Cleaning and Organization
How to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a House
December 30, 2020
If you’re a smoker, you probably don’t realize it, but for non-smokers, a house where someone has smoked is a truly unpleasant smell that seems to penetrate into everything: the walls, the furniture, the curtains, even your clothes. Luckily, there are ways to fix this. Here’s how to get rid of the odour of cigarette smoke in a house and have it smelling fresh and clean instead.
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Published June 14, 2019, Updated December 30, 2020
Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Our best decorating and DIY ideas delivered to your inbox.
Published June 14, 2019, Updated December 30, 2020
Cleaning and Organization
How to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a House
December 30, 2020
If you’re a smoker, you probably don’t realize it, but for non-smokers, a house where someone has smoked is a truly unpleasant smell that seems to penetrate into everything: the walls, the furniture, the curtains, even your clothes. Luckily, there are ways to fix this. Here’s how to get rid of the odour of cigarette smoke in a house and have it smelling fresh and clean instead.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Our best decorating and DIY ideas delivered to your inbox.
Published June 14, 2019, Updated December 30, 2020
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Clean Out All Ashtrays
1/20Clean Out All Ashtrays
1/20Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
The first step in getting rid of any unpleasant smell is to remove the source. So, start by cleaning out all ashtrays. Make sure all cigarette butts have been extinguished properly so that they won’t be a fire hazard in the trash. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/worst-things-scott-mcgillivray-canadian-homes-1925443/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 of the Worst Things Scott McGillivray Has Come Across in Canadian Homes</a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseClean Out All Ashtrays
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -The first step in getting rid of any unpleasant smell is to remove the source. So, start by cleaning out all ashtrays. Make sure all cigarette butts have been extinguished properly so that they won’t be a fire hazard in the trash. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/worst-things-scott-mcgillivray-canadian-homes-1925443/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 of the Worst Things Scott McGillivray Has Come Across in Canadian Homes</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Open the Windows
2/20Open the Windows
2/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Open as many windows as you can to air out the house. Fresh air will flow in, while the stale, smoky air will flow out. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/our-editors-cant-live-without-these-amazing-cleaning-products-1928307/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Our Editors Can't Live Without These Amazing Cleaning Products</a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseOpen the Windows
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -Open as many windows as you can to air out the house. Fresh air will flow in, while the stale, smoky air will flow out. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/our-editors-cant-live-without-these-amazing-cleaning-products-1928307/#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Our Editors Can't Live Without These Amazing Cleaning Products</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Turn on the Fans
3/20Turn on the Fans
3/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Place some fans strategically throughout your house, pointing towards doors and windows. Turning on the fans will not only increase air flow but if you place them wisely, they can help push out the smelly air faster.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseTurn on the Fans
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Place some fans strategically throughout your house, pointing towards doors and windows. Turning on the fans will not only increase air flow but if you place them wisely, they can help push out the smelly air faster.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Sprinkle Baking Soda
4/20Sprinkle Baking Soda
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
There are many <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-baking-soda-1913816/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things you should be cleaning with baking soda</a>, but this common household item is also a very effective smoke odour eliminator. It does this by neutralizing the odour molecules. Sprinkle some baking soda on all surfaces that smell strongly of smoke, especially the carpets and fabric-covered surfaces. Let it sit for a day before vacuuming it. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-remove-smell-dog-cat-1940537/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Remove the Smell of Dog and Cat in Your Home</a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseSprinkle Baking Soda
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -There are many <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-baking-soda-1913816/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things you should be cleaning with baking soda</a>, but this common household item is also a very effective smoke odour eliminator. It does this by neutralizing the odour molecules. Sprinkle some baking soda on all surfaces that smell strongly of smoke, especially the carpets and fabric-covered surfaces. Let it sit for a day before vacuuming it. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-remove-smell-dog-cat-1940537/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Remove the Smell of Dog and Cat in Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Wash All Fabric Items
5/20Wash All Fabric Items
