Selling a Smoker’s Home? Here’s How to Kick That Cigarette Smell to the Curb!

Let’s be real—nothing chases buyers away faster than walking into a house that smells like an old ashtray. Even if your home is stunning, lingering cigarette smoke can drop your home’s value and make it harder to sell.

But don’t worry! With the right strategy (and a little elbow grease), you can clear the air and get your home smelling fresh again. Here’s how!

1. Deep Clean EVERYTHING

Smoke particles don’t just float around—they stick to walls, carpets, ceilings, and even furniture. That means a quick dusting won’t cut it. You’ll need to go all in!

✅ Here’s what to clean:
🧽 Wash walls, ceilings, doors, and baseboards with a vinegar or baking soda solution.
🛋️ Steam clean carpets, upholstery, and curtains (or replace them if they’re beyond saving).
🪟 Scrub windows and window frames—smoke sticks to glass too!
🔄 Replace air filters and clean vents to stop smoky air from circulating.

🔥 Pro Tip: A little elbow grease now means more money in your pocket when you sell!

2. Repaint with an Odour-Blocking Primer

If the smoke smell is really stuck in your walls, painting over it with regular paint won’t help—it’ll just come back! You’ll need to seal the odour in before repainting.

✅ The game plan:
✔️ Wash walls thoroughly first.
✔️ Use an odour-blocking primer (like Kilz or Zinsser).
✔️ Repaint in a light, neutral shade for a fresh, buyer-friendly look.

💡 Pro Tip: Skip this step, and buyers will notice. A fresh coat of paint plus odour control is a win-win!

3. Neutralize the Smell, Don’t Just Mask It

Covering up smoke with air fresheners? Nope, buyers will see right through that. You need to actually eliminate the odour, not just hide it.

✅ Tried-and-true methods:
🧂 Baking soda—Sprinkle it on carpets and upholstery, let it sit, then vacuum.
☕ Coffee grounds—Place bowls of fresh coffee grounds around the house (absorbs odours and smells amazing).
🧄 Activated charcoal—Great for pulling lingering smells from the air.
💨 Air purifiers with HEPA filters—Help clear the air while you prep for showings.

🔥 Bonus Tip: Open windows as much as possible to air out the space before showings!

4. Don’t Forget… The HVAC System!

Your home’s heating and cooling system has been circulating that smoky air for years, and trust me—buyers will notice. If they turn on the heat and get hit with a wave of stale smoke? Not a great first impression.

✅ What to do:
✔️ Replace all air filters.
✔️ Get your ducts professionally cleaned.
✔️ Have a pro check your HVAC system—sometimes, smoke gets trapped in there too.

💡 Pro Tip: A clean HVAC system means cleaner air and happier buyers!

5. Consider Professional Ozone Treatment

If you’ve tried everything and the smell still won’t quit, an ozone treatment might be your best bet. This pro-level method neutralizes odours deep in walls, floors, and furniture.

✅ What to know:
✔️ It’s not a DIY fix—you’ll need a professional.
✔️ It works by breaking down smoke particles at a molecular level.
✔️ It’s especially great for homes that have been smoked in for years.

🔥 Bonus Tip: If all else fails, investing in professional odour removal could be worth it to sell faster and for more money!

Fresh Home, Faster Sale!

Selling a smoker’s home doesn’t have to be a challenge—but you can’t just slap on some Febreze and hope for the best! With the right cleaning strategies and odour-neutralizing tricks, you can make sure buyers walk in and fall in love with the space—not the smell.

Thinking about selling but worried about lingering smoke odour? Let’s chat! I’ll help you get your home fresh and market-ready for top dollar.