How to fix a house that was smoked in?

Author: Soledad Green DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Wipe down all surfaces with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to remove nicotine residue. Pay special attention to corners, walls, ceilings and windows, which tend to accumulate a high concentration of smoke particles. Deep clean carpets and upholstery using steam cleaning or professional services.

How to fix a house that has been smoked in?

Wash walls, dry, apply Kilz sealer/primer. The paint everything. Replace carpets. I seriously mean to even prime the concrete. Get rid of all soft surfaces, drapes, etc. Have ducts cleaned and deodorized. You might get a couple of HEPA purifiers once you are done. That'll take care of 97%.

Is it safe to live in a house after a smoker?

When nonsmokers move into homes formerly occupied by smokers, they encounter indoor environments with THS polluted surfaces and dust. Results suggest that nonsmokers living in former smoker homes are exposed to THS in dust and on surfaces.

How to clean a house that has been smoked in?

Wash the walls with a 1:1 water and vinegar solution. You can also scrub, cabinets, baseboards, ceiling fans, windows, doors, and counters with this. Smoke likes to leave residue on everything in the room. Wash all clothes, blankets, pillows, rugs, towels, shower curtains etc.

Is it safe to buy a house that was smoked in?

No, not harmful, assuming a couple of things, asbestos concerns, and ventilation. Anything beyond that will be your own intolerance to the smell of smoke. Realize to remove the smell completely can be done and you would be wise to pay a home restoration company to do the work for you.

Understanding Thirdhand Smoke | Ask This Old House

Is it hard to sell a house that has been smoked in?

It's a well-known fact that homes with smoke smell sell for less, and fewer buyers are willing to put an offer on such properties. It's crucial to eliminate the odor before putting your house on the market.

How long does thirdhand smoke last in a house?

It can become embedded in most soft surfaces such as clothing, furniture, drapes, bedding and carpets. It also settles as dust-like particles on hard surfaces such as walls, floors and in vehicles. Thirdhand smoke can remain for many months even after smoking has stopped.

How much does smoke remediation cost?

Professional smoke removal service from a house cost between $500 and $4,000, depending on the size of the home and the removal method.

How do you permanently remove smoke smell from a house?

To completely get rid of the odour you need to remove any sources of the smell.
  1. Empty all ashtrays. If you smoke, or live with a smoker, a common source of the odour is the ashtray. ...
  2. Stop smoking in the house. ...
  3. Baking soda. ...
  4. Use vinegar. ...
  5. Use ammonia. ...
  6. Use alcohol. ...
  7. Use an air purifier.

Can smoking in the house cause mold?

Smoking indoors can contribute to mold growth in several ways. Firstly, smoking produces water vapor, which can increase humidity levels in a home and create a favorable environment for mold to grow. Secondly, smoking leaves behind a residue that can accumulate on surfaces and provide a food source for mold.

Is it safe to live in a house with smoke damage?

No matter how big or small the fire is, smoke pollution can invade your house. It is unsafe to live in your house if there is smoke pollution. To stop further harm to your health and your home, the expert team at Paul Davis is here to help.

How to tell if someone has smoked in a house?

Cigarette stains

The stains will generally be yellow or brown – and may only be very small – but could also act as a tell-tale sign that something is up. Smoke stains will generally appear on wallpaper or paintwork, even if the walls have recently been repainted.

How do you air out a house after smoking?

Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors, and use fans or air purifiers to facilitate airflow. This helps remove airborne smoke particles and freshens the indoor environment.

How do you fix smoke damage in a house?

Wipe away soot from walls and ceilings with a dry sponge, while using a vinegary spray to wipe away stains. Clean every item that has been affected, such as light bulbs. Deep wash or dry clean any curtains or clothing that were affected. Deodorize carpets and window coverings.

How much does smoking in a house decrease its value?

Real estate agents know that evidence of smoking in a home — the smell of stale tobacco or stains on walls or fabrics — can reduce the selling price of a home by as much as 30%.

Do ozone generators remove smoke odor?

Ozone generators permanently remove smoke odor resulting from fire damage, cigarette and tobacco smoke. Cigar and cigarette smoke odor removal is easy with the OdorFree smoke odor eliminator and also in buildings that have suffered fire and/or smoke damage.

Is smoke smell in house permanent?

To remove the smell permanently, one must remove the source of the problem. The smoke particles must be removed by cleaning since smoke particles tend to get into the smallest cracks and areas. This means that you may be left with lingering odors even after cleaning your house from top to bottom.

How long will a bowl of vinegar absorb odors?

A bowl of vinegar can start absorbing odors almost immediately and is typically adequate for up to 24 hours. When left out in a room, the acetic acid in vinegar neutralizes alkaline odors, such as those from smoke, cooking, or pet accidents, by binding with the odor molecules and neutralizing them.

How can I make my house smell good after smoking?

9 Tips To Eliminate Smoke Odors From The Home
  1. Clean any glass and mirrors around the home.
  2. Wipe down the ceilings.
  3. Wash soft furnishings.
  4. Re-upholster soft furnishings if they are too far gone.
  5. Work on the carpet.
  6. Charcoal.
  7. Let in some fresh air.
  8. Use Air Wick® air fresheners.

How do professionals remove smoke odor?

Experts use a combination of techniques such as deep cleaning surfaces, employing air purifiers with HEPA filters, using ozone generators in unoccupied spaces, and utilizing specialized odor-neutralizing agents to effectively remove smoke odor from a home.

Is smoke damage covered by insurance?

A standard homeowner's insurance policy typically covers any structural damage resulting from smoke damage, including outbuildings, such as a garage. You may need specific fire coverage, though. If you rent, you may need to have renters insurance to cover any of your personal belongings.

How much does ozone treatment cost for a house?

Ozone treatment: This involves using ozone generators to neutralize odors and can cost between $300 to $600 per treatment session.

Do air purifiers get rid of third-hand smoke?

Air Purifiers to Remove Smoke Particles

The pre-filter captures larger particles like dust, dirt and hair while the activated charcoal filter removes gases and odors. The medical-grade HEPA filter captures those micro irritants like those harmful thirdhand and wild fire smoke particles.

Is it safe to stay in a house that smells like smoke?

Health risks of staying in a smoke damaged house

Smoke can be incredibly toxic. Tar and carbon are just two of its common byproducts, but smoke can also contain heavy metals and other toxins. If these are breathed in over a period of time, they can go on to cause health implications.

What percentage of people smoke in their house?

Among respondents who are smokers and who live with children, 85% report that regular smoking occurs in their homes.

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