5/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Cigarette smoke penetrates into everything made of fabric and the only real way to get rid of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/blog/why-your-home-might-smell-1920843/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">smell</a> is to wash those items. So, choose a sunny day to wash all your linens, curtains, pillow covers, sofa covers, clothes and so on. Let these items hang outside to dry while you clean out the smoke smell from your house or they’ll just reabsorb the smell if you bring them back in too soon. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-often-should-you-clean-things-in-your-home-1938009/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">From Appliances to Fabrics: How Often Should You Clean These Things in Your Home?</a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseWash All Fabric Items
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -Cigarette smoke penetrates into everything made of fabric and the only real way to get rid of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/blog/why-your-home-might-smell-1920843/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">smell</a> is to wash those items. So, choose a sunny day to wash all your linens, curtains, pillow covers, sofa covers, clothes and so on. Let these items hang outside to dry while you clean out the smoke smell from your house or they’ll just reabsorb the smell if you bring them back in too soon. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-often-should-you-clean-things-in-your-home-1938009/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">From Appliances to Fabrics: How Often Should You Clean These Things in Your Home?</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Clean Wall Hangings
6/20Clean Wall Hangings
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you have wall hangings made of wool, canvas or other textiles, they have probably absorbed the smell of cigarette smoke too. Carefully wipe them down with a mild soap, some water and a wash cloth and leave them outside to dry while you clean the rest of the house. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/items-to-ditch-home-prove-youre-an-adult-1938493/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Items to Ditch From Your Home to Prove You're an Adult</a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseClean Wall Hangings
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -If you have wall hangings made of wool, canvas or other textiles, they have probably absorbed the smell of cigarette smoke too. Carefully wipe them down with a mild soap, some water and a wash cloth and leave them outside to dry while you clean the rest of the house. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/items-to-ditch-home-prove-youre-an-adult-1938493/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Items to Ditch From Your Home to Prove You're an Adult</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Wash Hard Surfaces With Vinegar
7/20Wash Hard Surfaces With Vinegar
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Hard surfaces like floors and kitchen counters are just some of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-vinegar-1912030/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things you should be cleaning with vinegar</a>. When it comes to how to get rid of cigarette odour, vinegar comes in especially handy. Make a solution of about two thirds distilled white vinegar and one third water and use this to wash all hard surfaces, including the walls. Cigarette smoke leaves a greasy residue and the vinegar will dissolve this. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/the-ultimate-guide-to-disinfecting-every-surface-of-your-house-1942793/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Ultimate Guide to Disinfecting Every Surface of Your House</a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseWash Hard Surfaces With Vinegar
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Hard surfaces like floors and kitchen counters are just some of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-vinegar-1912030/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things you should be cleaning with vinegar</a>. When it comes to how to get rid of cigarette odour, vinegar comes in especially handy. Make a solution of about two thirds distilled white vinegar and one third water and use this to wash all hard surfaces, including the walls. Cigarette smoke leaves a greasy residue and the vinegar will dissolve this. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/the-ultimate-guide-to-disinfecting-every-surface-of-your-house-1942793/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Ultimate Guide to Disinfecting Every Surface of Your House</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Ammonia to Scrub Away Stubborn Smells
8/20Use Ammonia to Scrub Away Stubborn Smells
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If there are areas in your home where the cigarette smell seems to stick no matter what you do, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Make a solution of one cup of ammonia to about four litres of warm water and use it to scrub those stubborn spots. The smell of ammonia will go away on its own after a while.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseUse Ammonia to Scrub Away Stubborn Smells
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -If there are areas in your home where the cigarette smell seems to stick no matter what you do, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Make a solution of one cup of ammonia to about four litres of warm water and use it to scrub those stubborn spots. The smell of ammonia will go away on its own after a while.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Replace the Furnace Filter
9/20Replace the Furnace Filter
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Furnace filters trap the smells and contaminants from cigarette smoke and as they fill up, these nasty chemicals travel through the house and distribute the smell. Replace the filter with clean ones to keep the air fresh. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/places-probably-forgot-to-clean-1926009/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">11 Places You Probably Forgot to Clean in Your House</a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseReplace the Furnace Filter
