Don't raise a stink; these tips help clean up tobacco odors

Tobacco and cigarette smoke is a dingy, nicotine film that smells noxious. The smell alone can bother people with allergies and other health concerns. It also discourages those who are trying to quit smoking.

For those of us trying to sell a home that is in pristine condition can lose that sale because the home smells of tobacco. To the buyer, that first impression is truly a lasting impression. There is an incredible link between smell and memory.

Smoke from cigars, cigarettes and pipes are among the most difficult smells to eliminate. Smoke particles range from .01 to 1 micron in size. Note: The human hair is about 75 microns in size. The smoke penetrates the tiniest spaces.

When my company cleans a home that has been occupied by a smoker, the home is broken down into several parts: soft products, hard surfaces, porous surfaces and HVAC (heating and cooling) system.

1. Soft product — All soft products (linen) must be cleaned thoroughly.

2. Hard surfaces — All hard surfaces (walls, furniture and fixtures) must be cleaned with an alkaline cleaner (ammonia based.)

3. Porous surfaces — Carpets must be thoroughly cleaned. If the smell persists, consider removing the carpet pad as the carpet pad cannot be cleaned. After the furniture has been cleaned, if it still smells, it will have to be replaced because the odor has penetrated the padding.

4. HVAC system — Nicotine odors will penetrate the intake side of the heating system. Having the HVAC system cleaned is a good idea when trying to eliminate odors in general.

If odors persist after the cleaning is done, it is wise to neutralize them with either thermal fogging or ozone. Thermal fogging provides maximum dispersement of a chemical agent that counteracts the resident odor. Ozone generators convert oxygen into ozone, destroying odor molecules in the process. This process usually takes about three days to be effective.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea of concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES at 255-2266 or e-mail them to madan@nwees.com or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, Box 159, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

For more information about Ed and his new handyman services, check him out at www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.