Nicotine odor is one of the toughest smells to remove. It does not just existe in the air. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chemicals from smoking or vaping can remain indoors for a long time and can build up on hard surfaces like walls, ceilings,tables, cabinets, doors and floors, and embed in soft surfaces like clothing, upholstery, drapes, bedding, and carpets.
Mayo Clinic says this lingering residue is often called thirdhand smoke, as it gets stuck in soft items and settles on hard surfaces, staying for months after smoking stops.
According to Washington State Department of Health, nicotine and tar can cling to clothing, walls, and furniture for years. Because these residues include chemicals that can re-enter the air over time, odor problems can act like VOC-related issues. According to the EPA, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that evaporate easily under indoor conditions.
The situation
A condo owner needed to sell his property. He hired an experienced real estate agent who toured the condo and immediately noticed a strong nicotine odor. The owner had lived there for over 15 years and was a smoker, so to sell the condo, the odor needed to be gone.
The agent first looked into residential air purifiers, but quickly realised the smell was likely embedded in surfaces, not just floating in the air. Being an experienced agent, he also knew that using ozone wasn’t a good answer because it’s highly toxic and can be harmful to furnishings. The owner needed to be in the space to remove furnishings, clean, freshen paint, etc. Contractors were being arranged to replace worn carpeting. The agent needed a solution that was safe, natural and effective. He then searched online for “odor removal” alternatives and found Awen Natural Air. Tom, the owner, took the time to answer the agent’s questions and explain how hydroxyl radicals work.
Can hydroxyl treatment remove nicotine odor?
Yes.
Nicotine is a volatile organic compound (VOC). Hydroxyl radicals break down VOCs at the molecular level, in the air and on surfaces. Nicotine is also tar-like. It clings to walls, cabinets, upholstery, wood, and fabrics. That is why the smell can stay even after cleaning or airing out the space. The odor off-gasses from the persistent nicotine film.
For stubborn cases like this, using the best commercial grade hydroxyl generator for the size and condition of the space helps the treatment work consistently over time. Hydroxyl treatment targets the source compounds, instead of covering them up with fragrance.
How long does nicotine odor removal take?
It depends on severity, contents of the space and hydroxyl equipment, but nicotine can take several days to a few weeks because it is sticky and persistent.
In this condo, the full treatment took 16 days.
How much does it cost?
For local Melbourne area properties, pricing is:
- $450 for the first week, and $300 for each additional week.
- Services are capped at $1,500 when it takes longer than four weeks.
The agent liked that hydroxyl treatment cost much less than restoration company quotes of $2,600 or more.
Is it safe to be in the home during treatment?
Yes. Hydroxyl treatment is safe for people, animals, plants, and furnishings. Pyure hydroxyl equipment uses a photohydrolytic process that mimics the way hydroxyls are formed outdoors on a sunny day. A safe, natural way to cleanse the air and surfaces.
Awen Natural Air has had hydroxyl equipment running continuously in hospitals, healthcare clinics, Brevard School Systems, Patrick Space Force Base, storefronts, and residences.
What prep is needed?
No special prep is required; no evacuation, no tenting, no safety equipment needed. In most homes, we simply:
- Place the equipment in the home
- If possible, set the HVAC fan to run continuously
- Open cabinets and drawers
That’s it.
Does the equipment need monitoring?
No. The equipment runs continuously.
Awen Natural Air delivers the equipment, sets it up, confirms it is operating correctly, and checks progress periodically. When the treatment is complete, we pick up the equipment, clean it, and prepare it for the next job. It is a turnkey service for the Melbourne, FL area.
How do you know the treatment is working?
We use an air quality monitor to take initial and periodic readings, including:
- Particulates (PM2.5, PM10 and total particulates.
- Temperature and humidity
- Air Quality Index
- HCHO (formaldehyde)
- Total VOCs (TVOC)
In homes with heavy nicotine, it often takes about three days before there is a noticeable reduction in TVOC. We call this breakthrough. After breakthrough, TVOC typically continues dropping each day.
Figure 1. Formaldehyde (HCHO) and Total VOC (TVOC) levels in a nicotine-filled condo decreasing over time during hydroxyl treatment in a condo.
Why the agent chose Awen Natural Air
The agent had a few clear reasons for moving forward:
- Lower cost than traditional restoration services
- Safe for people, animals, plants and furnishings
- The owner and contractors could come and go while the condo was being treated
- True turnkey service, no one needed to be present for delivery, check-ins, or pickup
- Progress could be measured using and air quality monitor
There was another practical factor too. The owner was cash strapped. Awen Natural Air offered an option to include the treatment service in the sales contract so it could be paid at closing.
The result
The agent proceeded with hydroxyl treatment. The condo took 16 days to treat. In the end, the owner saved money compared with other restoration and cleaning options. The process was straightforward, hands-off for the owner and agent, and the condo was ready to sell with a better chance of commanding a higher price.
FAQ: Nicotine Odor Removal with Hydroxyl Treatment
How do I know if a home has nicotine odor vs just “stale air”?
If the smell hits you as soon as you open the door, comes back quickly after airing out, or comes back after cleaning, it is often nicotine residue on surfaces and materials, not just in the air.
Will it work on marijuana, cigars or other odors?
>Yes. Hydroxyls and the organic oxidants that accompany them take apart the molecules that cause odors. As a bonus, this technology also kills bacteria, virus and mold.
Will hydroxyl treatment remove nicotine odor completely?
In most cases, yes. Hydroxyl radicals break down nicotine and other VOCs at the molecular level in the air and on surfaces. Results depend on severity, furnishings and how much residue is built up over time.
What affects the timeline the most?
How long smoking occurred in the space, the hydroxyl equipment selected and deployed, ventilation system dust that traps nicotine, air circulation, and how much porous material there is (carpet, curtains, upholstered furniture).
Do I need to leave the condo during treatment?
No. Hydroxyl treatment is safe for people, pets, plants, and furnishings, so the owner, contractors, real estate professionals and others can still come and go as needed.
Do I need to empty the condo first?
Not required. However, for best results, the emptier the better. Less materials to hold nicotine. We recommend opening closets, cabinets and drawers, and running the HVAC fan continuously if possible.
Does the equipment need supervision?
No. The equipment is designed to run continuously. We deliver, set up, confirm operation, perform periodic checks, and remove the unit when complete.
How do you measure progress?
We use an air quality monitor to record initial and periodic readings such as TVOC (total VOC), HCHO (formaldehyde), particulates, temperature, and humidity. With heavy nicotine, it often takes around three days to see a notable TVOC drop (breakthrough), then it continues improving.
Need nicotine odor removal in Melbourne, FL?
If you are selling a property, moving into a smoked-in home, or dealing with persistent nicotine odor in a condo or house, Awen Natural Air can help. Reach out to schedule a quick conversation and get a treatment plan and pricing for your space.
📍 Awen Natural Air
Melbourne, FL 32940
📞 (321) 773-3356
🕸️ https://awennatural.com