6 Effective Ways to Eliminate Smoke Smells from Rental Units

When a tenant moves out of a rental unit, landlords are often left with the challenge of eliminating lingering odors, particularly smoke smells. Smoke can penetrate deep into walls, carpets, and furniture, making it difficult to remove.

It may be smoke from cigarettes, cooking, or even a fire, it’s essential to eliminate these odors to make the unit appealing to future tenants. Here are six effective strategies from APG Properties to rid your rental property of smoke smells, ensuring a fresh and inviting environment for new occupants.

1. Deep Cleaning: The First Line of Defense

The first and most crucial step in eliminating smoke odors is deep cleaning. Smoke residues can settle on all surfaces, including walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. Start by cleaning every surface in the unit. Use a solution of warm water and a strong detergent to scrub walls and floors. Don’t forget to clean less obvious areas such as windows, blinds, and light fixtures, which can harbor smoke particles.

For hard surfaces like countertops and tiles, a mixture of vinegar and water can effectively neutralize odors. Carpeted areas and upholstered furniture may require steam cleaning or shampooing to remove deeply embedded smoke particles. Baking soda is another excellent option for carpets and fabrics; sprinkle it on, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up.

Pro Tip: If the unit has been heavily smoked in, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring a professional cleaning service to deep clean carpets and upholstery. This will ensure that all traces of smoke are removed.

2. Use Odor-Absorbing Products

Once the unit is thoroughly cleaned, the next step is to use odor-absorbing products. These products help to eliminate any residual smells that cleaning may not have fully addressed. Activated charcoal is one of the most effective odor absorbers and can be placed in bowls around the unit. Charcoal works by trapping and neutralizing odors at the molecular level.

Another excellent option is baking soda, which is known for its ability to absorb and neutralize odors. Place bowls of baking soda in each room and leave them for several days. You can also sprinkle baking soda on carpets and vacuum it up after a few hours. For a more natural approach, coffee grounds or white vinegar can also be used to absorb odors.

Pro Tip: For long-term odor control, consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter. These devices can continuously remove smoke particles and odors from the air, keeping the unit smelling fresh.

3. Air Out the Unit

Ventilation is key when it comes to removing smoke smells. After cleaning and using odor absorbers, open all windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the unit. Creating a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the unit can help to speed up the airing-out process. If possible, leave the unit open for several days to allow maximum air circulation.

Using fans to enhance airflow can also be beneficial. Place fans near windows to help draw out stale air and bring in fresh air. If the weather permits, using a dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture from the air, which can also help to eliminate odors.

Pro Tip: If the smoke smells is particularly stubborn, consider using an ozone generator. Ozone generators produce ozone, which can neutralize odors by breaking down the molecules responsible for the smell. However, it’s important to use these devices with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

4. Repaint with Odor-Blocking Primers

If the smoke smells persists despite your best cleaning efforts, it may be time to repaint the unit. Smoke can penetrate paint, leaving behind a lingering odor that can be difficult to remove. Repainting the walls and ceilings can help to seal in the odor and give the unit a fresh start.

Before painting, it’s important to use an odor-blocking primer. These primers are specifically designed to block and seal in odors, preventing them from seeping through the new paint. Apply the primer to all walls and ceilings, and allow it to dry completely before applying the topcoat of paint.

Pro Tip: Choose a paint with a low VOC (volatile organic compounds) content. Low-VOC paints have fewer harmful chemicals and emit fewer odors, making them a healthier choice for both you and your tenants.

5. Seal Gaps and Ducts

Smoke can travel through tiny gaps and cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as through the HVAC system. To prevent odors from lingering or returning, it’s essential to seal these gaps and ducts. Inspect the unit for any visible gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards, and use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them.

The HVAC system is another common culprit for circulating smoke smells. Replace air filters regularly, and consider having the ductwork professionally cleaned to remove any smoke particles that may be trapped inside.

Pro Tip: If your rental unit has a fireplace, make sure the chimney is clean and free of debris. A dirty chimney can contribute to smoke odors and affect air quality inside the unit.

6. Hire Professional Cleaning Services

For particularly stubborn smoke odors, it may be necessary to call in the professionals. Professional cleaning services have access to advanced equipment and techniques, such as ozone treatments and thermal fogging, that can effectively eliminate smoke odors from every corner of the unit.

Ozone treatments work by releasing ozone into the air, which then neutralizes odors by breaking down the molecules responsible for the smell. Thermal fogging is another effective method that involves heating a deodorizing solution and dispersing it as a fog throughout the unit. The fog penetrates deep into surfaces, neutralizing odors at their source.

Pro Tip: When choosing a professional cleaning service, make sure they specialize in smoke smells removal and have experience working in rental properties.

Conclusion

Eliminating smoke smellsfrom a rental unit can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible to restore a fresh and clean environment for your next tenant. By following these six steps—deep cleaning, using odor-absorbing products, airing out the unit, repainting with odor-blocking primers, sealing gaps and ducts, and hiring professional services—you can ensure that your rental property is free of any lingering smoke smells.

Remember, a clean and odor-free unit not only enhances the appeal of your property but also reflects positively on you as a landlord. For expert assistance in maintaining and managing your rental properties, consider reaching out to APG Properties. We’re here to help you create a welcoming space for your tenants and ensure your property remains in top condition.