New Apartment Smells like Cigarretes

[Raptor]

I just moved into my new apartment. The people that lived here before me were heavy smokers. The carpet was replaced and the apartment has been painted, yet it still smells like smoke. I have had the windows and doors open trying to air it out, I bought a plant to help clean the air a little, I have a couple air fresheners scattered throughout the apartment... yet there doesn't seem to be any result. Considering the apartment has been painted and the carpet is brand new, I do not know what to clean. Does anyone have any recommendations or proven home remedies?

[mensa180]

http://www.howtogetridofstuff.com/odor-removal/how-to-get-rid-of-smoke-smell/

The activated charcoal bit looks like something to try.

[SoonerMP]

Well, I guess you could start smoking to mask the old smell of cigarettes with the new smell of cigarettes therefor defeating your problem. The only setback is heart disease, cancer etc....

In all honesty, I am not sure if there is a tried and true way since that is a tough smell to get rid of. More than likely the tar has leached into the walls making it a permanent resident. I would buy a bunch of febreeze and go wild on the place. If the stench is still there then complain to the landlords and they might let you move into a new unit.

[Stalwart]

I didn't watch mensa180's video yet, but I'll check it out.

We had the same problem in our last apartment.  The management brought in a device that ionized the air and ran it for three days while we were out of town.  It didn't completely rid the oder, but it was order of magnitude better.  I think car detailers sometimes use these devices too.   Anyone know what they are called?

[morfiend]

Raptor,

  There is a product on the market that may help!

 they are used to remove odor,from solvents, paint and smoke damage.

 Interestingly enough they can be found at headshops and magazines that cater to the use and growth of a certain green substance.

 They are available in small puck shaped cans,worth a look.....

  

[texasmom]

If it's grimed up all the walls & ceiling, won't a coat of KILZ take care of that?  Of course, then you'd have to paint over it, then the house would smell like paint instead of cigarettes.

Oh, but I think I just saw a commercial for paint w/KILZ mixed in it... that would take just one coat. I'd make the overlord pay for professionals to come in & do it though, instead of you.

[Masherbrum]

I'd buy some cheap hand towels and hit the walls, then Kilz them after removing what you could on the "once-over".   

[Angus]

I had a fire in my guesthouse last year. So, it stunk heavily, and I needed the stink out right away so I wouldn't have to re-route all the tourists that were booked.
Since I knew of no specialized product that would take care of it, we did lots of cooking in there (roast lamb etc) to hijack the smell, - so to speak. It worked.
Lots of washing and drying the laundry inside helps as well. Airing also helps. Painting helps.

[klingan]

I don't know how well it will vork in an apartment, but a bowl of strong vineager usually does the trick in cars.

[Getback]

Try washing the walls with vinegar and baking soda, Put a rag with vanilla extract in the vents. It will go away eventually. Maybe get a clean air machine. Good luck!

[MrRiplEy[H]]

There are commercial smell removers that are pretty effective.

I have a spray bottle that will remove almost any odor with a couple puffs. Some anti-odor products are non toxic and actually used mixed to cattle food in some places.

[Stixx]

I just moved into my new apartment. The people that lived here before me were heavy smokers. The carpet was replaced and the apartment has been painted, yet it still smells like smoke. I have had the windows and doors open trying to air it out, I bought a plant to help clean the air a little, I have a couple air fresheners scattered throughout the apartment... yet there doesn't seem to be any result. Considering the apartment has been painted and the carpet is brand new, I do not know what to clean. Does anyone have any recommendations or proven home remedies?

Is the woodwork painted or natural? What about the cabinetry? New carpet and paint should have solved the problem unless the trim or cabinets were left untouched.

[vonKrimm]

Get a cat; get LOTS of cats.  This will render your smoke smell issue null and void.

[Curval]

You gotta get the ducts cleaned.

[Anaxogoras]

Your nose isn't lying to you.  While you figure out how to get rid of the smell, you're inhaling whatever compounds are responsible for it.