Nicotine Odor Removal: We Can Do It!

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

Cigarette/Nicotine odor removal! Call (904) 429-4457 for a free estimate!

Here at SERVPRO of Greater St Augustine we often get hired to remove cigarette and cigar smoke contamination.  The process  of removal varies based on the strength of contamination or smell, and the area affected. Frequently our customers are not sure of how involved the process may be. Today we wanted to share what professional removal of cigarette smoke odors entails. There are many different steps and nuances in every restoration project. Here are some of the commonly followed steps in a cigarette, cigar, and similar smoke related odor removal process that we follow:  

The process is:

Step 1: Thorough Inspection and Development of Scope of Work

*   Determine how long the cigarette smoke has impacted the area?

 o The longer the presence, the harder it will be to clean.

* Inspect the HVAC ducting, walls, ceilings, furniture, and air quality.

o Nicotine residue will cling to virtually all surfaces and will remain until removed. These surfaces will need to be cleaned thoroughly.

* Remove the furniture and contents from the structure. Place in a cleaning station outside or at your warehouse

Step 2: Ceiling: Depending on the type of ceiling, the cleaning procedures will vary.

Step 3: Walls: All walls will need to be thoroughly cleaned then rinsed using the appropriate products and procedures for nicotine residue removal.  In extreme cases, where staining was heavy and unable to be completely removed, it may be necessary to apply an appropriate sealer to cover it.

Step 4: Floors: The type of flooring is another consideration.  In carpeted areas, both the carpet and padding may need to be disposed of.  Nicotine odors, especially if they are heavy, may not be able to be removed due to the porosity of those materials.  Other types of flooring will require different cleaning methods. 

Step 5: HVAC/Ducting: Thorough cleaning of the duct work will also be necessary to eliminate any possibility of re-introducing nicotine residue into the previously cleaned areas.

Step 6: Furniture and Contents: All furniture and contents will need to be thoroughly cleaned.  In some instances, it may be necessary to discard furniture items, as the difficulty and cost to clean them, may exceed the cost of replacement.

Step 7: Deodorization:  Finally, all areas, as well as furniture and contents will need to be deodorized, to remove any lingering odors.  This process would be repeated up to 4 cycles to ensure complete elimination of all odors.

There you have it.  It’s a detailed process, but fortunately it is a process that SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine/St. Augustine Beach, can handle from start to finish.  One call, one company, one solution to nicotine related odor problems.  No job too big or too small.  904-429-4457.