Buzz
Follow these steps to effectively clean tobacco stains from various surfaces. Reza/Getty ImagesWe've all experienced it: you're at a party, having a good time, and someone accidentally brushes their cigarette ash on you. No need to let it smoke your temper. Use these simple tricks to remove nicotine stains.
The first step in eliminating tobacco stains is to recognize the material that's stained.
Here are the most common materials that can be stained by tobacco, along with the steps to remove tobacco stains from each:
- Non-washable fibers like Acetate, Fiberglass, Rayon, or Triacetate
- Washable fibers like Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, or Spandex
- Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Grout, Iron, Ivory, Jade, Linoleum, Opal, Paint (flat or gloss), Pewter, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, or Vinyl Wallcovering
- Stone surfaces like Alabaster or Marble
- Masonry like Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Slate, or Terrazzo
- Other fabrics like Burlap, Silk, or Wool
- Carpet (synthetic or wool) or foam rubber
- Cotton or linen
- Special surfaces like Felt, Fur (natural or synthetic), or Wood
- Leather or suede
- Porcelain dishes or porcelain fixtures
- Silver
Non-washable Fibers
Follow these instructions to remove tobacco stains from Acetate, Fiberglass, Rayon, and Triacetate:
- Gently sponge the stain with water using a dampened pad, applying light strokes from the center outwards. Apply a wet spotter with a few drops of white vinegar.
- Place an absorbent pad dampened with the wet spotter over the stain. Let it sit until it picks up the stain.
- Keep the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and vinegar.
- Rinse with water and repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Washable Fibers
Follow these instructions to remove tobacco stains from Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, and Spandex:
- Soak the stained area in a mixture of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Use rubbing alcohol to sponge the remaining stain.
- Rinse well, let the fabric dry, and wash it as soon as possible.
Hard Surfaces
Follow these steps to eliminate tobacco stains from materials like Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Grout, Iron, Ivory, Jade, Linoleum, Opal, Paint (flat or gloss), Pewter, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, or Vinyl Wallcovering:
- Clean the surface using a cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
Stone Surfaces
To eliminate tobacco stains from Alabaster or Marble, follow these steps:
- Clean the surface with a cloth soaked in a solution of washing soda and water.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the area. If the stain remains, mix a few drops of ammonia with 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Soak a white blotter in the mixture and place it over the stain. Add weight by using a piece of glass or another heavy object.
- Keep applying the solution until the stain fades completely.
Masonry
To remove tobacco stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Slate, or Terrazzo, follow these steps:
- Create a mixture of washing soda and water.
- Gently scrub the stain using a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse with clean water and let the area air dry.
Other Fabrics
To remove tobacco stains from Burlap, Silk, or Wool, follow these steps:
- Start by dabbing the stain with water. If the stain remains, apply a wet spotter with a few drops of white vinegar.
- Place an absorbent pad soaked with wet spotter over the stain and leave it as long as the stain continues to lift.
- Replace the pad as it absorbs the stain.
- Keep the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and vinegar.
- Rinse with water and repeat the process until the stain is gone.
- If a stain persists, test for colorfastness, then apply rubbing alcohol and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with alcohol. Let it stand until the stain lifts.
- Rinse with water.
Carpet or Foam Rubber
To remove tobacco stains from carpet or foam rubber, follow these instructions:
- Soak the affected area with a solution made from 1 quart of warm water, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Gently blot the area with a clean pad, then rinse thoroughly with water.
Cotton or Linen
Follow these steps to eliminate tobacco stains from cotton or linen:
- Soak the stained fabric for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Afterward, sponge the area with rubbing alcohol, rinse with water, and allow it to air dry.
Special Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from felt, fur (both natural and synthetic), and wood:
- Mix dishwashing detergent into hot water, then stir to create a generous amount of foam.
- Soak a cloth in only the foam and apply it gently to the stained area.
- Rinse the area with a cloth dampened in clean water.
- Let felt and fur air dry, while wiping wood surfaces with a clean cloth, followed by applying wax or polish to finish.
Leather or Suede
Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from leather or suede:
- Prepare a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water, and stir to create a generous amount of bubbles.
- Use a sponge to apply only the foam to the stained area.
- Rinse the area using a cloth dampened with clean water.
- Dry the surface by wiping it with a clean cloth.
Porcelain
Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from porcelain dishes or fixtures:
- Begin by washing the stained area with warm soapy water, or use a cloth dipped in the soapy solution to wipe the stain away.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface.
- If the stain persists, moisten a cloth and dip it into baking soda.
- Gently wipe the remaining stain, rinse again, and dry with a fresh cloth.
Silver
Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from silver:
- Clean with hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and then dry with a soft cloth to avoid tarnishing.
