remove cigarette smoke smell from apartment

How to Remove Cigarette Smoke Smell Fast

/16 Comments/in , /by Mary Hunt

You sign the lease. You get the keys. You step inside… and it smells like the drywall has been marinating in cigarette smoke since 1994. Not exactly the “fresh start” you were hoping for. Before you panic (or start browsing new listings), there is a practical way to remove cigarette smoke smell from an apartment. It takes patience and the right setup, but it works and I’ve seen it firsthand.

remove cigarette smoke smell from apartment

After I wrote about the simple science behind eliminating tough odors, this message showed up almost immediately.

Dear Mary: I just read your column on simple science that makes Nok-Out work to eliminate really difficult odors. Can you give me some quick advice on how to apply that method to rid my apartment of the smell of smoke? The apartment is new. The problem is that the crew smoked in here during construction. It’s yuk! Thank you, Judy

Dear Judy: First, I am so sorry. Moving is stressful enough without inheriting someone else’s bad habits. And when smoke odor gets into drywall, flooring, and air vents, it doesn’t politely leave on its own.

Before we dive in, one practical question: Have you contacted the owner or property manager? If this happened during construction, it’s reasonable to ask them to make it right. That said, if you’ve already gone down that road, or you’d rather handle it yourself and be done with it, there is a way to tackle this head-on.

Now let’s talk about how to actually remove cigarette smoke smell from an apartment, not just cover it up.

Why Smoke Odor Clings to Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

Here’s the part most people don’t realize: smoke isn’t just “in the air.” If it were, we could open a few windows, run a fan, and call it a day.

Smoke is made up of microscopic particles, tar and nicotine, that are sticky. They attach themselves to drywall, wood, carpet fibers, curtains, even inside air vents. Over time, those particles settle in and become what’s known as thirdhand smoke, residue that clings to surfaces and keeps releasing odor long after the last cigarette is gone.

That’s why a place can sit empty for months and still smell like someone just stepped outside for a smoke break.

Drywall is porous. So is wood. So is fabric. Smoke seeps into tiny cracks and crevices you can’t see. Your HVAC system can even help circulate those particles throughout the entire apartment, spreading the problem beyond one room. And here’s something interesting: warm, humid air can actually make the smell stronger. Heat increases evaporation, which means those trapped particles start releasing odor all over again.

This isn’t just about nuisance smells, either. Health experts explain that thirdhand smoke contains chemicals like nicotine, formaldehyde, and other compounds that settle onto surfaces and linger. Simply airing out a room doesn’t remove it. Basic surface cleaning usually isn’t enough either.

All of this explains why smoke odor is so stubborn and why covering it up with candles or sprays rarely works. If we’re going to fix this, we have to address the source. Not mask it. Not perfume it. Neutralize it.

Now let’s talk about how.

How to Remove Cigarette Smoke Smell from an Apartment

If smoke has settled into every surface, then whatever you use to eliminate it has to reach every surface too. That’s the key.

Nok-Out works by oxidizing odor molecules. In plain English? It neutralizes them at the source instead of covering them up. But here’s the catch: it can only work where it makes contact. If smoke has reached the ceiling, walls, flooring, and inside vents, then the solution has to travel there as well.

That’s where most people go wrong. They spray a little here and wipe a little there. That might help on hard surfaces, but it won’t solve an apartment-wide problem.

To treat an entire space, you need a way to distribute the solution evenly through the air so it can settle everywhere the smoke settled.

NOK OUT Odor Remover
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    $42.25
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    (Disclosure: This post includes an Amazon Creator Connections product. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the link, at no additional cost to you.)

    Using a Cool Mist Humidifier to Neutralize Smoke

    To do this properly, you’ll need a room humidifier or vaporizer that produces a cool mist. Heat should not be used. Nok-Out should never be brought near boiling temperatures.

    The goal is steady, extended dispersion.

    Use Nok-Out full strength in the humidifier tank. For maintenance treatment later, you can dilute it with about one-third water, but not for the initial deep treatment.

    A large-capacity unit makes life easier because it can run for hours without constant refilling. The Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier has long been a solid, budget-friendly option because it can run up to 24 hours between fill-ups. That matters when you’re treating an entire apartment and don’t want to babysit a machine all day.

    Place the unit centrally if possible. Let it run. Close windows during treatment so the mist can circulate and settle.

    If your HVAC system has been running, change the air filter before you start and again after treatment. That small step prevents old particles from recirculating.

