How to Remove Nicotine, Cigar, Pipe Smoke, and Cigarette Stains

By: Editors of Consumer Guide  | 
Butts
­Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from various surfaces.
Reza/Getty Images

We've all been there: You're at a party, enjoying yourself, and someone accidentally swipes you with the ash of their cigarette. There's no need for smoke to come out your ears. Follow these tips to e­rase nicotine stains.­

The first step in removing tobacco stains is to identify the stained material.­­­

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­Below are the most co­mmon types of materials that can become tobacco-stained, with steps on how to remove tobacco from each:

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Non-washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from Acetate, Fiberglass, Rayon, Triacetate:

  • Sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the stain with water and apply a wet spotter and a few drops of white vinegar.
  • Cover with an absorbent pad dampened with wet spotter. Let it stand as long as it picks up the stain.
  • Keep the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and vinegar.
  • Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with water and repeat until no more stain is removed.

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Washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex:

  • Soak the stain in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 15 minutes.
  • Rinse with water.
  • Sponge the remaining stain with rubbing alcohol.
  • Rinse well with water, allow to dry, and launder as soon as possible.

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Hard Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from 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, Vinyl Wallcovering:

  • Wipe the surface with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

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Stone Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from Alabaster or Marble:

  • Wipe the surface with a cloth dipped in a solution of washing soda and water.
  • Rinse well and wipe dry. If a stain persists, mix a few drops ammonia with 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
  • Soak a white blotter in the solution and place over the stain. Weigh it down with a piece of glass or other heavy object.
  • Continue applying the solution until the stain has been bleached out.

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Masonry

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Slate, Terrazzo:

  • Mix a solution of washing soda and water.
  • Gently brush the stain away with a cloth or soft-bristled brush.
  • Rinse with clear water and allow to dry.

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Other Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from Burlap, Silk, Wool:

  • Sponge the stain with water. If stain persists, apply a wet spotter and a few drops of white vinegar.
  • Cover with an absorbent pad dampened with wet spotter. Let it stand as long as any stain is being lifted.
  • Change the pad as it picks up the stain.
  • Keep the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and vinegar.
  • Flush with water. Repeat until no more stain is being removed.
  • If any stain remains, test for colorfastness, then apply rubbing alcohol and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with alcohol. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed.
  • Flush with water.

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Carpet or Foam Rubber

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from carpet or rubber:

  • Sponge the area with a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
  • Blot with a clean pad and rinse well with water.

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Cotton or Linen

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from cotton or linen:

  • Soak the stain for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent.
  • Rinse well with water.
  • Next, sponge the area with rubbing alcohol, rinse with water, and allow to dry.

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Special Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from Felt, Fur (natural or synthetic), Wood:

  • Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds.
  • Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply.
  • Rinse area with a cloth moistened with clear water.>
  • Allow felt and fur to air dry, but wipe wood surfaces dry with a clean cloth and wax or polish.

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Leather or Suede

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from leather or suede:

  • Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds.
  • Apply only the foam with a sponge.
  • Rinse area with a cloth moistened with clear water.
  • Wipe with a clean cloth to dry.

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Porcelain

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures:

  • Remove the stain by washing in warm sudsy water, or wiping with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
  • Rinse well and wipe dry.
  • To remove stubborn stains, dampen a cloth and dip it into baking soda.
  • Wipe away any remaining stain, rinse, and dry with a clean cloth.

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Silver

Follow these steps to remove tobacco stains from silver:

  • Wash in hot soapy water. Rinse in hot water and wipe dry with a soft cloth to prevent tarnish.

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Remove Ash FAQ

How do you remove ash from patio furniture?
Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of water and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a clean piece of cloth to dab the solution onto the stain until it's completely absorbed. Lastly, wipe it clean with a sponge.
How do you clean ash from a hard surface?
Ash residue can be cleaned easily by sweeping the surfaces, followed by a quick mopping with a wet cloth.
Can I hose ash off my car?
When ash mixes with water, it forms a corrosive substance that can ruin your car’s paint. As such, you should not hose ash off your car. Instead, try to sweep it off using a broom or a cloth.
Can ash ruin your car paint?
According to the American Automobile Association, ash contains potassium and calcium. When mixed with water, these chemicals can damage your car's paint.

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