When a tenant moves out, a common challenge can be getting cigarette smoke odour removal services organized – stat!
After years of smoking in a commercial property, walls and contents become blemished and develop foul odours. Professional cigarette smoke odour removal is often necessary to restore a clean and healthy environment. Learn more about cleaning properties affected by tobacco residue and odours below.
How Does Cigarette Smoke Affect Your Property?
Cigarette smoke not only impacts the people exposed to it but also produces odourous substances that adhere to every surface in the area where smoking has taken place. This yellowish-brown residue can bond to walls, furniture, and plastics, permanently changing their appearance. Smoke also penetrates more odour-absorbing objects, such as:
- Carpets
- Upholstery
- Bedding
- Walls
- Clothes
- Electronics
Additionally, the HVAC system of a building can carry smoke odour and chemicals throughout the structure, exacerbating the problem. The result of long-term smoking in enclosed areas is similar to that of a fire, with tobacco smoke chemicals being much more challenging to eliminate.
DIY Cigarette Smoke Odour Removal Tips
While professional services are recommended for complete removal, here are a few tips for tackling cigarette smoke odours on your own:
Ventilate the Area: Open windows and use fans to increase air circulation.
Deep Clean Surfaces: Use a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down walls, floors, and furniture.
Wash Fabrics: Launder curtains, bedding, and other washable fabrics with baking soda to neutralize odours.
Use Odour Absorbers: Place bowls of activated charcoal, baking soda, or white vinegar around the space to absorb odours.
How Professionals Remove Smoke Odour from a Property
Removing tobacco residue is often very difficult and requires specialized equipment and techniques. Here’s how professionals tackle cigarette smoke odour removal:
Comprehensive Cleaning Techniques
Professionals start by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces in the affected area. This includes:
Walls and Ceilings: Using specialized cleaners to remove the sticky residue.
Floors and Carpets: Deep cleaning with professional-grade equipment.
Furniture and Fixtures: Cleaning and deodorizing all hard surfaces.
Specialized Cleaning Techniques
Nicotine Cleaning & Fogging
Initial Cleaning Process
At Touch With Care, our restoration specialists begin by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces using deodorizing agents and special detergents designed to address microscopic particles from cigarette smoke. The cleaning includes:
- Baseboards
- Window frames/ledges
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Light fixtures
- Switches
- Door knobs
- Ceilings (*Ceilings roller washed if popcorn ceiling)
The surfaces are cleaned with a nicotine eliminator cleaner.
Fogging Process
After cleaning, a Fogger is used to eliminate smoke odour. The process involves:
- Using specialized equipment to address any lingering odours within walls or joints
- Applying sealant to surfaces to prevent the persistence of any remaining odours
Final Steps
- The space is painted and refinished.
- A second assessment is conducted to ensure the complete removal of bad odours.
Additional Information
Timing: The cleaning and fogging are done before the painting.
Fogging Details:
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- An electrical pump forces solution drawn from the solution reservoir through an atomizing nozzle and into a thermostatically controlled heating chamber in the barrel.
- The solution is vaporized instantly, producing a cloud of smoke-like fog that surges out of the end of the barrel.
Thermal Fogging VS Ozone Treatment
While Ozone Treatment is another method for odour control, Ozone can be a reactive gas and may pose risks if not handled correctly. We believe Thermal Fogging offers a superior and safer alternative:
Effectiveness: It closely mimics the size of smoke particles, allowing the fog to penetrate deep into surfaces, just like the original odour-causing particles.
Safety: Thermal fogging minimizes health risks associated with carcinogenic debris, making it a safer option for odour control.
Efficiency: It is a user-friendly and cost-effective solution that does not leave residue, making it a clean and efficient choice for odour removal.
Call the Pros for Cigarette Smoke Odour Removal
Attempting to remove cigarette smoke odour without professional help can be a daunting task. For effective and lasting results, it’s best to enlist the services of a professional cleaning company. We have the expertise and equipment needed to restore your property to a clean and odour-free state.
For expert cigarette smoke odour removal, contact our team today. We serve commercial properties across southern Ontario, ensuring a healthier and more pleasant environment for your home or business.
