How to Remove Smoke Smell from Your House: Simple, Proven Methods

Your home should be a welcoming space — whether you're entertaining guests or unwinding after a long day. But if you or your guests enjoy the occasional cigar, you're probably all too familiar with the lingering smell of smoke that can settle deep into walls, fabrics, and carpets.

If you’ve been wondering how to remove smoke smell from your house quickly and effectively, you're in the right place. Below, we’ll break down why smoke odors cling so stubbornly and the best ways to banish that lingering stench — from old-school cleaning hacks to high-performance air purifiers designed for cigar smoke.

Why Does Smoke Smell Linger in Your Home?

Cigar and cigarette smoke contain over 400 odor-producing compounds, including ammonia, acetic acid, and hydrogen sulfide. These microscopic particles don’t just float in the air — they cling to walls, ceilings, carpets, upholstery, curtains, and even the paint on your walls.

Without proper ventilation and air purification, this stench can last for weeks, even months, especially in enclosed spaces. The longer smoke lingers without being addressed, the deeper it seeps into your home's surfaces.

Can You Remove Smoke Smell from a House Completely?

Yes, but it depends on how often smoking occurs, how quickly you act, and the solutions you choose.

• Occasional exposure can often be solved with thorough airing, surface cleaning, and a reliable air purifier.

• Frequent smoking indoors will usually require heavy-duty air filtration, like a smoke eater or dedicated air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA filters.

Air fresheners and sprays only mask the scent temporarily — they don’t neutralize the smoke particles. To truly clear the air, you’ll need both surface cleaning and air purification.

5 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Smoke Smell in Your House

1. Invest in a Smoke Eater or Air Purifier for Smoke

For cigar lovers or households with regular smokers, a smoke eater or a high-grade air purifier is a must. These devices don't just filter air — they actively trap and neutralize smoke particles using advanced filtration systems.

Look for air purifiers equipped with:

• HEPA filters: Capture 99.97% of airborne pollutants.

• Activated carbon filters: Absorb odors, smoke, and chemical vapors.

Smoke eaters are especially useful for large spaces like cigar lounges, offering a high Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) airflow rate to clean the air quickly and efficiently.

2. Clean All Cigar Ashtrays

Ashtrays are smoke odor magnets. Cleaning them regularly — not just emptying them — prevents odors from building up. Look into the type of material your ashtray is made of to best apply a thorough cleaning technique.

• Ceramic, glass, or crystal ashtrays: Wash with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge.

• Plastic and melamine ashtrays: Use dish soap or disinfectant wipes for both residue and odor.

• Porcelain and chrome ashtrays: Clean gently using warm water, non-abrasive sponges, and soft towels to avoid damaging the finish.

3. Open Windows and Boost Airflow

Ventilation is your first line of defense. Open as many windows and doors as possible to allow fresh air in and smoke-laden air out.

For larger homes, also consider opening fireplace dampers and using ceiling fans to help circulate and flush out lingering smoke.

4. Use Fans to Create Cross-Ventilation

Position fans to push smoky air outside. Ideally, place a fan facing outward in a window or doorway and close other windows. This will create an exhaust effect, drawing fresh air into the room while forcing smoke out.

Run this setup for 20–30 minutes for maximum impact.

5. Natural Smoke Odor Neutralizers: Vinegar & Baking Soda

When smoke lingers, surface particles must be neutralized — and nature provides some surprisingly powerful tools:

• Vinegar: Wipe hard surfaces with a solution of white vinegar and water. Place bowls of vinegar around the room for 24-48 hours to absorb airborne smoke odors.

• Baking Soda: Sprinkle onto carpets, upholstery, and fabric surfaces. Let it sit for 8 hours before vacuuming to neutralize deep-set smells.

Pro Tip: If you dislike vinegar’s scent, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to cut through the sharpness.

Maintaining Your Smoke Eater: Prolong Its Life and Performance

Just like any appliance, smoke eaters need regular maintenance:

• HEPA filters: Replace annually.

• Pre-filters: Replace monthly.

• Activated carbon filters: Replace every 2–3 months, depending on use.

Cleaning your smoke eater regularly also prevents airflow blockages. Use an aluminum-safe detergent, soak and rinse the filter cells, and let them dry thoroughly before reinstalling.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Let Smoke Settle In the First Place

The best way to keep your home fresh is to prevent smoke from settling:

• Smoke outside whenever possible.

• Use designated smoking areas with proper ventilation.

• Clean fabrics, carpets, and upholstery frequently.

Lingering Smoke Smell? Solve It for Good with a Smoke Eater

Smoke smells are stubborn, but with the right combination of cleaning habits, natural odor removers, and a high-quality air purifier or smoke eater, you can restore freshness to your home — and impress your guests.

Ready to clear the air? Explore our Smoke Eater Collection for commercial-grade solutions or browse our Cigar Humidor Cabinets to store your cigars in style while keeping your space smoke-free.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're dealing with an occasional cigar or lingering smoke from past habits, a fresh-smelling home is always within reach. Regular maintenance, smart habits, and investing in quality air-cleaning products will make sure your space always smells as good as it looks.