same principle applies if you frequently use a wood burner in your home and would like to avoid the smell from settling into your home.

When selecting an air purifier, take note of the square footage that it covers to ensure the air in your home is being effectively cleaned as intended. Use a purifier with a true HEPA filter (rather than a HEPA style filter) and check the PM (particulate matter) value. The lower the PM value, the better the protection from smaller, and often more harmful pollutants.

A purifier with activated carbon filters is also recommended when trying to absorb smoke odour. Check if the manufacturer has listed the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) – generally you will need a CADR of at least two thirds of the area the purifier will be used in.

It’s important to note that using an air purifier won’t remove lingering scents from walls or furniture which have been long-exposed to odours, so alternative methods will need to be used to tackle this.

2. Clean your walls 

To remove the smell of smoke from your walls, you will need to create a cleaning solution. Mix a teaspoon of all-purpose cleaning solution with half a cup of baking soda, for every two pints of warm water. Fill another bucket with clean water.

Start by removing dust from your walls with a microfibre cloth. Dip a sponge into your cleaning solution, wring it out, and gently wipe your walls, starting from the top and working your way across and down. Continue to rinse out your sponge in your bucket of clean water.

Use another damp sponge, with clean water, to wipe away any cleaning solution residue from your walls. Be sure to wring out your sponge to prevent any drips on your wall and change your water frequently.

3. Refresh your furniture 

Smoke can linger in upholstered furniture but there are methods to remove the smell. Start by vacuuming your furniture, using an upholstery attachment. This ensures that smoke odours can no longer stick to any dirt or dust trapped in the sides and crevices of your furniture.

Sprinkle baking soda onto your furniture and use a soft bristled brush to ensure the powder is worked into the fabric. Leave the baking soda to absorb the smoke odours for around eight hours, before vacuuming off. Finally, give your furniture a spray of fabric refresher; opt for one which helps to trap and eliminate any remaining odour, rather than just masking it.

4. Neutralise your carpets 

There are a number of ways to remove smoke smells from your carpet. One method is to fill bowls with activated charcoal and place them in affected areas of your home. The charcoal should naturally absorb the smell of smoke, where you can then discard it.

Another option is to create a 50-50 vinegar and water solution. Lightly spray your carpet with the solution and let it dry naturally. The smoke odour will disappear with the smell of vinegar as it dries. Be sure to carry out a spot test before spraying the full affected area of your carpet.

Explore options such as a professional steam, which is an effective method of removing smells deeply ingrained into your carpet. Make sure your home is well ventilated (by keeping windows and doors open), to allow smoke odours to escape – try using a fan if you’re looking to speed up the process.

5. Revitalise your curtains

If your curtains are machine washable, put them through a wash cycle at the highest temperature cited on its care instructions. To help break down the odour, use half a cup of white vinegar instead of detergent. Hang your curtains outside to dry.

If your curtains are not machine washable, take them down and sprinkle them with baking soda. Allow the baking soda to sit in the curtains overnight and then vacuum it off. If the smell is persistent, be sure to air your curtains for 24-48 hours to give them the best chance of success.

Vape Superstore has shared how Brits can remove the smell of smoke from their home.