Easy Techniques to Eliminate Smoke Odor from Wood Cabinets

That stubborn smoke smell lingering in your wood cabinets can be incredibly frustrating. No matter how much you clean, the odor seems to stick around, making your kitchen or bathroom smell stale and smoky.

Luckily, with the right techniques, you can banish smoke odors from your cabinets for good. While smoke smells can be challenging to remove from the porous, absorbent material of wood cabinets, it is possible with a thorough, diligent effort.

Air Out the Cabinets to Maximize Airflow

One of the most effective ways to begin eliminating smoke from wood cabinets is to thoroughly air them out. This allows fresh, circulating air to enter the cabinets and flush out the stale odors that have built up over time.

Empty Cabinets Completely

Start by removing everything from the cabinets. Take out all shelves, drawers, and contents. The more empty space you create, the better the air circulation will be.

Open All Doors and Drawers

Next, open the cabinet doors and drawers wide to allow maximum airflow. The odors have seeped deep into the cabinet crevices, so exposing the entire interior surface area is key.

Place Cabinets Near Open Windows

To take advantage of fresh outdoor air, place the open cabinets near open windows. The breeze blowing into the window will ventilate the cabinets. For an even greater effect, put the cabinets outside if feasible.

Use Fans to Improve Airflow

You can also place fans near the open cabinets to speed up the airflow process. The fans will quickly circulate the air and help dissipate the stagnant smoke smells.

Absorb Smoke and Related Odors

Another tactic is to use odor-absorbing substances in the cabinets. The strong smells from these agents attach to and neutralize the smoke odors.

Place Bowls of Vinegar in Cabinets

White vinegar has a very potent scent that helps absorb other odors. Place small bowls around the empty cabinets and allow them to sit for 48 hours.

Sprinkle Baking Soda on All Surfaces

The absorbent nature of baking soda makes it ideal for removing smoke smells. Spray baking soda powder throughout the cabinets, let it sit for a couple days, then vacuum up the powder.

Use Activated Charcoal to Trap Odors

Activated charcoal contains countless tiny pores that capture and trap odors. Place bowls of charcoal in the cabinets for 2-3 days to fully absorb the smoke smell.

Cat Litter as a Natural Deodorizer

Like charcoal, cat litter is highly porous and acts as a natural deodorizing agent. Place cat litter in pantyhose, tie them off, and hang them in the cabinets to soak up odors.

Clean Cabinets Thoroughly with Soap and Water

After airing out and deodorizing, it's time to give the cabinets a deep, thorough cleaning. This removes any remaining smoke residue or buildup.

Use a Soft Sponge or Cloth with Mild Detergent

Dampen a sponge or soft cloth in warm water mixed with a small amount of dish soap or natural oil soap. Gently scrub the entire interior and exterior, including the undersides and crevices.

Try Specialized Smoke Odor Removers

For cabinets with a heavy smoke odor residue, use a dedicated smoke odor remover. These are formulated to penetrate deeply into materials and draw out that stubborn stale smell.

Allow Cabinets to Air Dry Completely

After washing the cabinets down, let them thoroughly air dry to prevent water damage. You can place a dry towel inside to absorb any excess moisture.

Continue Absorbing Odors Between Cleanings

To maintain freshness between deep cleanings, keep odor absorbers in the cabinets. Replace them periodically as they fill up with smoke smells.

Sprinkle Used Coffee Grounds

The rich aroma of coffee grounds can overpower smoke. Place grinds in small dishes inside cabinets or sprinkle them on shelves.

Line Cabinets with Newsprint

Lining cabinet shelves with newsprint absorbs residual odors from the wood. For an extra punch, sprinkle coffee grounds onto the paper as well.

To prevent smoke smells from returning, adopt some cleaning habits and avoid smoking indoors which adds to the odor issue.

• Use air purifiers and filters throughout your home to reduce smoke particles.
• Clean cabinets thoroughly on a regular basis.
• Immediately wipe up any spills or grease splatters.

Smoke smells can be eliminated with a strict regimen of air circulation, deodorizing, and deep cleaning. While it may take a few rounds of effort, your diligence will pay off with fresh, smoke-free cabinets.