How to get rid of nicotine stains?

Nicotine not only stains our teeth and fingers, but it also stains our clothes, walls, sofas and upholstery, leaving a yellowish mark that is hard to get rid of. Cleaning those stains off could seem difficult, but there are safe, effective methods to get rid of nicotine stains, whether from our fingers, clothes or furniture. We are going to give you a step-by-step guide on how to do it using household tips and some benchmark products. Let’s get down to it!

How to get rid of nicotine stains from clothes

Nicotine stains, in particular those that have been burnt on or which have been allowed to dry, can be difficult to remove. Cleaning them off will depend on the type of fabric in question, but the following steps never usually fail - take note! 

• Mix some warm water and washing detergent in a bowl.
• Soak the garment in it for 15 minutes.
• Remove it from the water and wring it out.
• Wet a sponge in 90º alcohol.
• Rub the stains with the sponge until they come out. It is a good idea to first check the fastness of the colours to make sure the alcohol doesn’t fade them. Test it on a small part that is out of the way, and if the alcohol doesn’t damage it, you can use it on the rest.

If that method does not work, try some commercial stain remover, which also produces good results. On the other hand, vinegar is also useful to get rid of nicotine stains and it can be added to the washing water to improve the cleaning power. If the stains are dry, you may need to leave the garment to soak so that the moisture can penetrate the stain and make it easier to wash out.

Smoke can also stain curtains over time, giving them a yellowed colour. If they can be washed in the washing machine this is a good option, otherwise we can take them to the dry cleaners to bring back their original colour.

How to clean nicotine stains from walls

Nicotine leaves yellow stains on walls which can smell and look unpleasant. It is true that it is hard to get rid of these stains from paint, but it can be done. For example, we can wash the walls with ammonia. When doing so, we recommend you wear protective gloves and take care not to inhale the vapours it could give off. The steps to take are as follows:

• Mix one part ammonia with 1 part white vinegar.
• Add a small amount of washing up liquid as well.
• Using this mixture, scrub the walls in circular movements. Use a cleaning sponge and then dry the walls with a towel or cloth to get rid of any remains that may be left behind.
• Then allow the wall to dry properly and ventilate the room well.

If the stains and smells have not gone after cleaning the walls, you can always paint over them, but you will have to wait for a couple of days to make sure they have dried out completely. In this case, we recommend first applying a specific primer designed to get rid of smells and to avoid stains filtering through. You can then paint the walls in your chosen colour.

How to get rid of nicotine stains from upholstery and sofas

Furniture can also suffer from nicotine stains, particularly sofas and armchairs. To get rid of stains from the sofa, try the following:

• Mix some lukewarm water with a little neutral detergent and scrub the stains with a sponge or soft cloth.
• For more stubborn stains, add some white vinegar to the mixture.
• Dry with a clean cloth and air the upholstery.

Regular cleaning will avoid nicotine permanently adhering and this will help to keep your upholstery in better condition, so don’t hesitate to use this tip as often as you need. 

Quick ways to get rid of nicotine stains from your fingers

Nicotine-stained fingers are unsightly and look uncared for, even on people who wash their hands regularly. Luckily, there are some easy ways to get rid of them if you act quickly:

• Scrub your fingers with a lemon or lemon juice and lukewarm water.
• Mix some baking powder with water to make a soft paste and scrub your fingers gently.
• For more stubborn stains, use a soft nail brush with whitening toothpaste.

These methods will help you get rid of nicotine stains from your fingers quickly and without harming your skin. How about trying them? 

Effective products and solutions to get rid of nicotine stains

Of course, there are some commercial products that will help you clean nicotine stains in different situations:

• Multipurpose cleaners which will say how effective they are against smoke and nicotine stains.
• Specific stain remover for clothes and upholstery.
• Foams and sprays specifically designed to get rid of nicotine stains from walls and furniture.

With the right techniques and a little perseverance, you will be able to get rid of nicotine stains from your clothes, fingers, walls and sofas. Don’t leave it too late, use the right products and make the most of our household tips to keep everything clean and free of yellowish stains. Your home and your hands will be grateful!