I've re-painted my house, changed the carpet and installed new hardwood floors, yet the house STILL smells like cigarette smoke from the previous owner. What can I do?
- G.K., Rockville, MD
First, your home needs a deep cleaning, as odor-causing bacteria can lurk in places that we never really clean thoroughly.
“Even though you have painted, removed the carpets and replaced the floors, hidden molecules and bacteria can live in least expected places, in underlying materials that you haven’t gotten to or can’t reach,” explains William Hawthorne, owner and operator of Hawthorne’s Handyman and Cleaning Service.
If the smell persists, which is likely in your case, Hawthorne suggests using an odor ridding fogger to destroy the molecules and bacteria which cause odor. The fogger can penetrate cracks and crevices that are impossible to reach.
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“Coroners and hospitals use foggers to eliminate corpse odors, and nursing homes and hospitals use it to eradicate geriatric and other patient smells,” explains Hawthorne, who specializes in residential and commercial cleaning, as well as a wide range of handyman services. “It is also effective for eliminating pet odors, and especially offensive odors such as cat urine.”
As with all products, follow the directions on the label. Before using the fogger bomb, you will need to turn off all pilot lights, such as on the furnace and gas stove. You will have to evacuate the premises for a couple of hours, and bring all pets with you. When you return, you will need to wipe the dusty residue from countertops and other surfaces.
Look for a Big-D brand fogger bomb. You will likely need two of them, which should cost around $12 total. Commercial cleaners and suppliers sell this product to the general public, or you can look for it on the Internet. Or save yourself the hassle and call in a professional, who has ready access to the materials and knows how to handle them properly – and you will come back to a clean, fresh-smelling home.
