How to remove cigarette smell from a house?

[fayelouise]

Hi there! We've just bought a new house and the current owners are smokers. There are some nicotine stains at the tops of the walls and the house does smell a lot of smoke. We plan to rip up the carpets, take out curtains and repaint, but I am wondering what is the best way to prep the walls before painting and also if anyone can recommend a specific brand of primer for eliminating the stains / odours please? 

Thanks so much in advance. 

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @fayelouise,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

My suggestion is to start by thoroughly cleaning the walls with Tricleanium All Purpose Cleaner paying close attention to the stains. This is a trisodium phosphate cleaner which is designed for this purpose and will help remove as much residue as possible.

Once clean, use Zinsser B.I.N Primer Sealer Stain Killer to prime the wall and seal in smells and stains. This is the best primer I am aware of for stain and odour blocking. Once applied wait 45 minutes for it to dry before recoating with your paint of choice.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[fayelouise]

This is great, thank you Jacob!