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[JBKO]

Good morning everyone! I just moved into my new apartment yesterday and as excited as I am, i have to find a solution. The former tenant was a smoker and trust me, you can tell. What are your suggestions to get rid of the stench? I was looking into air purfiers and diffusers. Should I wash the walls? I've left the windows open to air out the place while I'm at work.

TIA

[OKPrincess]

If it’s in the carpet, it will be difficult to get out. A new paint job on the walls and ceilings will eliminate any odors on walls. Carpet should be replaced or you will be fighting odors for a very long time. 

[Skididdy]

Hi @JBKO.

We had to do this when we sold my folks home.

Buy some clear shallow cups.  Buy a few gallons of vinegar. You can also use bowls.

Pour vinegar halfway up the cup and put them all over the home.

Refill and dump the old every 2 days for a week.

Works like a charm.  I hope this helps.

The carpet , that is tricky. 

[Ladylaughsalot]

You could try spraying your carpets with Odoban. You could spray them before you go to work, and see how it smells when you get home. If one application isn’t enough, spray again. Odoban is a wonderful product. Not only will it get rid of odors, but it kills germs too.

[Imaoldhippie]

I suggest you talk to the apt management, they should have done that when the last tenant moved out and before you moved in.  No way should you have to pay for it.

[Annabellethecat66]

Don't just paint over the walls.  Wipe them down really good FIRST before you paint the walls.

Go on line and read all of the different remedies for getting rid of smoke.

You are wise to understand it isn't going to be easy.  My late mother was a smoker.  When she died we ended up with the antique bedroom set she had in her house.  It smelled so bad (cigarette smoke).  The wood had absorbed the smell (crazy, I know).  

It's never made sense to me, but odors get absorbed into everything.

Please come back and let us know how it's going.  You can get rid of it, but it's going to take a lot of time and effort.

[itsmagic]

It’s a lot of work but I think you should wash the walls, windows and any other hard surfaces.  Also, get the carpets cleaned by a professional. 

[JBKO]

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions. Thank God there's no carpet!

[missy1]

Was that the only apartment available? Didn't the property management tell you there were smokers there. It is almost impossible to rid the smoke.

Paint the walls. (and inside the closets)

Get rid of drapes, and the window blinds.

Change the carpet. (you don't have it)

The smoke is embedded in the kitchen/bathroom cabinets.

The management company pays or this. I would be upset.

[mwmc]

If you decide to paint I would use Kilzs.