Ed, I’m calling about the smell remains. She needs to take down everything in her house that’s washable and wash it. She has to clean the house top to bottom. The best thing is to paint, but first apply a primer coat and then paint. If it’s in the carpet, she’s got to get a professional or do it herself, shampoo the carpet. It’s a lot of work, but that’s what she has to do. UnscentedDang, cigarette smoke is tough. Thanks for the tips.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, tell “the smell remains” to wash the curtains, windows, all her clothes, the rugs, furniture, everything. Have a built-in air freshener. If that’s doesn’t work, she has to repaint the inside of her house because the wall’s absorb the smoke. I smoked for 35 years and quit in 2000, and I’ve been smoke free ever since, so I know what I’m talking about. Just want to tell her, congratulations!Ex-smokerCongratulations to every smoker who has quit. Ridding the smell is a pain in the butt, but if you quit smoking this should be easy.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m replying to the person who wants to get out that smoke smell. My grandparents smoked for 40 years. They had that nice knotty pine on the wall and you couldn’t scrub the tar off. That’s the problem. You need to get that zinc oil or Kilz primer sealer. You have to repaint the walls and rip out the carpet. There’s nothing else you can do to get the smoke and tar out after 30 years. But think on the bright side: You’re getting a brand new house for the money you would have spent on cigarettes. So it works out pretty good.ScrubberAnd while you’re priming over all that tar on the wall, think about it sticking to your lungs. That should keep your from a relapse.—Ed. Note

Ed, tell the person who wants to get rid of the smoke smell in her house to repaint the walls and buy new furniture. That’s what I did, and I’ve been smoke free for 10 years.Paint JobAgain, congratulations. It’s paint versus cigarettes. Who will win?—Ed. Note