How To Get Rid Of Cigarette Smell in Your Rental Property

Ever walked into a property and been hit with the lingering smell of stale smoke? It’s an all-too-common problem for landlords, especially if your previous tenants were smokers.

Cigarette odor can deter potential tenants, reduce your property’s appeal, and even lower its value. For landlords, knowing how to get rid of cigarette smell in your rental property is a crucial skill, and that’s exactly what this guide aims to help you with.

In this guide, we’re going to talk about the best way to get rid of cigarette smell in your rental property. We’ll give you practical steps to not just hide but completely remove that stubborn smoke smell.

With these easy-to-follow tips, you can make your property smell fresh and clean again, making it a place that anyone would be happy to call home.

Why Cigarette Smoke Smell Lingers

Smoke is not just an odor; it’s a composite of tiny particles and gases released when a substance burns.

In the case of cigarettes, these particles are incredibly tiny and have a knack for infiltrating everything from fabrics to wall paint.

These microscopic gate-crashers settle on all surfaces and, over time, build up, creating that pervasive, stale cigarette smell that feels almost impossible to shake off. Think of it as a stubborn, unwanted guest who doesn’t take the hint to leave, no matter how much you clean around them!

Step-By-Step Guide on the Best Way to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell

1. Ventilation

Start with the basics: air the place out. Let nature’s best air purifier, the fresh air, do its job. Throw open all windows and doors and let the outside air breeze through.

However, don’t expect this step alone to solve all your issues. It’s just the beginning of a comprehensive strategy, the warm-up act before the main event.

2. Deep Cleaning

You’ve started the ventilation process. Now, let’s get down to business. This is the part where some elbow grease comes in. Every nook and corner of your property needs attention.

All hard surfaces, including floors, walls, and countertops, must thoroughly scrub down with detergent. Pay extra attention to woodwork, such as window frames and skirting boards, as smoke particles are fond of porous materials.

Engaging in a thorough cleaning session can significantly address the issue of eliminating the lingering odor of cigarettes from your rental property.

3. Neutralization

With cleaning out of the way, let’s move on to neutralizing those stubborn smoke odors. You may be surprised to learn that everyday items like baking soda, activated charcoal, and white vinegar are excellent odor-neutralizers.

For your carpets, sprinkle some baking soda and let it sit overnight before vacuuming. A wipe-down with white vinegar can work wonders for walls and hard surfaces.

Consider a commercial odor neutralizer for any lingering smells. This step is the unsung hero in the best way to get rid of the cigarette smell in your rental property.

4. Replacement of Items

Sometimes, the smell permeates certain items so deeply that cleaning or neutralizing is not enough. In such cases, replacement becomes necessary. Items that typically need replacing are carpets, curtains, and sometimes even painted walls.

While this can be costly, view it as an investment towards a smoke-free, odorless property that’s attractive to prospective tenants.

Methods to Eliminate Cigarette Smell

Using Vinegar

Vinegar can be a powerful tool in your arsenal. Distilled white vinegar has strong odor-neutralizing properties. Fill a few bowls with vinegar and place them around the room for a few days.

Baking Soda Treatment

Another home remedy to consider is baking soda. Sprinkle it liberally on carpets, upholstered furniture, and even into the crevices of your furniture. Let it sit overnight before vacuuming thoroughly.

Commercial Products

Numerous commercial odor-eliminating products are available in the market. From sprays to gels to fogging machines, you might find a product that suits your needs and budget.

Professional Services

Sometimes, even after following all the recommended steps, the smell of cigarette smoke can stubbornly persist. This is when you may need to consider calling in professional cleaning services.

Pros of Hiring Professionals

• Professional cleaners come equipped with industrial-grade cleaning products and equipment that are designed to penetrate deeper into materials, ensuring a thorough clean that may be difficult to achieve with regular household cleaning tools.

• Professionals understand the ins and outs of cigarette smoke, from why it lingers to how best to eliminate it. Their experience in handling similar situations allows them to assess your property and formulate a strategy that addresses your specific needs.

• The process of completely removing the smell of cigarette smoke can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Hiring professionals can save this hassle and redirect your energy to other important aspects of your rental business.

Cons of Hiring Professionals

• Professional cleaning services can be expensive, especially those that involve deep cleaning or the use of specialized, industrial-grade tools. The cost can significantly increase if multiple or regular cleanings are needed to fully remove the cigarette smell.
• While professional cleaners have the tools and experience to tackle stubborn cigarette odors, there’s no guarantee that they can completely eliminate the smell, particularly if it has deeply permeated materials like carpets, curtains, or drywall.

Preventive Measures for the Future

The final piece in this puzzle on how to get rid of cigarette smell in your rental property is prevention.

Enforcing No-Smoking Policies

Establish and enforce a strict no-smoking policy in your rental agreement. This not only reduces the risk of future odors but also minimizes potential fire hazards.

Regular Property Inspection

Additionally, regular inspections can help catch any violations early before the smell becomes a significant problem. It’s easier to address the issue promptly than to deal with a fully permeated odor later.

The Bottom Line

Getting rid of the cigarette smell in your rental property can be quite demanding, but it is far from impossible. With a combination of home remedies, commercial products, or professional services, you can reclaim your property’s freshness.

Implementing preventive measures will also ensure you’re not dealing with the same problem in the future. Remember, a clean, fresh-smelling property is more attractive to prospective tenants and can help keep your rental business thriving.