Selling a home that has absorbed the scent of cigarette smoke can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can make your property more appealing to potential buyers. Here are expert tips to effectively remove cigarette smell and enhance your home’s resale value:
1.Cleaning Hard Surfaces:
- Prepare the Surface: Ventilate your home by opening windows and doors. Turn on fans to improve air circulation.
- Use Vinegar Solution: Wipe down walls, ceilings, floors, and other hard surfaces with a solution of half white vinegar and half water. Vinegar’s deodorizing properties help neutralize smoke odors.
- Neutralizing Powder: Place bowls of coffee grounds in affected rooms to further neutralize the smell.
- Repainting Walls: After cleaning, seal the smell with an odor-neutralizing primer. Apply two coats of a new, neutral-colored paint to walls and ceilings for a fresher ambiance.
2. Deodorizing Soft Items:
- Baking Soda Method: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Let it sit for several days to absorb odors before vacuuming.
- Steam Cleaning: For curtains, draperies, and upholstery covers, consider steam cleaning. Alternatively, machine-wash washable fabrics using a vinegar-water solution, then air dry.
- Mattress Care: Ventilate the mattress outdoors and spray it with a vinegar-water solution daily for at least a week. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda, wait for a few days, then vacuum.
- HVAC System: Install special odor-removing filters containing charcoal in your HVAC system. Regularly change these filters to maintain effectiveness.
- Air Purifiers: Invest in an industrial-grade air purifier with HEPA filters to improve overall air quality. Consider placing indoor plants, natural air purifiers, throughout your home.
4. Seek Professional Assistance:
- Dry Cleaner: Take larger soft items to a local dry cleaner specializing in smoke odor removal.
- Home Restoration Company: Consider hiring a home restoration company equipped with specialized equipment such as ozone generators or steam deodorizers.
5. Consult a Real Estate Expert:
- Experienced Agent: Engage an experienced real estate agent. They can provide valuable advice on dealing with smoke odor during negotiations and refer you to reliable restoration services if needed.
