Eliminate Stale Smoke Smell From Your Bedroom Easily

The smell of smoke is notoriously difficult to eliminate. Whether it's from cigarettes, wildfires, or a burnt meal, smoke particles easily penetrate porous surfaces such as walls, furniture, and floors, leaving a persistent and unpleasant odour. Here are some tips to help you get rid of that stale smoke smell from your bedroom.

Ventilate the room

Ventilating your room is a crucial step in removing the stale smoke smell from your bedroom. Here are some detailed tips to help you effectively ventilate the room and get rid of the unpleasant odour:

Open the Windows

The first step in ventilating your room is to open all the windows. This will allow fresh air to circulate and help dilute the smoke smell. It is recommended to open the windows as soon as you notice any smoke odour to prevent it from lingering and settling on your furniture, clothes, and other surfaces.

Use Fans

In addition to opening the windows, it is advisable to use fans to enhance air circulation. Place one or more fans near the open windows, positioning them to blow the stale air out of the room and draw in the fresh air from outside. If possible, consider using industrial-grade air movers or setting up multiple fans to create a cross-breeze effect.

Seal Off Other Areas

If you are dealing with smoke odour from a fire or a smoker in the house, remember to seal off areas that have not been affected by the smoke. This will prevent the smell from spreading to other parts of your home and ensure that your ventilation efforts are focused on the affected area.

Maintain Ventilation

Keep the windows open and the fans running for an extended period. If possible, maintain ventilation for a full day or as long as practical. This prolonged ventilation will help remove airborne smoke particles and improve the overall air quality in your bedroom.

Combine with Other Techniques

While ventilation is crucial, combining it with other odour-removal techniques will enhance your efforts. Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters, activated charcoal, or white vinegar to further eliminate odour-causing molecules. Additionally, deep cleaning hard and soft surfaces, including walls, carpets, and upholstery, will help remove smoke residue and reduce the lingering smell.

Use baking soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a very effective deodorizer that absorbs smells rather than just covering them up. Here are some ways to use it to freshen up your bedroom:

Bowls of Baking Soda

Fill several small bowls with baking soda and place them around your bedroom. Leave them in place for at least 24 hours to absorb the stale smoke smell.

Sprinkle on Rugs and Carpets

Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda onto your rugs or carpeting. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, before vacuuming it up. This will help to neutralize and absorb any lingering smoke odours.

Vacuum Upholstery

If your bedroom has upholstered furniture, sprinkle a light coating of baking soda over it. Let it sit for a minimum of 2 hours, then thoroughly vacuum it up using an upholstery attachment. This will help remove any smoke particles that have penetrated the porous upholstery fabric.

Plastic Bag Treatment

For items like books, small decorative objects, and clothing that can't be washed, use a plastic bag treatment. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into a large plastic trash bag, add the smoke-damaged items, and tie the bag shut. Leave the items in the bag for about 8 hours, then remove them and dust or shake off the powder. The baking soda will help absorb the smoke smell without damaging delicate items.

Scrubbing Carpets and Rugs

Sprinkle dry baking soda on your rugs and carpets, as well as other furniture. Use a brush with soft bristles to lightly scrub and distribute the baking soda. Leave it for around 8 hours, then vacuum it up. This method ensures that the baking soda penetrates deep into the fibres of the fabric, absorbing any trapped smoke odours.

Wash fabrics

To get rid of the stale smoke smell in your bedroom, you'll need to wash any fabrics that may be holding on to the odour. This includes your bedding, curtains, carpets, rugs, and any soft toys or other fabric items in the room.

Start by sprinkling dry baking soda on your rugs and carpets. Use a brush with soft bristles to lightly scrub it in, then leave it for around 8 hours and vacuum it up. You can also sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and pillows and rub it in with dryer sheets.

Next, wash your bedding, curtains, and any other laundry-safe fabrics. Wash them in the machine with half a cup of vinegar instead of detergent, then do another wash cycle with your regular detergent. It's best to let these items air-dry outside.

If you have delicate items that can't be machine washed, you can hand wash them with a mixture of baking soda and soapy water.

If your carpets are wall-to-wall and can't be washed, try sprinkling baking soda or an odour-reducing product on them, then vacuuming. For serious smoke odours, you may need to get your carpets professionally steam-cleaned or even replaced.

Clean hard surfaces

To get rid of stale smoke smell in the bedroom, you'll need to clean all surfaces, including hard surfaces like walls, doors, and ceilings. Here's a detailed guide to help you tackle the task:

• Start by opening all the windows and doors to ventilate the room while you clean. Good airflow will not only help remove the stale smoke smell but also protect you from harsh chemicals.
• For hard surfaces, create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda, and a gallon of hot water.
• Use a rag or a microfiber cloth to wipe down all hard surfaces, including walls, doors, doorknobs, light fixtures (including bulbs), ceilings, and fan blades. Leave no surface untouched, as smoke particles can stick to everything.
• Pay special attention to surfaces that tend to accumulate smoke particles, such as corners, walls, ceilings, and windows.
• If the smoke smell is particularly strong or persistent, you may need to use stronger cleaning agents designed to neutralize and absorb odors. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is one such option, but always exercise caution when using harsh chemicals, and wear protective gear.
• If the smoke has affected your drywall, you may need to repaint the room using a sealing, odor-killing primer. Consult a professional if you're unsure about the best course of action.
• For light fixtures and bulbs, the heat generated can fuse dusty residue, intensifying the smell. If this is the case, replace the bulbs and thoroughly clean the light fixtures.
• If you have wood or tile floors, a regular mopping should be sufficient. However, if you notice a persistent smell coming from the floor, try mopping with vinegar or a TSP mixture.
• Remember to clean any decorative items, such as photo frames and knickknacks, as they can also absorb odors.
• For high spots, use a ladder or an extension pole with a rag clamp to reach and wipe them down.
• If you have items like lampshades or throw pillows that absorb odors and are easily replaceable, consider discarding them.

By thoroughly cleaning all hard surfaces in your bedroom, you should be able to significantly reduce or eliminate the stale smoke smell. Remember to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when using strong chemicals, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Use an air purifier

An air purifier can be an effective way to get rid of stale smoke smells in your bedroom. However, it is important to note that not all air purifiers are created equal when it comes to removing smoke odours.

When it comes to removing smoke odours, look for an air purifier with a charcoal or carbon filter. These filters are designed to trap and absorb odour molecules, rather than just circulating them back into the room. Air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are also recommended for removing smoke particles from the air.

To maximise the effectiveness of an air purifier, it is important to place it in the right location. Place the air purifier in or near the bedroom, ensuring that it is not blocked by any furniture or other obstacles. If possible, keep doors and windows closed while the air purifier is running to prevent outside odours from interfering with its performance.

In addition to using an air purifier, it is recommended to combine it with other cleaning methods for a comprehensive approach. This includes regularly cleaning surfaces such as walls, ceilings, floors, and countertops, as well as fabric items such as curtains, carpets, and upholstery. Deep cleaning or steam cleaning fabrics can help remove odours that have become embedded in them.

By following these tips and techniques, you can effectively use an air purifier to get rid of stale smoke smells in your bedroom and improve the air quality in your space.

Frequently asked questions