Q: How do I remove the smell of stale smoke?

A: Unfortunately, most air freshener’s usually only mask odours, rather than neutralise them. Two common household products do a fantastic job of neutralising odours and deodorising the air. The first is vinegar; Just placing saucers of white vinegar on the floor and leaving them in a sealed room overnight, followed by ventilating with fresh air, can have a noticeable effect on reducing the smell. Obviously vinegar itself has a pungent odour but this will evaporate and fade whereas cigarette smoke does not. Alternatively, baking soda can also be used to great effect. This is particularly suitable for fabrics. Simply sprinkle the baking soda across as much of the surface as possible and leave for several hours or even a day if possible, and then vacuum everything off. Repeat a few more times if necessary.