Smoky House

Does your house smell smoke?

Does your house smoke? Or does it at least smell as if it smokes? If you are looking to buy a home, but the one you really like smells of smoke from the previous owner, don’t discount it completely. There are ways to get rid of the smoky smell, if you are willing to put a little effort behind your investment.

Here are a few tips to get rid of some of the smoky smell:

1. For a “whole house” result, you can use either vinegar or activated charcoal. First simmer the vinegar for several hours to rid the smell, and then sit bowls of vinegar around the smelliest areas. You can also use bowls of activated charcoal if you desire.

2. Scrub down everything that moves over your sink or tub or if too big, scrub down outside any item that is not bolted down.

3. Repaint the walls using a heavy duty primer coat first, then a few layers of fresh paint.

4. Have all ductwork cleaned out and have the chimney swept.

5. If the smell is on any upholstered furniture that is staying in the house, you can use carpet freshener or baking soda. Just sprinkle the freshener/soda over the entire surface of the furniture and let it sit overnight. The next day, just vacuum the powder away.

6. Wash down all baseboards and wood trim with a lemon juice or citrus mixture.

7. For carpets, first try to use the same technique as for upholstered furniture. If that doesn’t work, remove all carpets, rugs, and padding. You can replace with new carpet or install hardwood floors or tiles.

8. If you want to go the extra mile, you can purchase an air purifier for the smelliest rooms to absorb the odors.

9. To keep the air fresh in the home, you can simmer a pot of citrus fruit with water and leave on all day.

After painting and washing the baseboards your biggest obstacle will be getting the smell out of your carpet, make sure to estimate the replacement cost before making your purchase. If all goes well you will save this money if the other techniques work.

Good Luck,

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