Comments on: Selling a House with Pets at Home

By: DeAnna Calvin

DeAnna Calvin — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:42:41 +0000

Thanks for all the good ideas. I moved into a home once that reeked of smoke, the doors and windows had been covered and the woman who owned it previously chain smoked. I found that using a product called TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) found at the hardware store worked wonders in cleaning the walls and ceilings and then a fresh coat of paint helped with the smell. Lots of fresh air and two or three carpet shampoos later it was not bad at all.

By: Lisa Marchant

Lisa Marchant — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:49:31 +0000

Megan, thanks for commenting! Yes, I agree with you. This is also a sensitive subject for some sellers. Some tips I have given if someone wants to sell their house and are smokers would be to smoke outside. They will want to do a deep cleaning of all surfaces including furniture, flooring, curtains, furnace filters, and personal items. Painting is the least expensive improvement that will freshen up not only the smell but also improves the looks of the home by giving it a clean start.

By: Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:37:21 +0000

Hi Megan,
It’s always good to hear from you. The best way I know is to use KILZ primer and paint products on walls/ceilings. That stuff is amazing. I have even known folks who have used it on sub flooring of a house with strong cat smell and it worked. Carpet and window coverings may need to be replaced if the smoke smell is very strong.

By: Megan Heindl

Megan Heindl — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 05:04:56 +0000

I am put off by homes with smokers who smoke inside also. When you go inside and the smell of cigarette smoke is seeping from the walls it is just awful. How do get rid of that?