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -Furnace filters trap the smells and contaminants from cigarette smoke and as they fill up, these nasty chemicals travel through the house and distribute the smell. Replace the filter with clean ones to keep the air fresh. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/places-probably-forgot-to-clean-1926009/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">11 Places You Probably Forgot to Clean in Your House</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Clean the Air Ducts
10/20Clean the Air Ducts
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
When cigarette smoke enters the air ducts in your home, it will travel along these ducts and spread throughout the house. Clean the ducts to ensure there is no smoke residue left that can cause bad smells.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseClean the Air Ducts
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -When cigarette smoke enters the air ducts in your home, it will travel along these ducts and spread throughout the house. Clean the ducts to ensure there is no smoke residue left that can cause bad smells.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Place Coffee Grounds Throughout Your House
11/20Place Coffee Grounds Throughout Your House
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Using coffee grounds in your garden is one of those <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">weird plant tips that actually work</a>. However, coffee grounds don’t have to just go straight into your green space. They absorb odours and will fill your home with the smell of freshly brewed coffee instead. Put them in bowls or sachets in strategic places in your home. Clean out the bowls after a day or so to prevent mould. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-clean-your-kitchen-using-all-natural-solutions-to-save-you-time-and-money-1926856/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Clean Your Kitchen Using All-Natural Solutions to Save You Time and Money</a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HousePlace Coffee Grounds Throughout Your House
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Using coffee grounds in your garden is one of those <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">weird plant tips that actually work</a>. However, coffee grounds don’t have to just go straight into your green space. They absorb odours and will fill your home with the smell of freshly brewed coffee instead. Put them in bowls or sachets in strategic places in your home. Clean out the bowls after a day or so to prevent mould. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-clean-your-kitchen-using-all-natural-solutions-to-save-you-time-and-money-1926856/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Clean Your Kitchen Using All-Natural Solutions to Save You Time and Money</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Put Out Charcoal
12/20Put Out Charcoal
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Charcoal is one of the most effective weapons to have in your odour removal arsenal. Activated charcoal is more efficient, but also more expensive than the regular briquettes you use for your summer barbecue. You can use either, though, by placing it strategically in areas where you need it to absorb the smell of smoke.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HousePut Out Charcoal
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -Charcoal is one of the most effective weapons to have in your odour removal arsenal. Activated charcoal is more efficient, but also more expensive than the regular briquettes you use for your summer barbecue. You can use either, though, by placing it strategically in areas where you need it to absorb the smell of smoke.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Wipe Down Surfaces With Vanilla Extract
13/20Wipe Down Surfaces With Vanilla Extract
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Pour a few drops of vanilla extract on a wet rag or sponge and use it to wipe down surfaces, including ornaments and other bric-a-brac. The vanilla will mask the scent of cigarette smoke as well as other bad smells, including pet odours.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseWipe Down Surfaces With Vanilla Extract
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Pour a few drops of vanilla extract on a wet rag or sponge and use it to wipe down surfaces, including ornaments and other bric-a-brac. The vanilla will mask the scent of cigarette smoke as well as other bad smells, including pet odours.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Put Out Vanilla
14/20Put Out Vanilla
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
It’s also a good idea to place cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract (or even small bowls with vanilla extract) strategically throughout your home. The smell will linger for longer if you do it this way rather than just wiping surfaces with vanilla extract.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HousePut Out Vanilla
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -It’s also a good idea to place cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract (or even small bowls with vanilla extract) strategically throughout your home. The smell will linger for longer if you do it this way rather than just wiping surfaces with vanilla extract.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Make a Steam Deodorizer
15/20Make a Steam Deodorizer
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
An incredibly simple way to deodorize your home is to use the power of steam. Mix some vanilla extract, essential oils or citrus fruits with water. Then let it boil for about 20 minutes to let the fragrant steam travel through the house. You can also microwave it for a few minutes on high – which is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hacks to clean your microwave in minutes</a> – and then open the microwave to let the steam escape.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseMake a Steam Deodorizer
