Effective Solutions for Eliminating Smoke Odours in Rental Properties
Dealing with cigarette and pipe smoke in a rental property can be a significant challenge for property managers and landlords. If tenants have violated smoking policies by smoking indoors, it is essential to take decisive action before re-renting the property. Even after removing furniture, opening windows, and replacing curtains, the lingering smell can be persistent. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to mitigate this issue.
1. Smoker’s Candles
Specialty smoker’s candles are designed to neutralise odours effectively. Often used by smokers to eliminate the smell after use, these candles can serve as an excellent first line of defence in your cleaning strategy. While they may not completely eradicate the odour, they can significantly reduce it, allowing you to tackle the more stubborn aspects of the smell.
For properties with carpets, it is advisable to engage professional services for end of lease carpet dry cleaning. Consider incorporating a clause in future rental agreements that mandates tenants to professionally clean and deodorise carpets before vacating.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a time-tested remedy for absorbing unpleasant odours. While many people use it in closets or refrigerators, its application can extend to heavily odorous curtains and drapes. Place curtains and similar fabric items into a plastic bag with a cup of baking soda, seal it, and leave it overnight. The next day, wash them according to their care instructions.
Baking soda can also be sprinkled on carpets, left for several hours to absorb odours, and then vacuumed up. This method often yields significant results in reducing smoke smells.
3. White Vinegar
A common cleaning agent, white vinegar can effectively break down smoke odours that have permeated walls. Before applying it broadly, test the vinegar on a small, inconspicuous area, such as behind a door or inside a wardrobe. If there are no adverse reactions, proceed to clean the walls and ceiling.
Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and lightly mist the affected surfaces, allowing it to penetrate the paint's pores and absorb the odours. A gentle rub may enhance the effectiveness of this method. Afterward, wipe the surfaces clean with fresh water to remove any residual vinegar.
Professional Assistance for Comprehensive Solutions
While these tips can assist in reducing smoke odours, for a thorough and effective clean, consider hiring professionals who utilise commercial-grade deodorisers. Elite Maintenance provides expert carpet cleaning and restoration services, ensuring compliance with IICRC standards and CM3 certification. Our trained technicians are equipped to handle challenging odour removal tasks with precision and care.
For immediate assistance, please call us on 131580 or contact us directly. Let us help you restore your rental property to its optimal condition.