Unpleasant odors can quickly take over a room, and smoke smell is one of the most persistent and offensive of them all. Whether it’s caused by cigarettes, indoor cooking mishaps, or even a small fire incident, getting the smoke smell out of carpets can feel nearly impossible. The good news is: yes, carpet cleaning can remove smoke smell—especially when it’s done professionally.

In this blog post, we’ll break down why smoke odor lingers, how carpet cleaning can help, and what solutions work best in Kenyan households. We’ll also explain when it’s time to call the experts at Kejani Cleaning Services Limited for long-term relief.

Why Smoke Smell Lingers in Carpets

Carpet fibers are porous, and that’s both a blessing and a curse. While they’re great at cushioning your feet and insulating your space, they’re also great at trapping odors—including smoke. Here’s why the smell is so hard to eliminate:

• Carpet fibers absorb and hold onto airborne particles, including smoke, tar, and ash.

• Underpadding beneath the carpet can absorb odors even deeper, especially with prolonged smoke exposure.

• Smoke particles settle on the carpet surface and become embedded over time if not cleaned promptly.

In many Kenyan homes, apartments, and restaurants where carpets are exposed to cigarette smoke, burning firewood, kerosene smoke, or cooking fumes, the smell can become a serious nuisance.

Will Carpet Cleaning Remove Smoke Smell?

The short answer: Yes – but it depends on the method and how long the odor has been there.

Let’s explore various carpet cleaning methods and how effective they are at removing smoke odors:

1. Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) – Most Effective

This is the method most professionals, including Kejani Cleaning Services Limited, use for deep carpet cleaning. It involves:

• Spraying hot water mixed with a specialized cleaning solution deep into the carpet.

• Extracting the water, cleaning agents, dirt, and odor-causing particles with a high-powered vacuum.

Effectiveness:
✅ Reaches deep into the carpet and padding.
✅ Breaks down smoke residues and neutralizes odors.
✅ Can be paired with odor eliminators like enzyme treatments or vinegar-based rinses.

Kejani Tip: We use eco-friendly, smoke-neutralizing agents that are safe for your home, pets, and kids.

2. Dry Carpet Cleaning

This involves spreading a moisture-free cleaning compound over the carpet, scrubbing it in, and then vacuuming it up.

Effectiveness:
🔶 Good for surface-level smoke smells, but not ideal for long-term smoke exposure.
🔶 Useful for quick refreshes in smoke-prone areas like restaurants or offices.

3. Shampooing

Carpet shampooing uses a foam cleanser scrubbed into the carpet with a brush, followed by water extraction.

Effectiveness:
✅ Can eliminate light to moderate smoke smells.
🔶 Risk of leaving residue if not done properly, which might trap odor again.
✅ Works best when followed by drying and ventilation.

4. Encapsulation Cleaning

This method uses a crystallizing polymer to trap dirt and odor particles, which are then vacuumed out once dry.

Effectiveness:
🔶 Better suited for commercial carpets, not deeply embedded smoke smells in homes.

What Makes Professional Carpet Cleaning So Effective?

At Kejani Cleaning Services Limited, our smoke odor removal service is not just about scrubbing the carpet. We take a holistic approach by:

• Using high-temperature water to break down tar, ash, and chemical residues from smoke.

• Applying enzymatic odor neutralizers that bind to odor particles.

• Using HEPA-filtered extraction systems to ensure smoke particles are removed, not just redistributed.

• Offering optional anti-bacterial and anti-fungal treatments to remove any lingering contaminants from the smoke.

DIY Tips for Removing Smoke Smell from Carpets

If you’re between professional cleanings or want to try a home remedy first, here are some safe and practical tips:

1. Baking Soda Sprinkle

Baking soda is known for absorbing odors. Sprinkle it generously on your carpet, let it sit for 12–24 hours, and then vacuum it up.

✅ Works for light smoke odors
❌ Not a permanent solution for heavily smoke-saturated carpets

2. White Vinegar Mist

Mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the carpet. Let it air dry. Vinegar neutralizes alkaline odor compounds like those found in smoke.

✅ Eco-friendly and affordable
❌ Strong smell while drying

3. Charcoal Odor Bags

Place activated charcoal near carpeted areas. It absorbs odor from the air but does not clean the carpet directly.

4. Open Windows and Increase Ventilation

After any cleaning attempt, increase airflow to help dissipate any remaining odors.

When DIY Isn’t Enough: Signs You Need Professional Help

You should consider calling Kejani Cleaning Services Limited if:

• 🔴 The smoke smell persists after multiple cleanings

• 🔴 Your carpet was exposed to fire or cigarette smoke for weeks or months

• 🔴 The room has poor ventilation and a musty smell

• 🔴 You want safe, non-toxic cleaning for children, pets, or customers

Real Results: A Case from Nairobi

One of our clients in Westlands, Nairobi, had rented an apartment where the previous tenant was a heavy smoker. The house had wall-to-wall carpet and strong tobacco smell. After just one session of Kejani’s hot water extraction service, we:

✅ Removed the majority of the odor
✅ Restored the carpet’s color and feel
✅ Deodorized the entire space using our post-cleaning ozone treatment

Within hours, the house was habitable again—without the lingering scent of smoke.

How Often Should You Clean Carpets Exposed to Smoke?

For carpets exposed regularly to indoor smoke (cooking, incense, cigarettes, etc.), we recommend cleaning:

• Every 3 to 4 months for smokers or smoky kitchens

• Every 6 months for general odor control

• Immediately after a fire incident or when renting out vacated property

What Does Professional Smoke Odor Carpet Cleaning Cost in Kenya?

Kejani Cleaning Services Limited offers affordable and flexible carpet cleaning packages. While prices vary depending on carpet size and odor severity, here’s a rough guide:

Final Thoughts

Will carpet cleaning remove smoke smell? Absolutely—but only if it’s done using the right methods, equipment, and products. While DIY efforts can offer temporary relief, only professional carpet cleaning services like those offered by Kejani Cleaning Services Limited can truly eliminate embedded smoke particles and restore your home to freshness.

Whether you’re a tenant, homeowner, or business owner in Kenya, we’re here to help you breathe easy.

Book Your Smoke Odor Removal Today

📞 Call or WhatsApp us to schedule your cleaning.
🌐 Visit kejanicleaning.co.ke for online bookings.
📍 Available across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and more.