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -An incredibly simple way to deodorize your home is to use the power of steam. Mix some vanilla extract, essential oils or citrus fruits with water. Then let it boil for about 20 minutes to let the fragrant steam travel through the house. You can also microwave it for a few minutes on high – which is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hacks to clean your microwave in minutes</a> – and then open the microwave to let the steam escape.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use the Power of Fresh Produce
16/20Use the Power of Fresh Produce
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Fresh produce like apples, pears and citrus fruits can absorb bad smells in small spaces. Simply cut them into slices and leave the slices out overnight. Fruit pieces may even replace the bad smells with their own mouth-watering aroma. Remember though that overripe fruit is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/20-things-that-attract-bad-bugs-into-your-house-and-yard-1903104/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">things that attract bad bugs into your house</a>, so remember to throw away the fruit pieces in the morning.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseUse the Power of Fresh Produce
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Fresh produce like apples, pears and citrus fruits can absorb bad smells in small spaces. Simply cut them into slices and leave the slices out overnight. Fruit pieces may even replace the bad smells with their own mouth-watering aroma. Remember though that overripe fruit is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/20-things-that-attract-bad-bugs-into-your-house-and-yard-1903104/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">things that attract bad bugs into your house</a>, so remember to throw away the fruit pieces in the morning.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Essential Oils
17/20Use Essential Oils
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
For a quick deodorizing trick, make your own air-freshening spray. Simply blend a few drops of essential oils like lavender, orange, mint, eucalyptus, patchouli, rosemary, sage or tea tree with a bit of vodka and some water. Put this in a spray bottle and spritz as needed. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/7-natural-cleaners-you-can-make-at-home-1896485/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY, All-Natural Cleaning Products and Air Fresheners You Can Make at Home</a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseUse Essential Oils
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -For a quick deodorizing trick, make your own air-freshening spray. Simply blend a few drops of essential oils like lavender, orange, mint, eucalyptus, patchouli, rosemary, sage or tea tree with a bit of vodka and some water. Put this in a spray bottle and spritz as needed. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/7-natural-cleaners-you-can-make-at-home-1896485/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY, All-Natural Cleaning Products and Air Fresheners You Can Make at Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Incense or Scented Candles
18/20Use Incense or Scented Candles
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Incense and scented candles are a cost-effective way of masking bad smells like that of cigarette smoke. Simply choose your favourite fragrance – cedarwood and vanilla are especially effective – and burn it where needed. Remember though to never let incense or candles burn when you’re not in the room, since they are fire hazards.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseUse Incense or Scented Candles
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -Incense and scented candles are a cost-effective way of masking bad smells like that of cigarette smoke. Simply choose your favourite fragrance – cedarwood and vanilla are especially effective – and burn it where needed. Remember though to never let incense or candles burn when you’re not in the room, since they are fire hazards.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Get Some Air-Purifying Plants
19/20Get Some Air-Purifying Plants
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Some indoor plants have fragrant flowers that can help mask bad odours in your house. Cigarette smoke, however, also releases harmful chemicals like ammonia, tuolene, methylamine, acetone and even arsenic. Consider getting <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">plants that will improve the air quality in your home</a> by absorbing these chemicals.Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseGet Some Air-Purifying Plants
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -Some indoor plants have fragrant flowers that can help mask bad odours in your house. Cigarette smoke, however, also releases harmful chemicals like ammonia, tuolene, methylamine, acetone and even arsenic. Consider getting <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">plants that will improve the air quality in your home</a> by absorbing these chemicals.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Have a Designated Smoking Area
20/20Have a Designated Smoking Area
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
To prevent that nasty cigarette smell from entering your house again, have a designated smoking area. Create a cosy corner outside on the deck or balcony with sufficient ashtrays where smokers can indulge. <br><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-declutter-every-room-in-your-house-1938596/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Declutter Every Room in Your House (Now’s the Time!) </a>Cleaning and OrganizationHow to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a HouseHave a Designated Smoking Area
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -To prevent that nasty cigarette smell from entering your house again, have a designated smoking area. Create a cosy corner outside on the deck or balcony with sufficient ashtrays where smokers can indulge. <br><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-declutter-every-room-in-your-house-1938596/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Declutter Every Room in Your House (Now’s the Time!) </a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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