How to Remove Cigarette Nicotine Staining

Cigarette nicotine staining occurs when heavy smokers light up indoors over months and years at a time. Nicotine can stain most surfaces and can be difficult to remove if it is not cleaned away often. Different materials also require different techniques for nicotine staining removal. Keep in mind, that significant cigarette build up may not be able to be removed. In these cases, you will have to replace items that were significantly affected.

Cleaning Nicotine Stained Walls

Step 1: Mix a solution of one gallon water to ¼ cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP).

TIP: TSP can harm your skin, so wear eye protection and rubber gloves while mixing and using it.

Step 2: Saturate a sponge with the cleaning solution and scrub away the nicotine as well as you can. Change the cleaning solution as it becomes cloudy.

Step 3: Continue scrubbing until the nicotine stains have been removed. If significant staining has occurred, wash the walls the best you can and then allow them to dry completely. Use a primer that prevents bleed through and prime and paint the walls for a fresh start.

Cleaning Nicotine Stained Upholstered Furniture

Step 1: Mix a cleaning solution of 1 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water.

Step 2: Spot test the cleaning solution on an area of your upholstered furniture that is not regularly apparent.

Step 3: Place the cleaning solution into an upholstery cleaner or a steam cleaner with upholstery attachment. Clean the fabric thoroughly, then let it dry in a well ventilated room. If available, fans will also speed the drying process.

Cleaning Nicotine Stained Carpet

Step 1: Choose a steam cleaner solution suitable for use in removing nicotine staining. You can also use the same mixture of vinegar and warm water used to clean upholstered furniture.

Step 2: Fill the steam cleaner with the cleaning solution and use it to thoroughly clean the carpets as required.

Step 3: Avoid stepping on the carpet until they are completely dry. To avoid mildew and speed the drying process, keep the room well ventilated and aim several fans across the carpet.