The Challenges and Opportunities of Smoke Odor Removal

Smoke and odors from tobacco and cannabis disperse in the air and adhere to all surfaces. We have to remember that we are not just removing odors but we will be removing chemicals. One cigarette has over 4,000 chemicals and over 400 toxins/poisons, in addition tobacco and cannabis leaves a sticky residue that accumulate and continually release malodors.
Heavy smoking over a long period of time causes stubborn and severe smoke odors, matter of fact the EPA has a term for this: Environmental Tobacco Smoke. The yellowish-brown, sticky substance left on all surfaces and furnishings is easy to see, smell, and feel, but is extremely difficult to remove. Residue from tobacco often discolors painted walls and plastics, and it can permanently change the appearance of wallpaper, blinds, paint and other surfaces.
The smoke penetrates upholstery, carpet, drywall, window treatments, and the HVAC. Before you start to clean the environment it is recommended that to clean the ducts with MediClean Fragrance Free which is EPA registered. And don’t forget to clean the AC coils! Make sure that you use a NADCA certified duct cleaning company to make sure the coils are cleaned properly. If not cleaned properly, the HVAC system will carry residues and odors throughout the structure.
The resulting odor and appearance from long-term smoking in enclosed areas can resemble that of an actual fire. Successfully removing tobacco and cannabis residue and odor requires skill and expertise, but it is easily within reach of the well-prepared restoration contractor.

Use a Proven Cleaning System
Despite the many claims to the contrary, no single product exists that can effectively eliminate tobacco/cannabis odors. Successful removal depends on a systematic approach. The ProRrestore Tobacco/Cannabis odor removal system is a proven, easy-to-use, system that can help diversify your business and increase revenue.
Here is the ProRestore three-step process used for many years by professional smoke damage remediators with great success. Always refer to product label and User Guides for specific instructions.
Step 1: Thermal fog the environment using Thermo55 TabacAttack which is a heat-activated odor counteractant that penetrates cavities and materials and creates a vapor barrier to prevent smoke malodors from returning.
Step 2: Clean all surfaces—including cabinets, inside drawers, ceilings, and any painted walls—with ODORx Wall Wash along with ODORx TabacAttack which is a odor counteractant that will help neutralize tobacco/cannabis odors while you are cleaning. It is recommended to use a Foam-It sprayer when applying the cleaning solution. Foam the walls 2–3 ft. wide let it sit for 3–4 minutes and then wipe off the surface with a cotton towel or microfiber towel.
Step 3: For hard and soft surfaces you can add TabacAttack with any prespray or you can also use Unsmoke Degrease-All
All if you are going to clean carpet, upholstery, tile & grout and even if you are going to mop the floors.

Soft Goods
Items such as upholstery, bedding, window coverings, and rugs require special attention. Because they absorb odors so well and are often easily damaged, these items may require specialty upholstery or fabric cleaning expertise to restore.In some cases, the owner may prefer to simply replace these items. Treatment of antiques, paintings, jewelry, electronics, and anything that is irreplaceable or especially valuable to the customer may best be referred to a restoration specialist for that specific item. As always, maintain clear lines of communication with your customer, and don’t proceed with any cleaning procedure or disposal without permission.

Clear the Air
In addition to cleaning and treating surfaces, cleaning the air is also vital to successful odor control. We recommend the use of the Dri-Eaz HEPA 500 Air Scrubber equipped with an activated carbon filter. This will to not only assist in removing odors, but will also improve the indoor air quality as recommended in a recent Environmental Protection Agency guide.After thorough cleaning, you need to seal surfaces with a special primer designed to lock in any remaining stains and odors—standard paint primer is not sufficient. Once the primer is applied, the surfaces will be ready to paint, refinish, or to apply new coverings.

Market Advantage
Whoever is first to the market WINS has the best opportunity to take most of the market share. In many areas, tobacco and cannabis smoke removal is still an untapped market: now is the time to separate you from your competition! It is an excellent way to diversify your business in create revenue and profits.
People react differently to smells. Some potential home buyers may immediately decide against a house where malodors are present, while others may remain open to it, knowing they will have to invest time and money into remediation. In either case, negative odors will make a significant impact on how the home is perceived and valued. That means your ability to remove smoke odors is a high-value asset.
Delivering the “smell of clean” using a proven odor removal system will result in satisfied customers, positive referrals, and a stronger bottom line for your business.

Additional Resources
Video: Tobacco/Cannabis Odor Removal System
Complete three-step odor removal flyer
Environmental tobacco smoke from the EPA
EPA: Using air scrubbers in homes