How to Make a Smoke-Smell Eliminator
Smoke odor, no matter what the source, clings to just about any surface, embedding itself in fabrics and furniture. The odor lasts a lot longer than the smoke itself in many cases, but simple homemade solutions comprising vinegar or baking soda eliminate the problem without harsh chemicals.
Homemade Odor Eliminators
If an entire room smells like smoke, open the windows to air it. Aim a window or box fan toward an open window to draw out air, with another drawing fresh air in from a window at the opposite end of the room. Fresh air also helps remove odors from fabrics and upholstery -- place the item outside in a protected area such as a screened-in porch, if possible, to help the odor go away on its own. Wipe down hard surfaces with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to eliminate smoke smells, or spritz fabrics and upholstery with a light mix of the vinegar solution, allowing the smoky piece to air dry. Sprinkle upholstered furniture with baking soda; then vacuum the powder away after 30 minutes or so to remove odors. Set bowls of vinegar or baking soda around a room if a smoke odor lingers even after you air out the space. Coffee grounds or coffee beans set in a bowl remove stale smoke odors, such as inside a desk drawer or in a car.
The Drip Cap
- Smoke odor, no matter what the source, clings to just about any surface, embedding itself in fabrics and furniture.
- Fresh air also helps remove odors from fabrics and upholstery -- place the item outside in a protected area such as a screened-in porch, if possible, to help the odor go away on its own.
References
Writer Bio
Kathy Adams is an award-winning writer. She is an avid DIYer that is equally at home repurposing random objects into new, useful creations as she is at supporting community gardening efforts and writing about healthy alternatives to household chemicals. She's written numerous DIY articles for paint and decor companies, as well as for Black + Decker, Hunker, Landlordology, SFGate and others.
Photo Credits
- CREATISTA/iStock/Getty Images
- CREATISTA/iStock/Getty Images
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