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Naturally, the best way to eliminate smoke odor is to completely wash the room, from top to bottom; however, we don't want to do this every time that we use the wood stove or fireplace. So, what can we do to eliminate the odor with minimal effort?
First of all, make sure that you always remove the 'cold' ashes immediately and move them to the outside ash bin. Don't leave them in the house any longer than necessary.
Now, short of washing the walls,upholstery,carpeting and mirrors etc. these little tips will make everyones life a little more pleasant.
1. Set vinegar around the room in small fancy little containers. The fancy little containers are just going to disguise the ingredients and make your wife feel better about doing this. Vinegar will absorb the smell and the odor of the vinegar will not be known to anyone.
2. Another source of absorption is 'charcoal', although this is harder to hide from view, it also will eliminate the odor.
3. During the heating season it is wise to wash the curtains more often. A greasy residue builds up and with the fabric of most curtains, will weaken the threads.
4. Put baking soda on the carpets and furniture and if possible, do this at night and then vacuum off in the morning. Baking soda will absorb some of the grease and leave a fresh odor in the room.
5.Simple Green is great for washing walls, although I am going to give you a recipe, using baking soda, that works great too.
6. Spray the upholstery, curtains and carpeting with Odor Ban or Fabreze (odor eliminators) to help to take away smoke smell buildup.
7.Recipes for Baking Soda Cleaner:This is great for washing walls, most upholstery (try a small area first), glassware (although you can use vinegar and water too) and carpeting.
To use in a spray bottle
1 Tbs. baking soda
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 cups of water
Mix completely by shaking the bottle and spray. Can be kept in the bottle and used when needed.
To mix in a bucket
1/2 cup of baking soda
1/8 cup of lemon juice
2 gallons of hot water
Mix and wash walls etc.
Vinegar is also a great cleaner when used for removing dirt and odors, I use a strong solution of 2 cups of vinegar to 2 gallons of water.
This website also has some information that I know would be of interest to you:
http://www.epa.gov/woodstoves/efficiently.html
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