The smell of cigarette smoke is one of the worst smells you can find in a bathroom. The stench sticks to walls, clothes, and can even hang in the air for hours after the cigarette has been snuffed out. Fortunately, there are quick, simple methods to get rid of the smell and freshen your air. We will show you some simple ways to do so with things you probably already have around the house.
So, let’s find out the easiest and quickest options to remove the smoke smell from your bathroom.
10 Instant Ways to Remove Cigarette Smell from Your Bathroom
1. First, open Windows and use the Fan to remove the smell
If you have a window in your bathroom, open it wide. That lets fresh air in and pushes the smoke-filled air out. Then, switch on your bathroom’s exhaust fan to expedite the process.
If you can bring a fan with you, place it next to the window. That helps circulate air and clear the smoky smell quicker. Run it for at least 30 minutes.
2. Use Scent Light a Candle, or an Air Purifier
Light a scented candle for an added smell-good, feel-good experience in your bathroom. Opt for fresh scents such as lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus that will counteract any residual smell.
The only longer-term solution is to invest in an air purifier. Choose one with a HEPA and activated carbon filter, which removes smoke particles and smells. For best results, let it run for a couple of hours.
3. You can Use Charcoal or Coffee Grounds
Activated charcoal is one of the most effective odor absorbers. Place a few small bowls
An effective odor absorber is activated charcoal. Put small bowls filled with charcoal in the bathroom, particularly in corners or under the sink.
You can also place fresh coffee grounds in open containers. Coffee is a natural odor eater, plus it has a light scent. If you really wanna do the job, let them soak overnight.
4. Boil Vinegar for Heavy Smoke
If the odor is really strong or has been there a long time, you may want to try boiling vinegar. In a saucepan, pour 2 cups of water and 1 cup of vinegar. The steam helps to loosen the odor from the surfaces.
Once the pot is boiling, carry it into the bathroom, and leave it inside with the door closed for 15 to 30 minutes. The hot vinegar will remove remaining cigarette smoke from the air and walls.
5. Spray Essential Oils
A few drops of essential oils will ensure that your bathroom smells clean and inviting. Pour water and 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil (we love scents like peppermint, lemon, or tea tree) into a squeeze bottle.
When you apply, just blend with your finger and don’t rub. You can also place a diffuser in the bathroom for a lingering scent. This will mask any lingering light smells of smoke and provide a fresh scent in the room.
6. Spray White Vinegar in the Air
White vinegar is a good natural solution to remove odors! It’s an odor neutralizer, not a fragrance cover-up. Put some plain white vinegar into a spray bottle and mist it into the air that way.
Focus on the corners, up at the ceiling, or near the vents. However, within a few minutes, the vinegar smell will dissipate and take any odor you have with it. It is a quick, non-chemical way to get rid of cigarette smell.
7. Wash All Fabric Items
Fabrics retain smoke more than any other material. Collect all towels, bath mats, shower curtains, and washcloths and throw them into the washing machine.
If possible, use hot water and add one cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. This combats strong smoke smells and freshens its surroundings.
8. Place Bowls of Baking Soda
Another great natural odor absorber is baking soda. Add small bowls of baking soda to a few corners of your bathroom – on the sink counter, above the toilet, or on the shelf.
Leave them there for a couple of hours at least, or overnight. Baking soda absorbs stenches from the air and surfaces, freshening up the space.
Read also: How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink Fast: 8 Foolproof Fixes That Work
9. Wipe Down Surfaces With Vinegar and Water
Cigarette smoke clings to every surface, including mirrors, tiles, and doors. Add equal parts white vinegar and warm water to a spray bottle. Apply this to bathroom surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Take into account that high-touch areas, including doorknobs, faucets, and light switches. This not only removes the smell but also cuts through tar residue left by cigarette smoke.
10. Clean the Exhaust Fan and Vents
Remove the fan’s cover and wash it with soap and water. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dust and smoke particles trapped inside the vent.
After everything’s clean, put the cover back on and run the fan again. A clean exhaust is more efficient at removing bad odors.
Read also: How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom: 10 Must-Try Tricks That Actually Work
Bonus: Try Ozone Spray (Only If Needed)
Finally, consider trying an ozone spray, or if you’re desperate, an ozone generator. These would disperse odors, as smoke molecules. Use carefully, and never when a human or pet is inside the room with it.
Ozone-modifying sprays should only be used in a ventilated space. After you’ve used it, allow the bathroom to air out completely before you re-enter.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
When trying to eliminate smoke odor, don’t make these mistakes:
- Don’t count only on air fresheners. They only mask the smell temporarily and do not eliminate smoke particles.
- Do not mix vinegar with bleach. This produces lethal, toxic gases.
- Don’t forget fabrics. The smell of the towels, curtains, and rugs will not go away unless they are laundered.
Always aim to clean, neutralize, and ventilate instead of just covering up the odor.
Final Thoughts
Cigarette smell in the bathroom doesn’t have to stick around. By employing the magic combination of ventilation, cleaning, and odor absorbers, you can easily and naturally freshen up the surroundings.
When the odor emerges, battle immediately, and you will save yourself time and work. Do one or all of these things, and your bathroom will not only be clear of stink, it will probably smell clean and fresh as well.
Read also: 10 Ways to Keep Your Bathroom/Toilet Smelling Fresh All the Time