The stench of cigarette smoke clings stubbornly to every surface it touches, refusing to fade away easily. Whether you’ve recently extinguished your smoking habit or inherited a living space previously occupied by smokers, the urgency to revitalize your surroundings is undeniable. Below are ten time-tested strategies to banish that smoke smell from both your home and furnishings:

Invite the wind indoors: Unshackle your windows and allow the breeze to invade. This natural form of aeration will help whisk away smoke particles and their accompanying odors, refreshing the air within.

Scrub down the furniture: Prepare a concoction of warm water mixed with a mild dish detergent, and diligently clean all furniture surfaces. Pay extra attention to those areas most saturated with smoke—such as cushions, upholstered fabrics, and wooden structures. Rinse thoroughly and allow everything to air dry.

Sprinkle baking soda generously: Scatter baking soda over fabric-covered furniture and carpets. Let it sit for several hours, soaking up the foul scent, then vacuum up both the soda and the odor it captured.