Do you have a lingering cigarette smell in your home? Maybe it’s on your vintage couch that you got second-hand, or perhaps an errant smoker lit up one too many times inside and left their smoky scent behind.
Cigarette smoke is notoriously difficult to get rid of, especially when it’s embedded in fabrics like upholstery. However, a few tried and tested methods can help eliminate that stubborn smell from your couch.
No matter the cause of the odor, getting rid of smoke smells can seem mission impossible — but there’s no need to fear! With our helpful tips and tricks, you can effortlessly remove that pesky cigarette smell from your furniture. Keep reading to find out how to get cigarette smell out of a couch!
What Will You Need?
Before you begin, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- A spray bottle
- Odor-absorbing essential oils (optional)
Now that you’re all set up and ready to tackle that pesky cigarette smell, let’s get started!
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Cigarette Smell Out of a Couch
Step 1. Preparation:
Begin by vacuuming your entire couch to remove any loose dust or particles. Ensure to get into the crevices and underneath the cushions where ash and cigarette particles may be hiding. If the cushions are removable, take them off and vacuum both sides.
Step 2. Baking Soda Application:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on your couch, distributing it evenly across all surfaces. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that will help absorb lingering cigarette smells. Be careful not to wet the couch with the baking soda.
Step 3. Let it Sit:
After you’ve applied the baking soda, let it sit on the couch for at least a few hours, ideally overnight. This gives the baking soda ample time to soak up the stubborn cigarette smell. Remember, the longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be. And don’t worry about the baking soda damaging your fabric; it’s completely safe.
Step 4. Vacuum Again:
After the baking soda has worked its magic overnight, vacuum the couch again. Make sure to remove all the baking soda from the upholstery. This step will remove the baking soda and the absorbed cigarette smell. Take your time and ensure you vacuum all areas thoroughly.
Step 5. Vinegar Spray:
Next, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine. Lightly mist the solution onto the surface of your couch. Be careful not to soak the fabric. Vinegar is excellent at neutralizing odors. However, perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it will keep your upholstery intact. Allow the couch to air dry completely.
Step 6. Air Out and Repeat if Necessary:
After the couch is completely dry, airing out the room is essential. Open all windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and help remove any lasting odors. If the cigarette smell is still present, don’t worry.
You can repeat steps 2 to 5 again. Sometimes, stubborn smells require a bit more effort, but rest assured, with patience and perseverance, you will get that cigarette smell out of your couch.
Step 7. Optional Essential Oils:
If the smell persists after applying the baking soda and vinegar, or if you simply want a fresher scent, consider using essential oils. Choose an oil with a strong but pleasant smell, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil.
Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your couch. Do a patch test first to ensure the oil does not stain your fabric. Allow the couch to dry completely.
Step 8. Regular Maintenance:
Remember, prevention is more accessible than cure. Regularly vacuum and air out your couch, and consider using covers if the situation allows. This will prevent the smell from becoming deeply embedded and simplify future cleaning tasks.
Step 9. Professional Cleaning:
If the smell still doesn’t quit after all your efforts, it might be time to call in the professionals. Professional upholstery cleaners have specialized tools and cleaning solutions that can penetrate deeper into the fabric and padding of the couch, removing stubborn odors that home remedies might miss. This may be a more costly option, but it is worth considering if the smell persists.
Step 10. Prevention:
Moving forward, the best way to keep your couch smelling fresh is to prevent the smell from settling in the first place. Implement a strict no-smoking policy in your home, especially near upholstered furniture. If that’s not possible, ensure good ventilation and consider using air purifiers to filter smoke particles before they can settle into your couch.
And there you have it, your step-by-step guide on how to get cigarette smell out of a couch. We hope you’ve found it helpful and that your living room is back to smelling fresh and inviting!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
Tip 1. Use Activated Charcoal:
Activated charcoal is known for its odor-absorbing solid properties. Place a few bags of activated charcoal under the cushions or around the couch for a few days to help absorb the residual cigarette odor.
Tip 2. Coffee Grounds:
Another household item you can use is coffee grounds. Similar to baking soda and activated charcoal, coffee grounds are great at absorbing odors. Place them in a bowl and leave it on your couch overnight.
Tip 3. Fabric Refreshers:
There are many fabric refreshers available in the market that claim to eliminate odors. These can be used after following the steps mentioned above for an extra boost of freshness.
Tip 4. Use Dryer Sheets:
You can also rub dryer sheets on your couch to help neutralize odors. This is a quick and easy solution for when you need to freshen up your couch in a pinch.
Tip 5. Regular Cleaning:
Lastly, make sure to clean and maintain your couch regularly. Vacuum it at least once a week, spot-clean any spills or stains immediately, and have it professionally cleaned every few months. This will not only keep cigarette smells at bay but also extend the life of your couch.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can ensure that your couch stays smelling fresh and clean for years to come.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Avoid Over-Wetting:
Never soak your couch with any cleaning solution, including the vinegar or essential oil mix. Overwetting can trap moisture within the upholstery, potentially causing mold or mildew growth.
2. Don’t Skip Patch Tests:
Always perform a patch test with any new cleaning solution on a hidden area of your couch. This will ensure the solution doesn’t discolor or damage the fabric.
3. Avoid Using Strong Chemicals:
Some cleaning agents contain harsh chemicals that can damage your couch’s fabric or cause health issues. Always opt for natural, non-toxic solutions first.
4. Don’t Smoke Indoors:
Prevention is always better than cure. Implement a strict no-smoking policy in your home to avoid removing cigarette smells from your couch.
5. Don’t Neglect Regular Maintenance:
Neglecting to vacuum and air out your couch regularly can lead to odors becoming deeply embedded in the fabric over time. Make it a habit to clean your couch regularly to keep it smelling fresh.
By avoiding these things, you can ensure your couch stays clean and free of cigarette smells. Remember, patience and persistence are vital in removing stubborn odors.
What are the Harmful Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Upholstery?
Cigarette smoke contains a myriad of harmful chemicals that can not only cause health issues but also damage your upholstery. These chemicals can cling onto the fabric fibers, causing discoloration and making it harder to remove the smell. In addition, tar and nicotine in cigarette smoke can leave behind a sticky residue, which attracts dirt and causes your couch to look dingy. Not to mention, smoking indoors can also leave behind yellow stains on walls and ceilings.
Overall, cigarette smoke can significantly decrease the lifespan and aesthetic of your upholstered furniture. It is essential to address the smell immediately to prevent any long-term damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways to get the smell of cigarettes out of a couch. You can use some easy homemade recipes with everyday items in your pantry or call our professional cleaners to help remove the smell entirely and quickly.
No matter which route you take, we hope we were able to provide some helpful tips and guidance for getting rid of cigarette smells from your furniture. Even if it seems impossible, don’t lose hope – there are a few simple solutions to this common problem that don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.
Hopefully, the article on how to get cigarette smell out of a couch has given you some valuable information and ideas on tackling this issue.
So don’t be discouraged by nicotine stains and never fear – take action, get inspired, and get back to fresh-smelling leaves behind!
