How can a minimize the odour of cigarette smoke in my apartment?

Question

If you had a similar problem I would like to learn how you reduced the smoke odour. Tks

Answer 1

Personally, I don't really like sprays and particulary those that have warning statements on them about being an irritant. I also don't think baking soda or fragrances that just cover up smells works very well. I've tried lots of different things for odors and I finally found a product that I've stuck with for years now. It's really great. It is called "FRIDGE IT" odor absorbers and it's a little purple cube with activated carbon filter inside. Works fantastic. I keep one in my fridge and also freezer but also use these things all around including under sink and near my trash. I've even used it around diaper pail. It is fragrance free and just eliminates the odors and works for a long time. I have friends that use these in their car to get rid of smoke smells so I guess it works for that too. I love these things. You can buy it in kitchen sections of stores like Walmart and Linens and Things. Also, I believe web site?
Really worth trying. So much better than all these other products

Answer 2

In addition to previous posts...

Febreeze spray will lift odours out of most fabrics, e.g. your divan, your clothing, your curtains. But you have to keep at it. If you are worried about not getting a deposit back, thoroughly shampoo your carpet and keep the windows open whenever possible and don't smoke in there anymore. I don't know if that applies in the U.K. but it usually does here in the states. If keeping windows open is an option keep a fan right by the window, blowing out the window. This will remove the smoke and the tar which is the main source of a lingering odour (not all of it, but much better than simply covering it up. If opening window is not an option, wet towel method would work but you must wash the towel or else you just end up with a smelly towel. It would be a pain in the neck but if you want to do everything possible, you can exhale into a cardboard tube stuffed with toilet or tissue paper. Doing this traps most of the tar that you exhale out in the tissue paper itself, and then you simply throw it away when it turns yellowish-brown because at that point it won't effectively trap tar anymore. Obviously, if you have guests in your apt. and they smoke, you can't really ask them to do this, but you could do it yourself.

Maybe elaborate on your situation more and I could add more direct advice.

Answer 3

Smoke on the balcony.
Even if you bought the most high tech air purifier, the smoke still embeds itself in the walls and ends up circulating through the building vents.

To remove it from walls you will need a very strong (industrial grade) ionizer which would require you to vacate the apartment for 24-48 hrs. A heavy duty ionizer can be very dangerous to your lungs.

The ionizers sold to consumers have been reviewed by most federal agencies and have been proven to have little or no value at removing dust and odors. Those that have been found to be beneficial show themselves to be too unhealthy.

Anything else you use would just mask the smell and do nothing to remove the smoke residue that builds up over time.



There is Still Something in the Air -
Consumer Reports Article Raises New Concerns About Ionizers

"research suggests that ozone reacts with the terpenes in lemon and pine scented cleaning products and air fresheners, creating formaldehyde – a carcinogen – and other irritants.” The article goes on to state that “research has also found that ozone reacts with terpenes to create additional ultra fine particles, which are hard to filter and penetrate deep into the lungs.”
http://www.foustco.com/Docs/There%20is%20still%20something%20in%20the%20air%20revision%206.pdf

Answer 4

The most obvious, and most effective action would be to not smoke in your apartment at all. Like, go outside when you want to smoke. It's not like it's uncool. People who live with children have to do it. And it's not like it doesn't pay off.

If you're going to smoke inside, I think the next best thing would be to smoke near a fan-vent, like in your kitchen or bathroom. Preferably the most powerful one in the house. That should suck a lot of the air out, so the smoke will linger less, making it less smoky in the house. For best results you have to crack a window for better air-transfer. Leave the the fan running, and the window open for a few minutes after you're finished smoking to make sure you get as much of the smoke out as possible.

Answer 5

The best way to eliminate the odor of smoke, is to not allow people to smoke in your home. Failing that, there is a product called Ozium, which is good for clearing all odors. It is used in dog kennels, and some commercial rest rooms, and works very well.

Answer 6

Burn candles when people are smoking. You can also wet a towel and spin it around thru the air to clear the smoke away if it gets to be too much . It absorbs smoke. Them glade plug in things work good to and are continuous.

Answer 7

We use Ionizers where I work (Quality Inn). We use them to get the smoke out of our smoking rooms while we clean them. They work wonders. Even running it for 20 minutes reduces the smell a lot. I am thinking of getting one for my apartment. My boyfriend smokes 2 packs a day and our place smells heavily of smoke. I included a link for you to check out Ionizers. They aren't very expensive.

Answer 8

When smoking make sure you Furnance fan is on, it will collect in the filter, and place a bowl of Vinegar in the room. Wipe things down on occasion, and clean the carpet and furniture.

Answer 9

a) occupant(s) don't smoke: clean everything, wash curtains, flooring, repaint walls etc.
b) occupant(s) smoke: 1) (best) smoke outside, keep cigarette butts out of the house and brush your teeth after you go in 2) empty and clean ash trays at least daily 3) wash clothes 4) use exhaust fan so smoke goes outside rightaway.

Answer 10

You know what works for us in our one-bedroom apartment?
Febreeze Noticibles. You can find them with the air fresheners.

The cool thing is the scents alternate. So it always smells good...and it masks the smoke really well.

Good luck!