Getting rid of...

I doubt if the coughs are connected to the nicotine smell, could be wrong, often am, but you can get specific anti tobacco plug in air fresheners, which might help until the redecorating is done.

I haven't had a cigarette since early March, have been de-tobaccoing the house, washed curtains, cushion covers etc, just waiting for Mr P to start the decorating!

My daughter had the same problem when she moved house. She was scared she would have to replaster as Kirstie Allsop had said it gets ingrained. However, we washed all the walls and paintwork with a mixture of bicarbonate and vinegar

Before redecorating. She obviously had her own curtains but also had new flooring throughout. She has a sweet smelling house now , but it took lots of time and effort. I

About the coughs... there are a lot about in our area at the moment so it might be coincidental.

Sorry about split up post, my finger slipped.

If any fabric was left behind, curtains maybe, a thorough wash will help. Shampoo the carpets, wash the paintwork, open all the windows and try the air fresheners. It will go, but it takes time sadly.

To add to the list wallpaper also needs to come down.

My DD had this when she moved into her house. As well as redecorating right through, she had the carpets professionally shampooed, and even had to finally replace the flooring in a walk-in downstairs cupboard, before the smell went. Washing the flooring just didn't do anything.