    This approach allows the oxidizing mist to reach ceilings, cracks, trim, vents, all the places smoke loves to hide.

    Save $8.57
    Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier
    Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier
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      What to Expect During the Deodorizing Process

      Now let me prepare you, because this part surprises people.

      As Nok-Out oxidizes the trapped smoke residue, the smell may actually get worse before it gets better. Many people describe it as a swimming pool smell mixed with whatever odor you’re eliminating.

      Nok-Out has been tested and rated in the lowest toxicity category by the EPA. That said, if you’re sensitive to smells, have respiratory concerns, or simply don’t enjoy the temporary chlorine-like scent, it’s perfectly reasonable to step out or increase ventilation during treatment.

      Let the mist settle. Let surfaces dry fully. Be patient. This is not an overnight fix in most cases. Depending on the severity, it may take several days of treatment. But as the apartment dries, the chlorine-like scent fades and it takes the smoke odor with it.

      Does Odor Neutralizer Work on Upholstery?

      Yes, but this is where patience really earns its keep. I learned that the hard way.

      A while back, I had a situation involving a sick grandchild and an upholstered chair. I cleaned it thoroughly and removed the visible stain. It looked fine. But the odor lingered.

      So I saturated the affected area with full-strength Nok-Out. I removed the cushion and stood it upright so air could circulate. I made sure the solution penetrated deeper than the original problem had.

      And then it happened. As it dried, the smell became awful. Truly awful. A combination of the original odor and that swimming pool scent. I stood there wondering if I had ruined the chair for good.

      I almost gave up. But I didn’t. Within a few days, the odor began to fade. Within a week, there was no stain and no smell. More than a year later? Still nothing. Not even a hint.

      The lesson? When you’re dealing with deep, embedded odor, especially in porous materials, you have to go deeper than the problem went. Surface spraying won’t do it. Saturation and airflow matter.

      And patience is part of the process.

       

      Question: Have you ever moved into a place that came with an “unexpected scent”? What worked? And what absolutely didn’t?

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      16 replies
      1. Joyce says:

        Mary, Thank you for all your advice! Been following you since you were in CA.
        I’ve been using Nuk Out and now Sniper ever since you wrote about it, works as you say.
        Regarding use with the humidifier inside the house, if I was to do it, would I have to be out of the house since you suggest 24 hours.
        Concerned people and pet would breath this in during that time.
        Thank you for all your advice!

        Reply
        • Mary Hunt says:

          Joyce, One of the humidifiers I recommend can run for 24 hours but I actually suggest using it with Nok-Out for only 4 hours, not 24 hours. The product needs time to oxide to remove the odors. I would avoid using that room for the 4 hours that the humidifier is on. Just follow my directions to a “T” and you should be good to go!

          Reply
      2. Diane M says:

        Thank you for all your wise advice, Mary. I read it every day and relish it.
        I recently had my car worked on by a mechanic. It was cold outside so he took it into the garage which reeked of cigarette smoke. My car was fixed but smelled like a barroom when I got it home. I am having trouble getting that smell out of my little car now. How should I apply Nok Out to remove this terrible ‘aroma’?

        Reply
      3. Kathy says:

        I read your article on using NokOut for eliminating cigarette odors from dry wall and flooring. I have used NokOut for many years (thanks to you for that introduction.) It is an amazing product. You mentioned using a humidifier filled with the NO. We bought a used car a few years ago and, over time, there is an occasional cigarette smoke aroma that eminates throughout the car. We are not smokers. Thus, it is so disgusting. Please advise for eliminating smoke odor from cars. BTW, the seats are leather. Thank you, so much.

        Reply
        • Mary Hunt says:

          NokOut is safe and effective on most leather and synthetics. Test it in an inconspicous area if you want to be sure. Once you’re satisfied it’s ok, spray directly on the leather and fabrics. Once it’s dry and you’re pleased with the results, you can always apply a nice leather conditioner to hydrate the leather and add back that nice leather smell.

          Reply
      4. Jeanne says:

        Mary, What would you recommend to remove smoking smell in a fabric covered office chair? Is Nok out the best option, or are there others? Thanks!

        Reply
      5. Deb Westmoreland says:

        Maybe you could use a pump sprayer, like for a garden and just spray all the surfaces, seems would be faster than the humidifier. I use one to disinfect office areas during flu season and it is fast.

