Three quick rules
Apply these first, then use the table for specifics.
- IfThe surface is hard, non-porous and intactThenClean it. Glass, tile, metal, sealed stone, finished cabinets and good paint usually come clean.
- IfThe surface is porous but fixed in place and expensive to removeThenClean what you can, then seal it. Drywall, plaster, subfloor, raw wood framing and closet shelving fit here.
- IfThe item is soft, absorbent and replaceableThenStrongly consider replacing it. Carpet pad, cellular shades, pillows, mattresses and cheap upholstery rarely lose the odor.
Technician cleaning the inside of a wall oven. A representative photo of the task, not a record of work at any particular property.
Material guide
- Material
- Painted drywall and plaster
- Usual call
- Clean, then seal
- Notes
- Ceilings included; prime before repainting
- Material
- Painted trim and doors
- Usual call
- Clean, then seal if tinted
- Notes
- Test for lead in pre-1978 homes before sanding
- Material
- Stained or varnished woodwork
- Usual call
- Clean carefully
- Notes
- Finish type decides the method; see the paneling guide
- Material
- Kitchen cabinets, finished
- Usual call
- Clean
- Notes
- Interiors and the undersides of uppers are the hard part
- Material
- Closet shelving, raw wood
- Usual call
- Clean, then seal or replace
- Notes
- Cheap particleboard is easier to replace
- Material
- Carpet
- Usual call
- Usually replace if older or heavily affected
- Notes
- Cleaning may help newer carpet with light exposure
- Material
- Carpet pad
- Usual call
- Replace
- Notes
- Pad is inexpensive and holds the most odor
- Material
- Hardwood floors
- Usual call
- Clean or refinish
- Notes
- Sanding removes the top layer and residue with it
- Material
- Upholstered furniture
- Usual call
- Specialist cleaning or replace
- Notes
- Cushion foam is the main reservoir
- Material
- Leather furniture
- Usual call
- Clean and condition
- Notes
- Padding beneath may still hold odor
- Material
- Mattresses and pillows
- Usual call
- Replace
- Notes
- Very difficult to treat
- Material
- Hard blinds and shutters
- Usual call
- Clean
- Notes
- Restring if cords hold odor
- Material
- Drapes
- Usual call
- Specialist cleaning or replace
- Notes
- Lined drapes are often worth trying
- Material
- Cellular shades
- Usual call
- Replace
- Notes
- Residue sits inside the cells
- Material
- Light fixtures and fans
- Usual call
- Clean
- Notes
- Fan blades and glass shades collect heavy film
- Material
- Ductwork
- Usual call
- Clean
- Notes
- Flex duct in poor condition may be replaced instead
Before you decide to keep something
- Would you pay to replace it if it were lost tomorrow? If not, cleaning may not be worth it.
- Can it leave the house during the work, so it does not slow down treatment of the rooms?
- Is there a specialist who cleans this item, and have they handled tobacco odor before?
- Will you be satisfied if a faint odor remains?
- Does anyone in the household have asthma or sensitivities that make a trace of odor unacceptable?
General information for Cherry Creek, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.