How to Remove Cigarette Smell from a Room Instantly

Cigarette odour is one of the most persistent and stubborn smells to remove from a room. Whether you are moving into a home previously occupied by a smoker or have been a smoker yourself, the lingering smell of tobacco can be overwhelming and unpleasant. While there are various ways to tackle this issue, the key to success is a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root cause of the smell—nicotine particles that settle on surfaces—while also neutralising and freshening the air. 

This article will guide you through practical steps for removing cigarette smell from a room, with some subtle recommendations on using products like wax melts, fabric sprays, and odour-eliminating powders to tackle the problem.

Step 1: Open Windows and Increase Air Circulation

The first step in addressing cigarette odour is to increase ventilation. Open all the windows in the room to allow fresh air to flow through and push out the stale, smoky air. If possible, place a fan in front of the window to help force the air out. Fresh air can dilute the concentration of nicotine particles in the room, making it easier to tackle the odour.

While ventilation is important for airing out a room, it’s not enough on its own. This is where additional steps are needed to tackle both the lingering odour and the particles that cause it.

Step 2: Clean All Surfaces Thoroughly

Nicotine and tobacco particles tend to settle on various surfaces in a room, including walls, furniture, carpets, and even curtains. Cleaning these surfaces is crucial in removing the source of the smell.

  1. Wipe Down Walls and Surfaces: Start by wiping down walls with a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent. Use a soft cloth to remove the greasy film left behind by cigarette smoke. You can also add a small amount of white vinegar to the solution to help neutralise the smell.

  2. Clean Furniture and Upholstery: Upholstered furniture tends to absorb odours easily. For fabric furniture, vacuum first to remove any dust or particles. Follow up by using a fabric spray that helps to neutralise odours and freshen the fabric. Sprays specifically designed for fabrics can be a great option as they are designed to break down smoke particles. You may also want to try a gentle fabric cleaner on any stubborn stains caused by smoke. The combination of a good cleaning routine and the right fabric spray can go a long way in tackling odour trapped in upholstery.

  3. Carpet Cleaning: Carpets can trap cigarette odour, making it difficult to remove with just air circulation. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly first, then sprinkle an odour-eliminating powder like Sassy Scents' Multi-Purpose Odour Eliminating Powder on the affected area. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the powder to absorb the odour before vacuuming it up. This can leave your carpets feeling fresh again, without the lingering scent of smoke.

  4. Wash Windows and Curtains: Don’t forget about your windows and curtains. Cigarette smoke can cling to these surfaces, and cleaning them can help remove the smell. Wash any removable curtains or blinds in warm water with a mild detergent. For the windows themselves, use a glass cleaner to remove any smoke residue that may have accumulated.

Step 3: Use an Air Purifier

An air purifier can be an effective tool for eliminating cigarette smoke odour, especially if it features a HEPA filter. These filters are designed to capture fine particles, including those from cigarette smoke. Many air purifiers also use activated carbon filters, which are particularly good at neutralising odours.

Placing an air purifier in the room can help continuously cleanse the air and remove smoke particles, leaving your space fresher over time. However, while an air purifier can make a significant difference, it’s not a standalone solution. It should be used alongside other odour-eliminating techniques.

Step 4: Use Natural Odour Absorbers

Several natural substances can be used to absorb cigarette odour, including activated charcoal, baking soda, and vinegar. These materials work by drawing the odour particles out of the air and neutralising them.

  1. Baking Soda: Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb unpleasant odours. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, rugs, and upholstery, and allow it to sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. It can also be placed in bowls around the room to absorb airborne smoke particles.

  2. Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is another powerful odour absorber. Place bowls of activated charcoal around the room to help absorb lingering smoke odours. It’s especially effective in smaller spaces and works over time to neutralise odours.

  3. Vinegar: White vinegar is an excellent natural deodoriser. You can place bowls of vinegar around the room to absorb the smoke smell. Alternatively, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly spritz the affected areas.

Step 5: Wax Melts for a Long-Lasting Fresh Scent

Wax melts are an excellent option for freshening up a room after tackling the nicotine and tobacco particles. Once you've thoroughly cleaned the space, wax melts can provide a long-lasting fragrance that replaces the lingering smell of cigarettes. Sassy Scents offers a range of wax melts, including scents like Blueberry Vanilla and Janeiro Sunshine, which can provide an immediate sense of freshness.

Using a wax melt warmer in the room can slowly release fragrance into the air, helping to neutralise any residual tobacco smell. Wax melts are ideal because they’re not just masking the odour, but actually infusing the space with a pleasant fragrance that can last for hours. The added benefit of wax melts is their long-lasting power. Unlike air fresheners that may only last a few hours, wax melts can provide continuous freshness for the duration of the day or night, allowing you to enjoy a smoke-free atmosphere for longer.

Step 6: Use Fabric and Room Sprays

Another effective way to combat cigarette odour is by using fabric and room sprays, which are specially formulated to neutralise the odours trapped in soft surfaces like furniture, curtains, and bedding. Sassy Scents’ Room & Fabric Sprays are perfect for this purpose. A light spritz of these sprays can help eliminate lingering smells on fabrics and carpets, leaving behind a clean, refreshing scent.

Sassy Scents offers a variety of room and fabric sprays that are designed to eliminate odours, not just mask them. The sprays are formulated to break down and neutralise smoke particles, ensuring that your fabrics smell fresh for longer. Simply spray them on your upholstered furniture, cushions, and curtains, and enjoy a smoke-free home.

We recommend Cashmere and Vanilla, Midnight Luxury, or the ever-popular Girl Boss.  

Step 7: Odour-Eliminating Powders

Sassy Scents’ Odour Eliminating Multi-Purpose Powder is a fantastic tool for quickly neutralising cigarette odour from carpets, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces. This versatile powder not only eliminates odours but leaves behind a fresh scent that will linger in your home long after the smoke has gone. The powder works by absorbing the odour particles and neutralising them, leaving the room smelling cleaner and fresher.

To use, simply sprinkle the powder over your carpets or furniture, let it sit for a while, and then vacuum or wipe it off. It’s a simple and effective way to tackle cigarette smells in your home without the need for harsh chemicals. This multi-purpose powder can also be used in drains, bins, and toilets, making it an all-around solution for various odour issues in the home.

Step 8: Maintain Freshness

After you’ve tackled the immediate odour issue, it’s important to maintain a fresh-smelling home. Regular cleaning and the use of wax melts, fabric sprays, and odour-eliminating powders can help prevent cigarette odour from returning. Keep your space well-ventilated, clean, and fresh by incorporating these products into your regular cleaning routine.

Consider using a combination of Sassy Scents products in different parts of the home. For example, keep a wax melt warmer in the living room and a fabric spray in the bedrooms to ensure your entire home stays fresh and free of unwanted odours.

Conclusion: Get Rid of Cigarette Smells

Removing cigarette smell from a room requires a thorough, multi-step approach. By focusing on ventilation, cleaning surfaces, and using specialised products like Sassy Scents’ wax melts, fabric sprays, and odour-eliminating powders, you can effectively neutralise and eliminate the lingering odour of smoke. The combination of natural remedies and targeted, high-quality products can help ensure that your home smells fresh and inviting, without the tell-tale signs of past tobacco use. 

Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a smoker’s home or simply trying to freshen up your space, these steps will provide a lasting solution to keep your room smelling clean and fresh. Shop our range of odour-busting products today!