#Does steam help get rid of smoke windows

#Does steam help get rid of smoke windows

If weather permits, keep windows and doors open for as long as is practical. It’s best to let these items air-dry outside to prevent shrinkage. Follow up with another wash cycle with your preferred detergent. Wash your laundry-safe fabrics (couch-cushion covers, some drapes and curtains) in the machine with 1/2 cup vinegar instead of detergent. If your steam cleaner has an upholstery attachment, use this to clean drapes or upholstered furniture too.

If you don’t have a steam cleaner, you can buy or rent one at your local hardware store. Once the baking soda has had a chance to absorb the odor, vacuum it all up and repeat as necessary. Sprinkle everything with baking soda, and let it sit for a few days. Next, focus on fabric, carpet and upholstery – beginning with what you can’t throw in the washing machine. To reach high spots, use a ladder or an extension pole with a rag clamp. Consider throwing out items such as lampshades and throw pillows that absorb odors well and are easy to replace. Wipe down all knickknacks, photo frames and decorations as well. Leave no surface untouched: Clean walls, doors, knobs, light fixtures (bulbs too), ceilings, fan blades, and anything the smoke came in contact with. You may also wash the walls and ceiling with a mixture of 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda and a gallon of hot water. Use a spray bottle and a rag to wipe down all hard surfaces with a 50 / 50 solution of white vinegar and hot water. If the room smells like an ashtray, consider throwing out items that don’t have sentimental value – sometimes that overstuffed couch is just too smelly and not worth the time and money you would spend on restoring it.īegin by opening all windows and doors to provide ventilation while you clean. If someone smoked inside for a decade, restoration may require a more invasive approach, such as throwing items out or even replacing the drywall and carpet.

The process for eliminating smoke odor in your house depends on the severity of contamination. Removing cigarette smoke demands patience. Don’t let the stale odor of cigarette smoke contaminate your indoor air quality.