Quick Answer: Yes, Professional Carpet Cleaning Removes Smoke Smell
YES - Professional Hot Water Extraction removes 80-90% of cigarette smoke odour from carpets. The combination of high heat (150-200°F), specialised enzyme cleaners, and powerful extraction eliminates nicotine, tar, and smoke particles embedded deep in carpet fibres.
Cigarette smoke is one of the most challenging odours to remove from carpets because it doesn't just sit on the surface - it penetrates deep into fibres, carpet backing, and even the underlay beneath. The good news? Professional carpet cleaning has advanced significantly, and with the right techniques, we can eliminate smoke smell from even the most affected carpets.
Related reading: Learn more about our professional carpet cleaning services and how we tackle tough odour problems across Manchester.
Why Cigarette Smoke Smell Lingers in Carpets
Understanding why tobacco smoke is so difficult to remove helps explain why professional treatment is essential. Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including:
- Nicotine & TarSticky residues that bind to carpet fibres and create that distinctive yellow-brown staining. These don't evaporate - they need to be physically extracted.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Gaseous compounds that penetrate deep into carpet backing and padding. These are what you smell when you enter a room.
- Particulate MatterMicroscopic smoke particles that settle into carpet fibres, accumulating over time. Each cigarette adds more particles.
- Third-Hand SmokeResidue that remains on surfaces long after smoking stops. It continues releasing odour for months or years without treatment.
The Challenge: Smoke particles are incredibly small (0.1-1 microns) and can penetrate deep into carpet fibres, backing material, and even concrete subfloors. Surface cleaning alone won't remove embedded odour - you need deep extraction.
Smoke Damage Levels & Treatment Required
Not all smoke damage is equal. The longer smoking has occurred and the intensity of use determines the treatment approach:
Surface Smoke
Standard hot water extraction removes most odour in one session.
Embedded Smoke
Enzyme pre-treatment + hot water extraction. May need 2 passes.
Deep Saturation
Enzyme soak + steam cleaning + ozone treatment for complete removal.
Severe Damage
Multiple treatments, padding inspection, possible ozone + encapsulation.
Our Professional Smoke Odour Removal Process
We use a multi-stage approach that targets smoke at every level of the carpet structure:
Smoke Damage Assessment
We inspect the carpet, identify saturation level, and check if smoke has reached the underlay. This determines whether standard cleaning or intensive treatment is needed.
Enzyme Pre-Treatment
Specialised enzyme cleaners are applied that break down nicotine and tar molecules at a chemical level. These need 10-15 minutes dwell time to work effectively.
Hot Water Extraction (Steam Clean)
Superheated water (150-200°F) is injected deep into carpet fibres, dissolving smoke residue. Truck-mounted extraction removes the contaminated water along with smoke particles.
Multiple Extraction Passes
For heavily affected carpets, we perform 2-3 extraction passes. Each pass pulls more contamination from deep within the carpet structure.
Ozone Treatment (Severe Cases)
For heavy smoke damage, we deploy ozone generators that oxidise remaining odour molecules at a molecular level. This treats the air and surfaces simultaneously.
Deodoriser Application
A professional-grade deodoriser neutralises any remaining trace odours. Unlike consumer products, these chemically bond with odour molecules rather than masking them.
DIY vs Professional Smoke Odour Removal
DIY Methods
DIY methods mask odour temporarily but don't remove the nicotine and tar embedded in carpet fibres.
Professional Treatment
Professional treatment removes smoke at the source, not just the surface.
The Science Behind Smoke Odour Removal
Why does professional cleaning work when DIY methods fail? Here's the science:
Heat Activation
High temperatures soften hardened nicotine and tar deposits, making them water-soluble and extractable.
Enzyme Action
Specialised enzymes break the molecular bonds of odour-causing compounds, neutralising them permanently.
Ozone Oxidation
O3 molecules attach to smoke particles, oxidising and breaking them down into harmless compounds.
Vacuum Extraction
Professional extractors create 200+ inches of water lift, physically removing dissolved contaminants.
Smoke Odour Removal Pricing
Light smoke, under 1 year
Moderate smoke, 1-5 years
Heavy smoke, 5+ years
Multi-room discount available
All prices include inspection, treatment, and satisfaction guarantee. Free re-treatment if odour returns within 14 days.
Preventing Smoke Smell From Returning
After professional treatment, follow these steps to keep carpets fresh:
Stop Indoor Smoking
The most effective prevention. If smoking must continue, designate an outdoor area with a sealed door.
Improve Ventilation
Open windows daily to exchange air. Consider HEPA air purifiers to capture airborne particles.
Regular Vacuuming
Vacuum with a HEPA filter 2-3 times weekly to prevent particle buildup in carpet fibres.
Annual Deep Clean
Schedule professional cleaning every 12 months for maintenance, even after smoking stops.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Smoke Odour Removal Success Stories
"Bought a house from heavy smokers and the carpet smell was awful. Blowup did a deep clean with enzyme treatment and I honestly couldn't believe the difference. It smells completely fresh now. Saved us replacing all the carpets!"
Smoke Odour Deep Clean"My father smoked indoors for 30 years. After he passed, we thought we'd have to replace everything. Blowup's team did multiple treatments with their ozone machine and the house is finally fresh. Incredible work."
Whole House Smoke Treatment