How to Clean Nicotine Stained Curtains

How to Clean Nicotine Stained Curtains
Published: Nov 12, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Nicotine stains appear as brownish yellow on white, but vary depending on the color of your drapes and can be quite unsightly to your guests who don't live in smoking environments. Knowing how to remove the nicotine stains from your curtains gives you the ability to keep your home fresh from tobacco smoke.

Things You Will Need

  • 5-gallon wash basin
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup borax
  • 1/2 cup salt
  1. Add 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup salt to a 5-gallon wash basin.

  2. Pour 3 gallons of hot water into the basin.

  3. Soak the nicotine-stained parts of the curtains in this solution overnight, or eight hours. The combination of ingredients in this solution help break apart the stain and dissolve it.

  4. Wash the drapes in your laundry as you normally would and then dry. The stains should be either lightened considerably, or completely gone, depending on how old and severe the stains are.

The Drip Cap

  • Smoking in your home creates problems other than secondhand smoking and a stale stench.
  • Nicotine stains appear as brownish yellow on white, but vary depending on the color of your drapes and can be quite unsightly to your guests who don't live in smoking environments.
  • Add 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup salt to a 5-gallon wash basin.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Chelsea Hoffman

The author of such novels as “Planet Omega” and the romantic drama, “Chloe and Louis,” Chelsea Hoffman devotes her time to writing about a myriad of different topics like gardening, beauty, crafts, cooking and medical research. She's…

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