Q. My New Year’s resolution is to stop smoking. But how can I make my rugs, furniture and draperies stop smelling like cigarettes?
A. Open up the windows and let the fresh air in. For items like throw blankets, pillow covers and curtains that can be laundered, wash them or take them to the drycleaners. Vacuum the floor and carpet, window treatments, upholstery and lamp shades. Then spray fabric refresher on all the fabric surfaces. Smooth surfaces, such as mirrors, floors and wood furniture, are repositories for smoke residue. Use a surface-appropriate cleaner to get rid of the residue. Don't forget to clean the light bulbs when they are cool. They not only attract smoke, but every time they are turned on, the heat releases the smoke odor back into the air.