Most recent guest smoked something (?) and then used incense to cover the odor! Cannot remove!

[Debra282]

Just finished hosting a young couple...who were very nice in most regards.  After their departure, there was a burnt smell (not cigarettes, not incense, not sure..a bit like weed but not exactly) We have opened the windows, run an air purifier, ordered an ozone generator from Amazon and have run it every single day, have washed down all surfaces, sanitized every linen, and I cannot get rid of the smell.  I use all organic cleaning products.  I am heartbroken.  I have blocked off dates in the hopes that I can get rid of it. But, no luck!  Ant specific recommendations from anyone would be so helpful.  There was no evidence, but they may have ruined our apartment's future.  We clearly state "No smoking, etc in our rules and had a $200 security deposit, but have no evidence other than the guest admitting that he burnt incense at one point in the thread).

[Renée16]

You have the incense admission, charge them. I recently had a persistent curry stink and after all the bleaching, wiping etc, the thing that seemed to get rid of it was spraying Febreze all over the carpet on the stairs and the couch, cushions and chair... stink was gone. Maybe give a product like that a try?

[Debra282]

Thank you for weighing in...I was hoping to eliminate.  I just don't react well to Febreze like products.

[Mark116]

@Debra282  I don't really like Febreze, but as @Renée16  said, it seems to have some property that helps dispel strong odors.  You could also try vinegar, both washing things down with it, and putting a bowl or two out to absorb odors.  Lastly, try throwing some baking soda on the carpet and then vacuuming it up.  But, I would think open windows and a fan would also be pretty helpful.

[Sarah977]

 Try Nilodor.

[Jacqueline1]

Volcanic rock Odor absorbers. Available at the hardware store.

[Debra282]

Thank you!  I will look into those.

[Pete69]

I had a guest smoking weed in my guest suite (non smoking room). After they checked out, the room smelled like cologne even after running fans for 24 hours. Evidently they tried to cover up the smell of smoke by spraying cologne on the carpet. I had to steam clean the carpet before the next guest.

I guess just having "no smoking" in my list of rules was not good enough. Now I mention "no smoking" in my summary found at the top of my listing. I also have a no smoking sign on the frig and under the glass desk top. Others hosts have suggested using "nosmoking" as their WIFI password.

I also say in my rules not to spay cologne, perfume, carpet fresher or anything else on the carpet.

[Debra282]

I also just added NO SMOKING in my listing summary...and I leave a printed list of rules with the key.  I have a small sign on the desk that says "No artificial fragrances."  I also added a fine in my rules--although not sure how I would collect. More as a deterrent.  I also just invested in a really good air purifier.  Did you try to collect the steam cleaning costs from Airbnb?

[Andrea4062]

I am so upset. I had a young couple rent our unit, very nice but I went over the rules and it clearly states in the AD and the welcome letter NO SMOKING and there IS a fee if someone smokes with door open or smoke odors are in the room/furniture.  And as soon as cleaner went in (first time this has happened) they were knocked out by Marijuana smells in the unit.  First of all it is illegal in our state, second of all they found my Popourri that is in bathroom in a little sachet in my microwave and cleaner thinks they were heating it up trying to remove the weed smells.    The renter admitted he DID smoke pot  a few nights earlier but states he was outside.   I think he is lieing and smoked inside or left door open.  I have run air cleaner, and had doors open, had a deep clean and odor is still there.   Luckily I have a few days before next renter but I cannot use Heavy things like Fabreeze as I have asthma and many renters have issues like that and cannot tolerate fabreeze due to allergies.  It can make someones stay miserable if they are allergic. For me, heavy deoderizer sprays and things will cause asthma attack with me and can be life threatening. I used Vinegar in bowls  and running the HVAC Fan.  Living out of town and managing my own unit this frustrates me.   I am having my cleaner comes back to check it see if any better. If its not my next step is Dry cleaning the curtains and steam cleaning the sofa and maybe washing the table cloth and dry cleaning the bedspread.    Any other suggestions??  WHY do kids do this when they know the rules and I make it clear in writing and verbally?    It makes me so mad this is the same place we stay when we come down and I don't want to smell pot and have breathing issues with asthma when I am in OUR rental property.  Frustrated.....

[Debra282]

I used a charcoal air filter and an ozone generator non-stop for about 5-7 days.  I also wiped down every surface.  I feel your pain.  I have gone to long-term rentals and it has solved many issues.