The Problem
Cigarette smoke and tar build-up can cause serious damage to indoor environments, leaving behind stubborn stains, strong odours, and harmful toxins. In the UK, an estimated 1.5 million homes have been contaminated by long-term smoking, with nicotine stains and smoke odour reducing property values by up to 30%.
One of our clients recently faced this challenge after his aunt, a long-time smoker, passed away. He was left responsible for restoring her one-bedroom flat in Essex, which had been heavily affected by 30 years of daily indoor smoking. The damage included:
- Thick tar deposits on walls, ceilings, and windows
- Severe yellow-brown nicotine staining throughout the property
- A persistent, overpowering cigarette smoke odour
- Potential health risks from third-hand smoke exposure
Given the extent of the damage and the need to return the flat to a liveable and marketable condition, the client turned to Ideal Response for professional cigarette smoke and tar removal.
The Solution
Step 1: Tar & Nicotine Residue Removal
- Wallpaper removal – Smoke residue seeps into surfaces over time, creating a vapour barrier. Removing the wallpaper was essential to properly clean the walls underneath.
- Alkaline wash – A deep clean using a specialist alkaline solution broke down tar and nicotine deposits, lifting stains from walls and ceilings.
- Manual surface cleaning – Every exposed surface, including windows, floors, and fixtures, was scrubbed and wiped to remove lingering residue.
Step 2: Advanced Odour Neutralisation
- BioSweep® treatment – A cutting-edge five-stage decontamination process that permanently eliminates smoke odour at a molecular level.
- UV radiation & plasma oxidation – This stage destroyed airborne pollutants and bacteria, preventing lingering odours from resurfacing.
- Ozone & hydrogen peroxide treatment – These oxidisers penetrated deep into soft furnishings, walls, and air particles to break down smoke molecules.
- Photocatalytic hydroxyl production – Using UV light and water vapour, this process neutralised smoke-related organic compounds.
- HEPA air filtration – Finally, we used high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration to remove smoke particles, fungal spores, and toxins from the air.
Our BioSweep® process is residue-free, eco-friendly, and safe for all materials, ensuring no further damage to the property.
The Result
- Complete removal of smoke odour & tar residue – The flat was restored to a clean, fresh state, with no visible stains or lingering odours.
- 100% guaranteed odour elimination – If any smoke odour returns, we offer free re-treatment to ensure a lasting solution.
- Healthier, safer living space – The removal of third-hand smoke contaminants made the property safe for future occupants.
- Stress-free service at a difficult time – Our expert team handled the entire process efficiently, reducing stress for the client during an emotional period.
Removing cigarette smoke and tar permanently from property is no easy task. If you need help getting a property looking and smelling smoke-free, contact one of the team who will be happy to help.
