A clean room that smells pleasantly is the number one rule for anyone working in hospitality.
However, getting rid of the smoke smell from indoor spaces can be tricky, especially if a smoker stays in the room for more than a few days. Because of this, cooking or smoking in hotel rooms is not allowed, and when it happens, it gives the personnel a massive headache.
There are, however, some quick methods for masking or neutralizing the odor that could help reduce the smoke smell, unless the room is severely affected, in which case you may need to resort to more drastic measures.
Fortunately, this guide covers everything. Let’s see how to get the smell of smoke out of a hotel room.
How to Get Rid of the Smoke Smell in a Hotel Room
Below, we’ll share some of the best solutions for eliminating the smoke smell from hotel rooms. To cover all basis, we’ll share some very simple and easy tricks, as well as some radical solutions that can remove annoyingly persistent smells.
Get Smoke-Affected Items Out
The first step is to remove all the smoke-affected items. This is especially important for smoke smells caused by fire indicates.
In case of a cigarette smoke smell, remove the ashtrays or any other smoking materials from the room. These items are the primary source of the unpleasant smell. All other actions will be futile if these are still in the room.
Air the Room Well
Next, let in some fresh air. Open the windows wide, and if possible, create a draft by also opening the door. If that’s not an option, add some fans to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the room. Airing out probably won’t solve the problem, but it’s an essential first step that will help eliminate the smell faster.
If you use a room fan, place it near the window and turn the propeller towards the room. This will help fresh air circulate through the room.
Use Odor Spray
There are many sprays for eliminating unpleasant odors that can neutralize the smoke smell and give the room a fresh and clean scent. This solution, however, covers rather than eliminates the odor, which is bad because the unpleasant smell will return as soon as the spray evaporates.
Choose a bottle labeled “smoke-eliminating spray,” as those are much more efficient than regular air fresheners.
A word of caution: if smokers frequently stay in the room, this solution is unsustainable in the long run.
Deep Cleaning
If the smoke smell has been lingering in the room for a while, deep cleaning the room is an unavoidable step. This involves cleaning the furniture covers and the furniture itself, and cleaning the hard surfaces, curtains, drapes, carpets, windows, walls, and ceilings.
Unfortunately, smoke-odor molecules find their way and stick to all materials. They’re too small to be visible in the room, but your nose can feel them.
Use an ammonia-based cleaning solution when wiping the walls, ceilings, and other hard surfaces. You can also check out our guides on how to get the smoke smell out of fabric furniture, how to get smoke smell out of carpet, and how to get smoke smell out of wood furniture.
In extreme cases, you may need to do a painting job. The fresh paint could help not only cover up the old, discolored paint but also absorb the smoke smell lingering on the walls and ceiling.
If the room has wallpapers, you can try wiping them with different solutions or replacing them. This should be easier than a painting job, especially if you choose the peel-and-stick ones.
For cleaning your carpet, you can also use strong carpet-cleaning chemicals designed to remove stains and smells.
Light Up Incense
Incense sticks come in so many different scents, but the recognizable scent that connects them all is muskiness and spiciness. In addition to these scents, you can choose an incense stick with citrus, sandalwood, lavender, and rose.
Incense doesn’t have to come as a stick — you can also buy it as a powder or pellet. However, sticks are by far the best solution for small indoor spaces.
There are also unique incense products designed to eliminate the tobacco smell, like incense sticks, cones, and resin.
Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is the most traditional way of getting rid of unpleasant odors. Although it doesn’t smell very pleasant, it absorbs odors and evaporates quickly.
There are two ways to use vinegar. One way is to pour the vinegar into bowls and place them in different corners of the room. Close the door and leave it like that for a few days. When you return, remove the bowls and air the room.
For this project, you’ll need a large amount of vinegar, so we recommend purchasing large packages.
The other way to apply vinegar is as a cleaning solution. To make the solution, you should dissolve the vinegar in water at a 1:4 ratio (vinegar to water) and then thoroughly wipe all the surfaces with it.
Baking Soda Solution
Baking soda is another excellent low-cost smell absorbing product that you probably already have at hand. If not, check out baking-soda-based cleaning solutions specially designed for odor absorption.
The application is simple. You just need to sprinkle the powder on all surfaces, like furniture, carpets, floor corners, inside the wardrobe, etc. Then, leave it there for three to four days so the baking soda can do its job and remove the smells from the air and all surfaces.
However, if the smells are too strong, baking soda may not be enough, so try to combine this method with white vinegar, incense, and deep cleaning.
After the baking soda treatment is over, simply vacuum the remaining powder.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers have gained massive popularity over the past years. Their power to extract bacteria and odor-causing molecules from the air has advanced, so they have become really effective at clearing the air.
So, if you have a problem with smoke smells in the hotel rooms, it’s a good idea to have an air purifier available that guests can use, too.
Depending on the room size, budget, and needs, you can choose between a small, large, or extra-large purifier.
Ozone Generator
Ozone generators are machines that produce ozone (O3).
Public opinion about the efficiency of these machines against unwanted smells has been divided for decades. Some claim they’re helpful and refreshing, while others claim they create a rather unpleasant smell in the room. Yet, today, we know that they can effectively oxidize and break down odor molecules they come into contact with, resulting in less smelly spaces.
If you decide to use the ozone generator, use it with an air conditioner turned on or an opened window. Always close the door of the room where the ozone generator is working, and don’t go back inside for at least one hour after the generator has stopped working.
Final Word
A room smelling of smoke is an unpleasant experience for customers. Whether there was a fire accident, illicit cigarette smoking, or a room where smoking is allowed, it’s best to get rid of the residual smoke smell and leave the place as pleasant as possible before the next guest comes.
Often, the techniques for removing the smoke smell need to be combined to get the best results. Don’t forget that they range from light and simple to more invasive for old and persistent smoke smells. For example, airing the room and getting rid of burned items or smoking equipment might be enough in some cases, while in others, it may be necessary to do deep cleaning along with applying different smell absorbers, such as white vinegar or baking soda.
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