        Reply
      6. Polly Deal says:

        I have a food saver, and it came with a hose, but no “lid” for sealing jars. Never used it because I don’t know how!

        Reply
      7. Linda Waud says:

        Will it work for mildew stink? We just bought a nice older boat. It used to live on the coast in the Pacific NW, so all the cloth parts, like the backing to the the top and the cuddy cabin liner and seat cushions, have that mildew stink. I clean the mildew off, but the smell lingers.

        Reply
      8. Bethany Stinson says:

        I just am wondering – you say to never put the canisters in the dishwasher, yet they say dishwasher safe. Have you had a problem with this?

        Reply
        • Mary Hunt says:

          Yes I have! I should have made that clear. Perhaps it’s the heat of the drying process, but the cracked on the bottom. But the ones I didn’t put in the dishwasher showed no cracks at all. Just a precaution I highly recommend at the canisters are fabulous but can be pricey.

          Reply
          • Martie Best says:

            My son bought a car for me at auction at a great price, but it was full of ‘deoderizers’. I soon realized why: the previous owner was a smoker–and I am allergic to smoke! I turned to Everyday Cheapskate, and followed Mary’s instructions:
            1. Purchase a small sized humidifier AND a new ‘cabin filter’ for your make / model car…(got mine on Amazon).
            2. Thoroughly clean and vacuum car, and clean upholstered seats and floor mats. Leave mats out of car, and put car in garage or shade.
            3. Run an extension cord from an outlet into car window, rolling window up over the cord to seal window as much as possible. All windows must be up.
            3. Fill humidifier reservoir with NokOut (or Sniper). Place the small humidifier on console of car, as close to the ‘center’ of the interior as possible, and recline front seats halfway back. Put sun visors in down position.
            3. Plug humidifier into extension cord to start running, and then exit car through a door other than the one the extension cord is coming through.
            4. Allow humidifier to run for a full 24 hrs. DO NOT OPEN CAR DOORS during this time.
            5. After 24 hrs are up, open car doors, and wipe moisture off of all hard surfaces with an absorbent cloth. Open all car windows (and doors, if weather permits) and allow interior to dry out.
            6. Consult your car’s owners manual to remove old cabin filter and install the new one. If you don’t have a manual, look online for instructions.
            I will be quite frank: I did NOT expect this to work, but I really loved that car and wanted to at least try. To my absolute astonishment, IT WORKED!!!! I have been driving my car for 8 yrs now, and have never, at any time, even detected a HINT of smoke! I was, and remain thrilled with the results, and I am never without both NokOut and Sniper in our house! And if it will take heavy smoke out of a car, I have NO DOUBT it will take it out of an apt!!!

      9. x_ray_tech says:

        I am a long time reader of yours Mary and have found your advice and reviews to be spot on and very reliable most of the time. But I must warn others about the SNiPER which is also sold by Nok-Out. Because you had talked so very highly of this product SNiPER a while back I bought $50 worth of the stuff. I had a very bad reaction to this product on my first use of it, no help or remedy from the company, and am stuck with $50 worth of product I cannot use. I Thought you and others would want to know my warning of use of this product.
        Here is copy of the letter of concern I sent to Ted and his reply.

        HI xxxxx,

        I am very sorry to hear that SNiPER has caused you distress. I have attached a copy of the safety data sheet for this product for you. It shows that it has been tested by the EPA and has been given an overall toxicity rating of “Category IV” by the EPA – that is the lowest toxicity rating that the EPA gives to any disinfectant product. There are four areas of concern – 1) contact with skin, 2) contact with eyes, 3) contact through breathing and 4) contact through swallowing. We get the lowest toxicity rating for all four of those categories.

        Please give me a call at 866 551 1927. I want to reassure you that this product is not harmful.

        Thanks – I hope to hear from you soon.

        Ted

        ted@nokout.com
        Hello, Ted,

        I want to tell you my experience with your product and hopefully you can help me with the problems it has caused.

        I received my one gallon bottle and four oz. spray of SNiPER yesterday (very quick delivery). It was packaged very well with sufficient bubble wrap and taped caps. The box looks to have been handled very rough and box not in it’s normal shape as if dropped and crushed, so am very happy to report the packaging around the bottles inside the shipping box held up and protected the bottles well. That’s the good news.

        I used the product last night and am very concerned. I read the literature that was with it and were no caution statements other than to keep out of the reach of children. And the big sticker attached to the outside of the box it was shipped in says, “Non Hazardous Liquid.” And after reading about it on the website and Mary Hunt’s website, and my correspondence with you on it’s use and what I needed remedied, before purchasing, I felt confident using it as directed and on any surface, including spraying it in the air.

