removing smoke smell from a house

[prhom]

Has anyone ever tried to get the smoke smell out of a house where people had been smoking indoors?

I've got a rental house and my tenants of 2.5 years are moving out. The big surprise for me is I found out they've been smoking inside (were not supposed to) and now I'll have to get rid of the smoke smell before I rent it out again.

My current plan is to wash down the walls, ceiling, and kitchen cabinets. Then if it's still around, paint over everything with Kilz and repaint over that.

Has anyone had to do this and if so, what did you do, was it successful? Is it better to hire a smoke remediation company, or are they going to do the same stuff and charge a bunch for it?

Success to me is walking into the house and not being able to tell it was smoked in. That may not be realistic though.

[spades]

I would start with cleaning the carpets and painting. See where you stand after that

[prhom]

Originally Posted by Lumpy

Along with everything else that was suggested, hire a company to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. Once they're done, spritz a new filter with a pleasant scent and install it.

Ah, that is a good suggestion. Probably should clean ducts anyway since I'm sure they didn't do anything like that on their own.

[prhom]

Originally Posted by rockymtnchief

Throw away or wash the curtains, if there are any.

Fortunately no curtains, only the plastic mini blinds.

[Valiant]

Rape the house with Kilz..

[scho63]

Originally Posted by prhom

Fortunately no curtains, only the plastic mini blinds.

Take them down and wash them in the shower as well. Dust holds smoke smell.

I think everyone has covered it all.

1. Repaint everything

2. Clean ducts and change air filter

3. Throw out any furniture they left

4. Clean blinds and windows.

It should smell pretty "new" after the paint

[BlackHelicopters]

Smoke a few bowls. Different, but better, smell.

[Bugeater]

If the mini blinds are really bad you might want to check and see what it would cost to just replace them before you waste your time trying to clean them. You should be able to find most standard sizes for around $5-7 each.

[Bump]

having tenants can really suck. I had straight up hoarders like on the TV show. + they smoked inside too. I'm still working on this shit.

[bevischief]

Section 8?

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by Bump

having tenants can really suck. I had straight up hoarders like on the TV show. + they smoked inside too. I'm still working on this shit.

Wait until one leaves you with a bunch of bedbugs. That's when the real fun begins.

[crossbow]

Originally Posted by prhom

Fortunately no curtains, only the plastic mini blinds.

I take miniblinds down to the car wash and blast them with a hand held. Gets years of dirt off.

Bring an aids infested, midget wearing only a jock strap and a clear raincoat to hold the blinds for you.

[prhom]

Originally Posted by bevischief

Section 8?

Nope, they were good tenants for a long time. Just fell on hard times back in November and couldn't keep up with the rent. It was kind of a surprise actually.

[prhom]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

If the mini blinds are really bad you might want to check and see what it would cost to just replace them before you waste your time trying to clean them. You should be able to find most standard sizes for around $5-7 each.

I agree, they may even be broken now after being used for 3 yrs. They were remarkably cheap when I bought them so it's not a big deal to just replace them.

[prhom]

Originally Posted by Bump

having tenants can really suck. I had straight up hoarders like on the TV show. + they smoked inside too. I'm still working on this shit.

I remember that thread. That sucks to deal with. I've learned a valuable lesson this time though. I'm going to check more frequently next time and collect a lot more upfront money. I think people will take better care of a place if they've already given a large deposit.

[prhom]

Thanks for the advice everyone, it is much appreciated!