If you live in a home with a smoker, or the previous residents of your home smoked, your walls probably have nicotine stains. Nicotine stains make the walls appear yellow and discoloured. Before you repaint the wall to hide the stains, you can remove them from your wall with household cleaners. Cleaning the walls also can remove nicotine stains' unpleasant odour.

Combine 2 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent with 4 cups of hot water. Stir to mix the detergent into the water.

  • If you live in a home with a smoker, or the previous residents of your home smoked, your walls probably have nicotine stains.
  • Stir to mix the detergent into the water.

Dampen a non-abrasive sponge with the soapy water. Wash the walls down with the mixture. Apply a slight pressure to the sponge.

Combine one part ammonia with one part vinegar in a bucket.

Soak a sponge in the solution and wring out any excess. Scrub the walls in a circular motion to remove the nicotine stain. Clean small sections at a time, and rinse the walls with clean water.

TIP

Open your windows to ventilate the home. Wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the ammonia.