Smokey House

[Merry]

Not sure which section to put this under but I am hoping someone can help.

We will be moving house in about 4 weeks time. The problem is the house that we are moving to has had smokers living in it. Is there anything I can do to detox the house and get rid of the toxins? I am concerned about our nearly 7 month old having to be in the house and inhale all the residual crap.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Have a great day.

:party0011:

[Paper Cut]

Short of scrubbing the absolute bum (and ceiling) off it... I am not sure what else you can do.. if they were heavy indoor smokers it will be in the very fibers of the walls... I've not had to deal with similar as I refuse to rent a home a smoker has been in for that very reason.

[Serephina]

I don't envy you. I hate the smell of stale cigarette smoke and it seems to linger forever.

I'd start by washing everything. Have the carpets shampooed, wash any curtains or drapes, wipe down all surfaces including the walls. Leaving the house to air for as long as possible would help too. Maybe some indoor plants in your living areas would help to improve the air quality too.

Good luck!

[MinorityView]

I moved into a mobile home that used to belong to a smoker.

I had all the carpets torn out and put in wide pine flooring. (the carpeting was in awful shape)

All curtains removed. (they were crappy, not worth keeping, I put up window shades as a temporary, inexpensive solution)

Had a cleaner come in and wash down all the walls.

Opened the windows as much as possible for several days before I moved in.

It has never smelled like smoke.

There are some brands of cat litter that will remove smoke smells--the clay kind--which is pretty cheap. You could put lots of containers around filled with cat litter for a bit before you move in. I used this trick for all the manuals that the old owner gave me as they stank, terribly, of cigarette smoke. I put them in a plastic bag with a lot of kitty litter and sealed it up for a couple of weeks. It helped.

[Merry]

Thank you all for your great suggestions! Unfortunately Paper Cut, apart from currently having smoking tenants, we have been given an offer we cant refuse. Rent free, free power and free phone and right by the beach! Will just have to get out the rubber gloves and go for it.

[Paper Cut]

Thank you all for your great suggestions! Unfortunately Paper Cut, apart from currently having smoking tenants, we have been given an offer we cant refuse. Rent free, free power and free phone and right by the beach! Will just have to get out the rubber gloves and go for it.


WOW! I wouldn't even refuse that!.. I'd call in the cleaners and detox people though! lol

[bbrandonsmom]

http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-smoke-smell.htm

I found this doing my own search how to get rid of cigarette smoke smell. I think dh is getting real tired of me hassling him about smoking (even though it's only in the garage) and he is quiting. Problem-the entire garage is tar laden after 3yrs now. The walls are yellowed-yuck. First I pulled the carpet out and that made a HUGE difference. I mopped the floor down and scrubbed the doors, which seemed to take off about 90% of the staining and smell. Not happy I went searching and found this web page. I haven't tried the vinegar yet, because I'm going to have to really scrub down everything in the garage, and I don't really want to do that twice, I'm mad enough as it is.
I did find a voc free primer if all else fails, and I'll prime and paint.

[Merry]

Thanks bbrandonsmum! that is a great site. I already use the vinegar and baking soda for my household cleaners so will go to Bin Inn and get a truck load for cheap. My partner too is unfortunately still a smoker but always outside, but my argument is that the residual nasties are still on his clothes when he picks up our wee one and I am starting to think that this maybe the cause of her monring cough (as explained in my other post Lingering Cough). Fingers crossed that he will quit soon.

[Paper Cut]

but my argument is that the residual nasties are still on his clothes

Not forgetting the residual nastys hes passing on to you when you snog.. brushed teeth or not.. its IN his saliva regardless.. ew