How to get rid of the smell of tobacco and cigarettes in the apartment: 27 ways
|When the stagnant smell of cigarette smoke is very noticeable in the apartment, this is a problem. It is impossible to get used to such a flavor not only for non-smokers, but also for heavy smokers, since it is one thing to smoke, and another to live in a room saturated with characteristic tobacco amber. If a person who has nothing to do with cigarettes gets into a very smoked apartment at least once, then in a few minutes his skin, hair, clothes will also smell unpleasant. Why this happens, how dangerous it is for people and how to get rid of the smell of tobacco and cigarettes, we will consider further.
Why is tobacco smoke dangerous?
Tobacco leaves are filled with oily resins. It is these substances that have excellent penetration. In the process of smoking, smoke is emitted with a rich composition: nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, hydrocyanic acid and a number of toxic compounds. Such a bouquet suffers the health of smokers and those who are nearby. A relatively small part of harmful substances enter the human body, and the remaining amount accumulates in the room and is absorbed into different surfaces: carpets, walls, curtains, clothes, upholstered furniture etc.
If no measures are taken, the concentration of smoke already settled in the apartment will increase, and the result will be not only a disgusting smell, but also the possible development of diseases such as:
- Allergies of different types.
- Various pathologies of the respiratory system.
- Problems with blood vessels and heart.
- Infertility.
- Oncology.
- Depression, etc.
It was found that harmful substances from cigarettes smoked in the apartment more than a month (30 days) ago, continue to have a detrimental effect on human health
There is no doubt that the presence and, therefore, the smell of tobacco smoke must be fought. To do this is not always as simple as it may seem. But first, you need to find out how cigarette smoke enters the apartment.
How cigarette smoke gets into the apartment
There can be several reasons for the appearance of an unpleasant odor. And it is not necessary that the heavy smoker live in a particular apartment. And still:
- Smoker in the apartment. If one, or even several smokers, live on the living space, the smell of tobacco in the room is provided. It doesn’t matter where this happens: in the kitchen or on the balcony - even through the smallest crack, the fragrance will make its way into the room and settle on things.
- Neighbors.As for smokers living nearby, then all the paths are open for cigarette smoke. A neighbor smokes on the balcony - smoke enters through the open window, vents, balcony doors or poorly sealed joints and seams; lives a floor below or a floor above, and decided to smoke in the kitchen or in the toilet - smoke enters through ventilation shafts in the kitchen, in the bathroom and toilet; a smoke break in the porch or on the landing - cigarette “incense” comes right through entrance doors.
- "Inheritance" from previous residents.When renting or buying an apartment, you can also get the stagnant smell of tobacco smoke. Perhaps the previous owners abused smoking in the rooms, not bothering much to go outside or the flight of stairs. In this case, even the walls will be smoked.
- Guests.Have you not agreed on the party conditions in advance or have not warned the guests that they are not smoking in the apartment? Then get the result - clothes, curtains, furniture upholstery will definitely smell like cigarette smoke.
- One who does not smoke. This is an interesting fact that sometimes takes place. It happens that a person quits smoking, and after a while he hears a stagnant, unpleasant smell in the apartment and cannot understand where he came from. Everything is explained very simply. The smell of smoke from his smoked cigarettes is so ingrained in the surroundings that it does not disappear on its own.
Now we know the causes of the problem and its possible consequences. It's time to figure out how to eliminate it.
Tips for eliminating the smell of tobacco
You can get rid of unpleasant odors of cigarette smoke using:
- Home remedies.This series consists of: aromatic herbs, spices and seasonings, essential oils and absorbent substances and compositions.
- Specialized tools.Ready-made preparations (aerosols, gels, etc.) created for processing rooms in order to drown out or completely eliminate the smell of tobacco smoke fell into this category.
To eliminate unpleasant "incense", various methods and means are used, but the methods themselves can be:
- Concealers which help to get rid of a smell for a certain time.
- Completely annihilating cigarette stench.
Get to know the most popular and effective ways.
Ways to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke in the apartment
When declaring war on the smell of tobacco and cigarettes in the apartment, first of all, it is necessary to determine the “freshness” of the smoke: how much it managed to penetrate the surface, and whether it is possible to use quick methods. So that the conclusion of the examination is not long in coming, there is a mini-test. It is necessary to wash your hands well with baby soap (without a strong odor and not antibacterial) or laundry. After drying, pass a palm over carpets, furniture fabric and walls. An unpleasant smell of tobacco appeared on the hands - quick action methods will not work, there is no extraneous smell - you can safely get to work. And the faster, the better. Therefore, we will start with the so-called "ambulance".
