Cigarette smoke poses dangers in the workplace and for homeowners in Victoria, Duncan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and all of Vancouver Island.
Cigarette smoke is one of the most persistent and frustrating odors to eliminate. Unlike one-time sources of smoke, cigarette residue builds up over time, embedding itself deep into walls, fabrics, vents, and hard-to-reach spaces. If you’ve just purchased a home with a history of smoking, or you’re prepping a rental unit for non-smoking tenants, you need a comprehensive plan to tackle the problem.
Removing cigarette smoke is not just about masking odors—it’s about completely decontaminating the space. And that means following a specific sequence of steps, ending with thermal fogging to ensure long-term results.
Why Cigarette Smoke Is So Difficult to Remove
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including tar and nicotine, which don’t just sit on surfaces—they soak in. Over time, these contaminants:
- Discolor walls and ceilings
- Settle into fabrics, furniture, and flooring
- Linger inside HVAC systems
- Leave behind a sticky, invisible residue
If not removed properly, the smell can resurface during humid weather or when the property is closed up.
Step-by-Step: How to Effectively Remove Cigarette Smoke
To fully eliminate smoke odors and restore a healthy indoor environment, here’s the process professionals follow:
1. Ventilate the Space
Start by opening windows and doors. Use fans or air scrubbers to flush out stale air and begin freshening the space.
2. Remove Contaminated Materials
Soft, porous items hold onto smoke the most. You may need to discard:
- Carpeting and underlayment
- Drapes or blinds
- Upholstered furniture
- Ceiling tiles or acoustic panels
3. Deep Clean All Surfaces
Scrubbing every surface is key. Use degreasers or enzymatic cleaners to wipe away sticky nicotine and tar from:
- Walls and ceilings
- Baseboards, doors, and trim
- Hard flooring, tiles, and cabinetry
4. Clean or Service HVAC Systems
If your HVAC system has been running while people smoked indoors, it’s likely contaminated. Be sure to:
- Replace all filters
- Clean vents and registers
- Professionally clean ductwork and air handler, if needed
This stops odor from recirculating through your freshly cleaned space.
5. Thermal Fogging – Deep Odor Neutralization
After surface cleaning and HVAC service, it’s time for thermal fogging—a powerful final step. This process uses a heated deodorizer dispersed as a fog that:
- Mimics the path of smoke
- Penetrates porous materials and tight areas
- Bonds to and neutralizes smoke particles
Unlike other methods, thermal fogging neutralizes the odor at its source, not just on the surface.
Why We Don’t Use Ozone Generators
While ozone generators are sometimes marketed for odor removal, Pacific Decontamination Services does not use ozone as a deodorizing method—and here’s why:
⚠️ Health & Safety Risks
Ozone is a lung irritant. It can cause respiratory issues, throat irritation, coughing, and chest pain—especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma or respiratory conditions. Exposure to high ozone levels, even after the machine is turned off, can pose serious health risks.
🧪 Chemical Reactions with Household Materials
Ozone doesn’t just react with odor molecules—it can also react with household materials, creating harmful byproducts like formaldehyde. These secondary pollutants can linger long after the treatment ends.
🧼 Unreliable in Smoke-Heavy Environments
Ozone may slightly reduce surface-level odors in light situations, but it does not effectively penetrate porous materials the way thermal fogging does. It also does not clean or remove nicotine or tar residues.
🏡 Residue-Free, Not Risk-Free
Ozone generators leave no physical residue, which sounds great—but that doesn’t mean they’re safe. They don’t address the root cause of odor (the sticky, chemical-laden film) and may create more problems than they solve.
That’s why we prioritize safer, proven, and more thorough methods like thermal fogging that deliver real results—without compromising your health or indoor air quality.
6. Seal and Paint (If Necessary)
In homes with heavy smoke saturation, sealing may be needed after cleaning and fogging. Applying an odor-blocking primer followed by fresh paint:
- Traps any residual odor in walls
- Prevents future bleed-through
- Gives your space a clean, refreshed look
Professional Results Require a Professional Process
Cigarette smoke removal is more than just cleaning—it’s about transforming the indoor environment. Pacific Decontamination Services combines deep cleaning and thermal fogging to reduce cigarette smoke odor—without relying on harsh or risky methods like ozone.
Ready to Clear the Air?
If you’re tired of lingering cigarette smoke, don’t risk your health or waste time on ineffective fixes. Contact Pacific Decontamination Services today and schedule a consultation.
You don’t have to live with the smell. Let us help you breathe easier.
What do you do next? How do you solve the challenge of mold and associated health hazards?
Call Pacific Decontamination Services at 778-269-0208 or email us at our email address: contact @ pacificdecon dot com
Serving All of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.
