4 Methods for Getting Cigarette Smoke out of Carpet

Carpets absorb many nearby smells, and cigarette smoke is no different. Whether you're a smoker looking to make a change or a non-smoker who's just moved into a smoke-scented home, removing this odour can be difficult. In this post, we’ll cover three methods to try – but first…

Why is removing lingering smoke from carpet important?

Not only does cigarette smoke smell bad, but it can be dangerous. Studies have shown that nicotine and other chemicals can cling to fibres, and continually release carcinogenic particles. This is sometimes referred to as ‘third-hand smoke’.

Babies are at increased risk because of how much time they spend on the floor and how much they put in their mouths. It's been suggested that it can even impact people who aren't in the room where smoking occurred!

These facts make it very important to make every effort to remove cigarette smoke from your carpet.

Getting smoke out of your carpet

There are multiple methods that you can try to remove lingering cigarette smoke. Some of them use items that you already have in the house, but make sure that you do a small patch test to make sure that they won't change the colour of your carpet.

1.    White vinegar and water

Another household item that's helpful for getting smoke out of carpet is white vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then spray it onto your carpet. The white vinegar will neutralise the smell. Be careful not to saturate your carpet, as this can lead to a discoloured, vinegar-scented carpet. If you use the right amount, the smell should dissipate on its own.

2.    Activated charcoal

Do not put this directly onto your carpet, as it will stain it. Activated charcoal naturally absorbs pollutants, so just having it in the room is helpful. Place a few bowls full of natural activated charcoal on the floor, then leave it to absorb for a few days. You can also do the same thing with white vinegar, but that has its own scent, which is less pleasant to live with. Alternatively, you could use an apple or an onion. Whichever you choose, make sure that it is out of reach of children and pets.

3.    Hire a professional carpet cleaner

If you're struggling to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from your carpet, a professional carpet cleaner can help. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a directory of accredited carpet cleaners, which you can use to find cleaners in your area. Every cleaner in the directory is trained, insured and follows our code of conduct.

Search our directory by postcode to take the first step towards a fresh, clean and smoke-free carpet.