Cleaning Nicotine Stains From Appliances

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated January 11, 2021)

It's pretty common that a long-time smoker feels free and unburdened for a while after kicking the habit. This feeling can go on for a long time, until the realization that there is still a long way to go to become truly smoke-free. What many long-time smokers do not realize is that the cigarettes they smoked for years has left a caked-on film of gummy nicotine residue over everything in their home, including their kitchen appliances.

When cleaning appliances, a different approach is often needed than what you would do when cleaning other items. Here are a few ideas that any former smoker can use to get their appliances clean from any nicotine residue and finally move on with their smoke-free life.

  • Degreaser. Nicotine is a fairly greasy substance, and as such it only stands to reason that a de-greaser will help to clean your appliances. Before applying the degreaser, make sure you read the instructions provided with the product. Instead of applying the degreaser directly to the appliance though, apply it to either a sponge, green scrubby, or washcloth and scrub till the appliance is clean.
  • Window wipes. Products like Windex have wipes out on the market. These pre-moistened cloths are perfect for cleaning nicotine stains off of small appliances. As each wipe becomes too dirty to use, just throw it away and replace it with a new one. This type of wipe is best suited for dealing with a lighter encrusting of nicotine stains.
  • Baby wipes. Those pre-moistened cloths that many people use to clean up after a baby's mess, or to help remove make-up, are also perfect for removing nicotine stains from small appliances. As each wipe gets too dirty to use, throw it away and replace it with a new one. These types of wipes are almost perfect degreasers, so they are great to use for cleaning nicotine-stained appliances.
  • Magic Eraser. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and similar products are perfect for the tough scrubbing that some nicotine encrusted appliances are going to need in order to get properly clean.
  • Replacements. The easiest, but by far most expensive, way to get rid of nicotine stains on your appliances is to purchase replacement appliances. Since this is the most expensive method for removing nicotine stains, use this one only as a last resort.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Replacing an Interior Light

Eventually, lights burn out. Replacing a car's interior light is a simple and easy process that can take you all of about ...

Discover More

Removing Soot Stains From the Mantel

Just about everyone loves to see a fireplace whenever they go to look at a new home or go away on a vacation. However, ...

Discover More

Polishing Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tile is an extremely durable and relatively cheap material, all of which makes it more attractive to home owners ...

Discover More

Tough Cleaning Jobs Require Brawny! Brawny paper towels provide the versatility you need: the strength for demanding jobs and the softness to clean up your child's messy face. This 24-roll pack of pick-a-size sheets can handle just about every cleaning task in your home. Check out Brawny 24-Pack Giant Paper Towels today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

If you're not careful, "stainless" steel can actually garner stains. Keep your stainless steel appliances looking like ...

Discover More

Cleaning Coffee Machines

Home coffee machines are commonplace, inexpensive, and easy to maintain. If you find that you still have trouble making a ...

Discover More

Small Appliances

In general, appliances can help make everyday tasks faster and easier to complete. Small appliances are portable and ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.