Investor · Saint Paul, MN · Member since 2014 · 60 posts · 5 votes
We just turned an apartment previously occupied by a heavy smoker. We primed and repainted the whole place and washed the carpet (tide and bleach) but there is still a smoke smell probably from the carpet (and maybe the blinds which are in great condition but are covered with tar). What is the best way to get rid of this smoke smell in the carpet (and blinds)? The carpet is in great shape except for the smell so we would hate to replace it.
Investor · Southeast, MI · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
12y
I've had good luck with this product:
After Fire
Use it after you have the carpet professionally cleaned. My carpet guy can look at a stain and tell whether it's Pepsi or Coke. He knows what chemicals and sprays to use depending on the situation, whether it's cat urine, nicotine, etc.
Investor · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2014 · 129 posts · 79 votes
12y
Remove and replace. I know that isn't what you want to hear, but it really is the only sure way.
We did a super nicotine special about 15 months ago. The fixtures were literally dripping with nicotine. You did the right thing with lots of primer. We also had the ducts cleaned and registers replaced.
Knowing that you care enough about your tenants to go about cleaning the apartment in such a diligent fashion, I'm sure that getting rid of the smell won't bother you too much. The "reptilian" part of our brain located at the back is associated with our deep emotions and the "fight or flight" feelings we humans get. Smell is something that we unconsciously pick up and it is strongly associated with our emotions and past sensory experiences.
I was advised by a more seasoned investor once that if the smell is bad in the unit then the tenants/buyers will associate the house with uncleanliness- no matter of it's an irrational judgement or not. I'm sure you wouldn't want that buddy!
I'm not exactly sure about the procedure or the costs, but I'm sure it'll be worth it. :)
Investor · Lucas, TX · Member since 2010 · 620 posts · 352 votes
12y
Rent an industrial strength ozone generator from a hardware store and run it in the apartment for a couple of days.
Ozone is an unstable molecule that attacks hydrocarbon molecules, breaking them down into harmless substances like carbon dioxide, oxygen and trace amounts of water.
Just make sure you follow the precautions and if you overdo it let the apartment air out for a day.
Atchison, KS · Member since 2014 · 84 posts · 19 votes
12y
If the blinds are dripping with tar its probably so bad you have to remove the carpet. Replace the blinds, and consider replacing the carpet with hard flooring if appropriate. Bummer you have to deal with this!
Investor · Southeast, MI · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
12y
I've had good luck with this product:
After Fire
Use it after you have the carpet professionally cleaned. My carpet guy can look at a stain and tell whether it's Pepsi or Coke. He knows what chemicals and sprays to use depending on the situation, whether it's cat urine, nicotine, etc.
Princeton, KS · Member since 2014 · 357 posts · 169 votes
12y
Get rid of it. Pad, too. If it stinks of smoke/tobacco, you're immediately alienating 80% of potential renters. Yes, it's an expense, but non-smokers (for the most part) won't rent a property like that. If it would sit vacant for two months waiting for a smoker to rent it, you've probably paid for your new carpet.
You can wash blinds - either put them in the bathtub or the driveway & go at them with an ammonia-based cleaner & the hose - it may not be worth the effort, though.
I've been through this myself - house with 20 years of non-stop smoking. UGH!
Get rid of it. Pad, too. If it stinks of smoke/tobacco, you're immediately alienating 80% of potential renters.
In my area, well over 50% of the overall rental tenants ARE smokers.
Urban areas often see more smokers. Sometimes very rural areas also have smoking/cigars. The greater the income, the less likelihood of smoking, so I've found. Upscale high-earning tenants often will pay more to live in a 100% smoke-free building, even in urban areas. It's the low and middle income rentals, especially section 8 and 'slum' areas, that you'll have a huge percentage of tenants as smokers.
If the OP has a non-smoking building, yes, the carpet has to be replaced or try and use "After Fire" to rid it of the smell."
Or, allow smokers in there again (with all the risks and damages that causes).
My properties are and always will be non-smoking homes and grounds--- but I eliminate way over 50% of potential tenants by doing this. Suits me, as smokers are often poorer. And that smell is near impossible to remove from a home and disintegrates resale value.
Homeowner · Havertown, PA · Member since 2013 · 85 posts · 16 votes
12y
Are you sure it's in the carpet and not the paint also? We have seen it recommended that walls & ceilings be washed with special soap and/or vinegar and lemon water to kill the odor.
Tampa, FL · Member since 2009 · 76 posts · 21 votes
12y
Rip out carpet and replace with tile, long term it will save you money as you won't have to ever clean or replace carpets or worry about smoke. The only thing better than tile is terrazo
Flipper/Rehabber · Elkhart, IN · Member since 2014 · 197 posts · 41 votes
12y
We had a house fire and the Ozone generator really took care of the smell. It does however damage some materials but is worth it to get rid of smoke odors and shouldn't damage too many items.