How can I keep the air in my apartment clean?

Question

I just found out that the people that live under the apartment I just moved into smoke inside their apartment. There isn't anything I can do lease-wise now, I wish I would've thought to ask the landlord before moving in. What is the best way to keep the smoke that is rising into our apartment minimal?

I am worried more about my 18 month old breathing in the smoke then myself...and of course the tobacco smell sticking to all of my stuff. This really sucks.

Answer 1

Ah but there is something you can do. Second hand smoke is known to be toxic and the landlord has to do something to abate the problem, or he has to find you another unit to live in.

Go have a pleasant chat with the landlord people and complain about the fumes. See what happens. At a minimum, you should be able to break your lease without penalty if your apartment is unsafe to live in due to toxic fumes wafting in from below.

By the way, I lived with a chain smoker below me and had 5 - that's right - 5 air cleaners in the apt and they didn't make a dent. I complained, then had a lawyer buddy give the landlord a call. Got moved to another unit in the complex at the landlords expense. Because 2nd hand smoke is toxic, you DO have recourse.

Lastly. Consumer Reports totally trashed the Ionic Breeze - repeatedly. Save your money.

Answer 2

Instructions
STEP 1: Open windows whenever possible, especially when cooking or cleaning. STEP 2: Use covers on cooking pans; when frying, use a screen guard. STEP 3: Use steam- or oily-vapor-producing appliances under the hood of the stove with the ventilating fan turned on. (Use the fan to control cooking odors and smoke as well.) STEP 4: Clean high, flat surfaces several times a year. STEP 5: Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan to keep steam from collecting dirt and diffusing it throughout the house. STEP 6: Change furnace filters monthly during winter months. STEP 7: Maintain your vacuum cleaner so that dust is not being blown back into the air as you vacuum. STEP 8: Prevent dust and dirt from entering the house with doormats and weather stripping. STEP 9: Dust regularly. STEP 10: Don't smoke. Tips & Warnings
Consider purchasing an electronic air cleaner.
To remove soil coatings, use a cleaner with a pH of 12 or 13.
In the kitchen, scrape off as much soil as you can, spray degreaser onto area, and clean off with a cloth.
Consider buying walk-off mats at a janitorial supply store to place inside and outside entrances - dirt and dust get 'walked off' before entering the home.

Answer 3

Sharper Image sells those Ozone air cleaners, they are a little expensive but they work. Install a door seal on your entry door so that no smoke can get in from outside your apartment and maybe keep a window partially open to circulate fresh air. Also an air make up unit would make the air pressure in your apartment higher than the one below you. This higher air pressure would push the smoke and smell back to where it came from. Some people sure are inconsiderate! Good Luck!

Answer 4

I have heard a great deal about the air ionizer. They seem to work really well. Although they are very expensive.........or so I have been told. (the really good ones) A few good air purifiers would be a good start. I don't really think that too much smoke will come through the walls or ceilings though. So If you try one of these then you should find it better then with nothing. The plus side is also that your house will smell better all the way around.

Good Luck : )

Answer 5

If the apartment had never changed the carpet, then you probably can never get rid of the smell. Try to pour baking soda to the carpet and vacuum after 30mins. open the window at least 1hr per day. Best way is to change the carpet.

Answer 6

An air purifier. I have one and it makes everything smell very clean. They sell them at places like wal-mart. It is basically just a smaller version of what bars use to get rid of smoke.

Answer 7

Change air filters in your heating and air system regularly.
Open windows to "air out" the apartment from time to time.
Purchase Febreeze and spray it throughout the apartment.
DO NOT SMOKE ANYTHING INSIDE YOUR APARTMENT.
Remove ALL pets.......
Do your laundry, Take out your trash, and keep bathroom and kitchen areas clean REGULARLY................

Answer 8

Use the Ionic Breeze Quadra

Answer 9

Getting a air filter or purifier will work best. Also get some febreeze.

Answer 10

all good answers, they also make a candle called smoke eaters. they can be found at walmars, cvs, they work pretty good too, i use them.
the ionic breeze is the best i think, check ebay, you can get them there fairly reasonably priced..
good luck