The smell of cigarette smoke, cooking smoke, or fire smoke can linger for weeks in an apartment, especially in curtains, carpets, walls, and furniture. If you’ve moved into a smoke-filled apartment or need to remove a lingering odor, this guide will show you effective ways to eliminate smoke smells completely.
The first step to removing smoke odor is air circulation.
✔ Open all windows and doors for at least a few hours.
✔ Use fans to push smoky air outside.
✔ Turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
✔ Place bowls of vinegar or baking soda around the room to absorb odors.
Pro Tip: If the smell is strong, leave windows open for at least 24 hours.
Smoke particles settle on walls, ceilings, and floors, leaving a persistent odor.
✔ Wipe walls with vinegar and warm water (1:1 ratio).
✔ Use a baking soda paste for stronger stains.
✔ Repaint walls with an odor-blocking primer if the smell persists.
✔ Mop hard floors with vinegar and lemon water.
✔ Use a steam mop for deep cleaning of tiles and wood.
Pro Tip: If repainting, use an anti-odor primer before applying new paint.
Soft surfaces absorb smoke and must be deep cleaned.
✔ Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let sit for a few hours, then vacuum.
✔ Steam clean rugs and upholstery for deeper smoke removal.
✔ Leave carpets in the sun to naturally freshen them.
Pro Tip: Activated charcoal placed around the room helps absorb smoke odors faster.
Curtains, beddings, and sofas trap smoke particles.
✔ Machine wash curtains, cushion covers, and bedding with vinegar.
✔ Spray upholstery with a mixture of vinegar and water to neutralize odors.
✔ Hang fabrics outside in the sun to air out.
Pro Tip: If fabric still smells smoky after washing, repeat with an extra vinegar rinse.
Smoke lingers in AC units, fans, and ventilation systems.
✔ Clean AC filters or replace them if they hold smoke residue.
✔ Wipe down air vents and fans with vinegar.
✔ Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove lingering smoke particles.
Pro Tip: Keep windows open while cleaning vents to prevent recirculating smoky air.
Instead of artificial sprays, natural deodorizers work better for long-term odor removal.
✔ Activated Charcoal: Absorbs strong odors—place in bowls around the room.
✔ Baking Soda: Leave in open containers or sprinkle on surfaces.
✔ Vinegar Bowls: Absorbs airborne smoke particles overnight.
✔ Coffee Grounds: Neutralizes odors when left in a dish.
Pro Tip: Replace baking soda or charcoal every few days for best results.
Cooking with oily or smoky foods (like grilled meats, deep-fried items, or spicy dishes) can leave behind strong odors.
✔ Boil lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, or vinegar to freshen the air.
✔ Wipe grease from walls and cabinets with vinegar.
✔ Keep a bowl of coffee grounds or activated charcoal near the stove.
Pro Tip: Using an exhaust fan while cooking prevents odors from lingering.
Once the smoke is removed, add fresh scents to your apartment.
✔ Lemon Oil: Natural deodorizer with a fresh scent.
✔ Lavender Oil: Relaxes the mind while eliminating odors.
✔ Eucalyptus Oil: Cleanses the air naturally.
✔ Peppermint Oil: Deters insects while freshening the home.
Pro Tip: Use an essential oil diffuser or mix oils with water in a spray bottle.
If the apartment was smoked in for a long time, some furniture may be beyond cleaning.
✔ Old mattresses or heavily smoked-in sofas.
✔ Carpets that hold deep smoke residue.
✔ Books, papers, or fabrics that cannot be washed.
Pro Tip: If replacing furniture isn’t possible, try ozone treatment or professional deep cleaning.
Once your apartment smells fresh, take steps to prevent smoke from returning.
✔ Ban smoking indoors to prevent future buildup.
✔ Use air purifiers to filter out new smoke particles.
✔ Keep windows open when using incense or candles.
✔ Regularly deep clean to prevent smoke residue buildup.
Pro Tip: Ask landlords if an apartment is smoke-free before renting.
If you're looking for a clean, smoke-free apartment in Accra, Apartments.com.gh helps you:
✔ Find apartments with strict no-smoking policies.
✔ Compare rental listings in well-ventilated buildings.
✔ Connect directly with landlords who maintain clean living spaces.
Start your apartment search today at Apartments.com.gh.
Getting rid of smoke smell in an apartment in Accra requires deep cleaning, ventilation, natural deodorizers, and fabric washing. By following these steps, you can eliminate smoke odors permanently and keep your home fresh.
Looking for a smoke-free apartment? Visit Apartments.com.gh today to explore well-maintained rental options.
