How to Remove Cigarette Smoke Smell from a Carpet or Rug

Co-authored by Guy Peters

Last Updated: March 26, 2023

Insidious cigarette smoke penetrates deep down into your carpets, leaving a very stale and unwelcome smell. But using this simple process, you can make your place bearable again.

Steps

1
Schedule a vacation or a weekend away. Time is an important feature of this cure.
2
Buy several pounds of plain baking soda.

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3
Make sure your vacuum cleaner is in good working condition and is well stocked with a nice new bag and a few replacements.
4
Spread the soda. One hour before you leave your house for your vacation, liberally sprinkle a large amount of baking soda all over your rug, making sure to hit all exposed areas.
5
Go back over the rug and sprinkle more baking soda over the same areas. Since the baking soda will be absorbing the smoke odor, you need to be sure and use plenty.
6
Close your door, lock it up, and go away.
7
Vacuum. When you come home from your getaway, immediately vacuum the rug.
- Avoid using a beater bar (also called a brush roll). This is a powerful brush that agitates flooring to break up more dirt, but most area rugs, especially with frilled edges, are too fragile for it. If you can't turn this feature off, use a nozzle attachment instead.
- Instead of too many back and forth movements, vacuum in the same direction that the fibers lay naturally.
8
Change the bag. Dispose of the bag outside the house and vacuum again your home will smell nice and fresh.