How to remove cigarette smell from a house in Los Angeles is a common problem. Dry air, older homes, and years of indoor smoking let odor soak deep into walls, vents, and fabrics. Air fresheners do nothing. You need source removal.
ODORZX handles cigarette odor removal across Los Angeles using professional methods that work on the smell you cannot see.
Why cigarette smoke lingers in LA homes
Cigarette smoke sticks because it bonds to surfaces. In Los Angeles, a few factors make it worse:
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Older homes in areas like Hollywood, Koreatown, and Mid-City with porous plaster and wood
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Warm weather that reactivates smoke residue
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Limited rainfall, which means less natural air flushing
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Closed windows due to noise or air quality
Smoke particles settle into:
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Drywall and paint
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Carpet and padding
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Upholstery and drapes
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HVAC ducts and filters
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Cabinets and closets
If you smell smoke weeks after cleaning, it is embedded.
DIY steps that help, but rarely solve it
You can reduce surface odor, but full removal is unlikely.
Step 1. Remove soft materials
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Throw away old curtains and rugs
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Replace HVAC filters
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Wash removable fabrics in hot water with vinegar
Step 2. Clean hard surfaces
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Scrub walls and ceilings with degreasing cleaner
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Clean cabinets inside and out
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Wipe doors, trim, and light switches
Step 3. Paint with odor-blocking primer
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Use shellac or oil-based primer
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Paint alone will not work without primer
Reality check: If smoke odor returns on hot days, DIY failed.
Why professional cigarette odor removal works
ODORZX uses tools that neutralize odor at the molecular level. This is not masking.
Methods we use
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Hydroxyl treatment
Safe for occupied homes. Ideal for long-term smoke exposure. -
Ozone treatment
Used when the home is vacant. Breaks down smoke odor fast. -
Thermal fogging
Reaches wall cavities, vents, and hidden areas. -
Deep surface cleaning
Targets nicotine residue before air treatment.
Each job starts with inspection. We choose methods based on:
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Length of smoking history
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Size of the home
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Type of materials
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Occupancy timeline
Cigarette odor problems we fix in Los Angeles
We regularly handle smoke odor removal for:
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Apartments in 90026, 90029, 90036
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Condos near Wilshire Blvd and Downtown LA
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Single-family homes in the Valley
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Rental units after tenant move-out
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Homes being prepared for sale
Real estate agents call us when showings fail due to odor. Landlords call us before repainting. Homeowners call us after quitting smoking.
What not to do
Avoid these mistakes:
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Baking soda bowls, useless for heavy smoke
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Charcoal bags as a primary fix
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Essential oils, they mix with smoke odor
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Painting without cleaning first
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Running consumer ozone machines indoors
These waste time and money.
How long does cigarette odor removal take?
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Apartments: 1 to 2 days
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Houses: 1 to 3 days
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Severe cases: staged treatments over several days
Results last. Odor does not come back with heat.
Cost of cigarette odor removal in Los Angeles
Pricing depends on:
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Square footage
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Severity of odor
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Treatment method
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Vacancy status
Most jobs cost far less than replacing carpet, drywall, or losing a buyer.
When to call ODORZX
Call ODORZX if:
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You smell smoke after cleaning and painting
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Heat makes the odor stronger
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You are selling or renting the property
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Guests notice the smell before you do
We serve all of Los Angeles County with professional cigarette odor removal that works.
Need help now?
Contact ODORZX for an on-site assessment and clear next steps.