Just moved into a new home whose previous owner smoked like a chimney? Or just quit smoking yourself, and want to eliminate stray odours? Whatever the situation, living with the smell of cigarette smoke isn't pleasant. It's musty, unpleasant, and can trigger allergies. Luckily, it is possible to cleanse your living room of cigarette odours, so guests won't feel like they're stepping into an ashtray when they visit. Read on to find out how to get your living room smelling fresh and clean:

Clean Carpets and Rugs 

Carpets and rugs are prone to absorbing any odours they're exposed to and should be your first port of call when carrying out a post-smoke clean. Hire a professional rug cleaner from a local store to do the job yourself, or contact a residential upholstery cleaning company. Smaller rugs can be washed in the washing machine and hung to dry outside in the fresh air. Using a fabric deodorizing spray is a good option if you're not ready to carry out a full clean, but the effects won't be as noticeable.

Have Furniture Cleaned Professionally 

Any soft furnishings or pieces of fabric-covered furniture in the room will need a thorough clean to remove the smell of smoke. Start with items of furniture which have had the most exposure to smoking - for example, the most popular armchair. If professional cleaning doesn't remove the odours entirely, you may have to consider giving your furniture a fresh start by arranging a complete re-upholster. Small soft furnishings like cushions and throws can be washed in the washing machine, and are quite inexpensive to replace if necessary.

Wipe down Mirrors and Glass 

It might come as a surprise, but glass surfaces actually attract a lot of smoke and create strong odours. Wipe down mirrors, windows, and any items of furniture containing glass using vinegar, then rinse thoroughly with water. If there's a smoker still using the room then this should be done at least once a week to cut down on bad smells.

Invest in an Air Purifier

Air purifiers are an excellent option if you suffer from allergies, as they remove all contaminants from the air. This means there'll be fewer smoke odours and less dust and debris for you to breathe in. It will also remove any pet odours from the room, ideal if you live with furry friends. If anyone does smoke in the room, ensure the purifier is switched on at all times.

Tired of a living room that smells like an ashtray? Use these tips to purify your living space.