        I started with my (plastic) kitchen waste basket as first test. Put it in my bath tub and added some warm water (enough to just cover the bottom) and a bit of SNiPER (about 50/50 ratio), washed inside and out with a clean cloth in the solution, rinsed well and added same proportions again but with cold water, wiped down inside and out and left sit for 30 minutes, then rinsed again. It did not take the odor out but rather intensified it and added another chemical smell (almost like a chlorine but different and bad?). So I added water and dish soap and scrubbed it and rinsed very well and wiped down with dry cloth and put away. It still smells strong of the chemical smell (and the original waste basket odor intensified) and did slightly lighten the blue color of the basket.

        When at first adding the SNiPER to the waste basket I decided to do the bathroom floor the same time, so used the spray and left that sit until I was finished with the waste basket and then wiped down the floor but did not rinse the floor. As I sprayed the bathroom floor I also sprayed the air in my kitchen and adjoining living room to rid smell of popcorn made on the stove earlier. I did not wear a mask or goggles or ventilate any areas I was using this product and nowhere does it say to. It did nothing to “clean the air” of the popcorn smell so I sprayed the air again thinking I just didn’t use enough of it. It actually intensified the popcorn smell with added chemical smell now too, still very strong today. I have Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and when I am sensitive to something my Tinnitus really increases. It is when I sprayed the air that this Tinnitus kicked into high gear. This was my first indication that this product may not be as harmless as I was told and had read. I then started feeling very dizzy and a cool and irritated sensation in my throat and lungs and a bit queasy, so immediately opened my front and back doors and had fans going to try and air out my house. It has been in the 30’s and 40’s here at night (I was using this at night) so left the doors open and fans going for two hours and then had to close up the house again for heat the rest of the night. The house still smells of this chemical and is still very much affecting me today. I am afraid now that it has covered everything in my house.

        I have kept the bathroom door (next to my bedroom) closed as the smell is still very strong and makes me very dizzy and increases Tinnitus when I go in there. I am going to try a vinegar and water solution to see if that will get rid of it – or at least neutralize it. My kitchen and living room still smell of this chemical and still makes me dizzy, increases Tinnitus and the cool sensation, irritated throat and lungs. I am also now concerned for my lab as she stays in the house and is an older dog. I am concerned of what all in my kitchen the spray may have landed on also, including big and small appliances, fruits on the table and packaged foods on the shelves, as well as hanging utensils and pots and pans. And everything in my living room as well. The walls, ceiling, carpet, furniture, everything, was surely exposed and covered with the spray when I sprayed the air.

        I am worried about my health and welfare, and that of my dog. I’m glad I didn’t use it to fully saturate, undiluted, on the rug and ceiling of my adjoining enclosed porch as I was instructed and am certain it would have penetrated inside the house even worse than this and no way to get rid of it.

        I need to know what I am in for in the long haul and what needs done to get this out of my house and off of everything in it. Since it remained in my waste basket I assume doing the same with scrubbing everything else in my home down with soap and water will not do anything to remove it from anything else either. Nor could I physically do that myself anyway, especially now with the physical affects I am experiencing.

        Please advise.

        Reply
        • Mary Hunt says:

          Hi X-ray Tech. I have read your [very long] comment! I hope you will REREAD this earlier post to which I referred in the post to which you are commenting. The Simple Science of Eliminating Bad Odors https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=15380&action=edit. Then reread the post above. In both we make it very clear that this is not an instantaneous process!

          The Nok Out (it’s the same as SNiPER, just a different label) must come in contact with the offending odor and be allowed to stay there and fully DRY. During the drying time, it does give off an odor I referred to as a stinky swimming pool. You call the offending odor something else, but we are both describing the same thing.

          If you choose to not believe the data, findings, research and conclusions of EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) that this product is harmless to humans and pets, that is your choice. But I can assure that if the EPA were lying, you would be able to find data to the contrary in the form of law suits and sick people. You have nothing to worry about!

          I hope you will reconsider and go ahead and use that Nok Out as instructed. It is a wonderful product. If possible can you take your trash cans outdoors for the processing time? That’s an idea. Other than that, I don’t know what to tell you. I trust the science here and have proven for myself that Nok Out (SNiPER) is and works as represented.

          Reply

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