Orange County, CA
Cigarette and tobacco odor is the number one complaint among Orange County landlords and property managers dealing with tenant turnovers. The smell persists for months or years after the last cigarette is smoked — but with the right treatment, it can be permanently eliminated. OC Refresh specializes in cigarette odor removal with documented results.
When cigarette smoke fills a room repeatedly over time, the residue builds up on every surface in layers. This is called third-hand smoke contamination. The sticky, tar-based residue clings to walls, ceilings, window frames, carpet, upholstery, and even the inside of closets and cabinets.
Nicotine is particularly problematic because it reacts with nitrous acid in the air to form tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), which continue to off-gas from surfaces long after smoking has stopped. These compounds are the main driver of persistent cigarette smell.
The HVAC system circulates smoke-contaminated air through the entire property every time it runs, redistributing residue and ensuring that even rooms not directly exposed to smoking absorb the odor compounds.
In units where tenants smoked for years, the contamination penetrates the drywall and can be absorbed by the insulation and wood framing behind it. This is why fresh paint rarely solves the problem — the odor continues to migrate outward from the structure.
The most common mistake Orange County landlords make is repainting without using a stain-blocking, odor-sealing primer. Regular paint does not lock in smoke compounds — they bleed through within weeks, and the odor returns to the freshly painted room.
Consumer enzyme sprays and odor eliminators work on organic odors like pet urine but are not effective against the chemical compounds in cigarette smoke residue. They neutralize some surface odors temporarily but cannot address the deeper contamination.
Replacing carpet in a smoked-in room without treating the walls, subfloor, and HVAC system is a partial fix that typically fails within 30–60 days as the untreated surfaces continue off-gassing into the new carpet.
Professional cleaning services that focus on surfaces — carpet cleaning, wall washing — can remove visible residue but cannot penetrate the porous materials or treat the circulating air where smoke compounds continue to live.
We assess the extent of third-hand smoke contamination throughout the property, including HVAC inspection, and take baseline air quality readings.
Hard surface cleaning to remove surface-level tobacco residue before deep treatment begins.
Professional hydroxyl or ozone air treatment breaks down tobacco-specific compounds throughout the space, penetrating walls, ducts, and porous materials.
We retest air quality and confirm VOC and odor index levels are within acceptable ranges before issuing your written report.
We always provide a clear, written quote before starting. No surprise charges.
Typical price range
$200–$800
Final price depends on space size and severity
Most residential units take 3–6 hours depending on size and contamination level. Severely impacted properties may require multiple treatment sessions.
Yes. We prioritize apartment turnover jobs and offer same-day and next-day service for property managers. We understand that vacant days cost money.
In moderate cases, no. In severe cases where the walls have visible yellow staining from nicotine, we recommend applying an odor-sealing primer before repainting after treatment. We'll advise you during the quote.
Yes. We offer per-unit flat rate pricing for property managers and apartment communities in Orange County. We can treat multiple units in sequence to minimize scheduling complexity.
Every job includes before-and-after air quality readings and a written service report emailed same day. This is especially useful for landlords dealing with tenant damage claims or for owner reports.
Don't see your city? Call us — we serve all of Orange County.
Free quote, clear pricing, documented results. Same-day service available across Orange County.
Mon–Sat 8am–6pm · Fully insured · COI available same-day · Serving all of Orange County
