How Much Does it Cost to Remove Cigarette Smoke Smell From a House?
As a home and garden enthusiast, you know how much effort it takes to maintain a clean and fresh-smelling house. But what happens when a previous homeowner was a smoker, or you’ve inherited a smoking tenant? The smell of cigarette smoke can be stubborn and pervasive, making it unpleasant to live in. Thankfully, there are professionals who can help with smoke remediation services, but it comes at a cost. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that affect smoke remediation expenses and what you can expect from the process.Understanding Smoke Remediation Costs
The cost of smoke remediation services can vary greatly based on the specific needs of your home. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 to $1,000 to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from a home. This cost is affected by the amount of carpeting, furniture, and clothing in the house that requires deodorization, as well as the severity of smoke damage present.Factors that Affect Smoke Remediation Expenses
Several factors affect the cost of smoke remediation services, including the size of the home, the extent of the smoke damage, and the materials present in the home. Here are some additional factors to consider:- The size of the affected area
- The thickness of carpeting and fabric
- The age and condition of the carpeting and fabric
- The type of heating and cooling system present in the home
- The presence of pets in the home
Cleaning Carpets to Remove Smoke Smell
One of the most effective ways to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from your home is to clean your carpeting thoroughly. It’s vital to hire a professional carpet cleaning company for this job, as they have the appropriate equipment and cleaning materials to get the job done correctly. During a carpet cleaning service, the technicians will utilize hot water extraction to lift any debris, dirt, and bacteria from the carpets. They’ll also apply a deodorizer to remove any existing smells. When it comes to smoke remediation, it’s essential to deep clean the carpets multiple times to ensure that they’re free of smoke smells. Pro Tip: It’s essential to avoid DIY carpet cleaning efforts when it comes to smoke remediation. Over-the-counter carpet cleaners can leave behind a residue that can trap smoke smells further.Deodorizing Furniture: What to Expect
Like carpeting, cleaning and deodorizing furniture can play a significant role in removing smoke smells from your home. But be warned, it can be a challenging process if the furniture has significant smoke damage. If the fabric on the furniture cannot be removed, it might require professional dry-cleaning. For wooden furniture that has extensive smoke damage, refinishing may be your best option. Removing any damaged wood and sealing the unaffected areas is the best way to remove the smell for good.Removing Smoke Odor from Clothing
Removing smoke smells from clothing is another process that requires extra care and attention. A standard washing machine cycle may not suffice. For best results, you can hire a professional laundry service that utilizes ozone-deodorizing. With this method, an ozone machine is used to dissolve any smoke particles on the clothes and remove the smell. Pro Tip: Avoid wearing any clothing that may have had prolonged smoke exposure. Wearing these clothes can expose you to harmful toxins, ultimately impacting your health.DIY Smoke Remediation vs Hiring Professionals
It’s vital to consider the severity of the smoke damage before embarking on DIY smoke remediation. If the smoke damage is particularly severe, engaging a professional smoke remediation service is the best approach. Attempting to do it yourself may lead to further harm or missed spots. On the other hand, if the smoke damage is minor, you may be able to remove the smell yourself. Consider steam cleaning the carpets, airing out the home, and using an air purifier to reduce smoke smells.Tips for Saving on Smoke Remediation Cost
Here are some tips to help you save on smoke remediation costs:- Act fast. Addressing smoke damage early can prevent it from spreading further.
- Compare multiple quotes from different smoke remediation companies to ensure you get the best deal.
- Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if smoke remediation services are covered.
- Consider removing any severely impacted objects in the home that may be beyond repair.
- Avoid smoking inside your home and encourage guests to smoke outside.