If you own a home and smoke tobacco, or if you live with someone who smokes tobacco, the potential of selling a home can fall flat if the smell lingers. As many of us know, the smell of cigarette smoke can be near-impossible to get rid of. Unfortunately, it can be a major deal-breaker for those looking to buy.
According to Realtor Magazine, studies show that smoking inside the home can cut into the resale value by nearly 29%. Chemical compounds released through cigarette smoke can stick to the walls and other hard surfaces. The odor that comes with it can last for weeks and months. Sometimes the elbow-grease in a deep-cleaning spree isn’t enough.
However, there are a few things you could try if you are in the process of selling a smoker home.
Remove Smoke Residue
A majority of smokers might tell you that they don’t notice the smokey smell in their homes, which is likely because they are always there and have become used to it. However, smokey odors are one of the most off-putting scents for buyers.
According to an article from Healthline, cigarettes can release tars and toxic gases into the air, which contaminate both hard and soft surfaces. Even dust absorbs the smokey scent!
To remove this smokey smell, you may have to rip out carpets, flooring, and drywall. Some suggest painting any smelly surfaces with sealing primer.
Deep-Cleaning Hard Surfaces
Before tackling the cleaning process, turn on fans and open some windows to get some air circulation going. Once your airflow is in check, you can wipe down the various hard surfaces within the house.
One of the best ways to clean hard surfaces, according to Rainbow International, is a mixture of white vinegar and water. Use this solution to clean ceilings, walls, floors, doors, countertops, windows, frames, handles, knobs, fan blades, lighting fixtures, furniture, and appliances.
Wash Your Soft Materials
Once you have scrubbed your hard surfaces away, sprinkle baking soda onto your soft materials, such as rugs, upholstery, carps, and other types of soft fabric that you can’t put into the washing machine. The baking soda should sit on the soft materials for a few days to absorb the odors.
Once those few days have passed, you can vacuum up the baking soda to get rid of it. After that, get yourself a steam cleaner and clean the carpets. The majority of steam cleaners out there have specific attachments for upholstery, allowing you to clean your furniture as well.
Make sure to attack your draperies and curtains. Strip the sheets and blankets from your beds and remove washable upholstery covers. Give all of these materials a go in the washing machine with half a cup of vinegar in place of your typical detergent. Once the items are done in the wash, allow them to air dry.
So yes, as you can see, getting rid of the smoke smell in a home can be difficult. Rather than dealing with the time and energy to clean your home or scaring away potential buyers, sell your home to National Cash Offer!