Express methods
No. 1. Airing (draft)
After the expulsion of smoking comrades, we immediately open the windows and leave them like that for half an hour. If possible, turn on the air purifier or air conditioning.
No. 2. Wet towels
This method is known to many, it can even be called grandfather. Actively absorb tobacco smoke wet towels. Several cotton items need to be well moistened and laid out in different places of the room. For a stronger effect, you will need a terry towel and a solution of vinegar (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water). Textiles soaked in vinegar are hung in the room where they smoked. If there were many guests, the procedure can be repeated several times and add a wet cleaning of the room. After using the towels, wash them well.
No. 3. Flower bouquets
This method acts similarly to the previous one. Flowers like daffodils, roses or lilies have a strong aroma. If after good ventilation you put a vase with a fragrant bouquet in the room, you can forget about the smell of tobacco smoke.
Folk ways
Number 4. Citrus
The peel of citrus fruits (orange, mandarin, lemon or grapefruit) is cut into small slices and filled with several bowls, which are then placed in rooms. The smell of zest perfectly neutralizes the smell of cigarettes.In addition, citrus juice as a freshener will also be used. To prepare a refreshing mixture, you need to take the pulp of any fruit, squeeze the juice out of it, add the same amount of water, and the spray solution for refueling is ready.
No. 5. Coffee
Coffee can be taken in beans or freshly ground, put it in dry vases. Place the containers in different corners of the apartment and leave for two weeks. The unpleasant tobacco snail will gradually disappear, but in order to get rid of the smell of smoke completely, the procedure must be repeated several more times.
No. 6. Rice
Rice perfectly incorporates aromas, and it can be safely used to eliminate disgusting odors (cereals in bowls and - to place the latter around the room). But for those who want to try this method for the first time, we note that the rice must be moist. As the cereal dries, it is necessary to moisten it in a timely manner and regularly change the rice in the plates.
Number 7. Cinnamon
The spicy aroma of cinnamon is liked by many. If you add strength to it, it will open, block the tobacco stench and fill the room with a pleasant smell. There are two ways to make spice work:
- A few cinnamon sticks are wrapped in foil and placed in the oven, which is heated to 180 ° C for 10-15 minutes. Then open the door, and the room will fill with an amazing aroma, drowning out the unpleasant tobacco amber.
- Cinnamon sticks are boiled in a pan with a small amount of water for 30 minutes. The lid of the dishes should be open all the time, then the aroma of spices will surely fill the entire apartment. By analogy, you can use oregano, sage, mint and other aromatic herbs or spices.
It is believed that a good neutralizer of the effects of smoking is the aroma of freshly prepared meat or vegetables (in the oven)
Number 8. Bay leaf
This is the easiest and most affordable way to get rid of the smell of tobacco. Bay leaf is available in the arsenal of each mistress. To activate it, you need to take a few leaves, put them in an ashtray and set on fire. The laurel should not burn out immediately, the leaves should smolder. With such a specific “fumigation” all problem areas are bypassed and no other smells are heard anymore.
No. 9. The apples
Everyone's favorite fruit is great for air purification in a room with a small area. 2-3 ripe apples (green) are cut in half, removing the core. Slices of fruit are laid out on a tray or plate with the slices up and left in the room. Apples work as an adsorbent and flavor simultaneously.
No. 10. Vanilla
Vanilla extract (alcohol tincture) is well known to all for its confectionery. To get rid of the persistent smell of tobacco, take a container of water and add a few drops of vanilla extract. You can moisten the solution with towels, cotton swabs, napkins or other products that can then be hung or laid out in rooms, and also periodically changed to fresh ones. The captivating smell of vanilla will displace cigarette smoke.
Interestingly, saving an apartment from the obsessive smell of cigarettes can electric heaters and electric furnaces. If the appliances, for a while, turn on at high temperature, the smell of smoke will disappear
No. 11. Indoor Flora
All plants breathe. Here are some representatives of the home garden are able (in the process of breathing) to actively purify the air from unpleasant, specific cigarette smog. Advanced plants in the field of air purification include:
- Common ivy and chlorophytum.
- Jericho rose.
- Aglaonem and chrysanthemum.
- Ficus Benjamin and Philodendron.
- Date palm and nephrolepsis.
- Spathiphyllium, scindapus, etc.
If these plants are present in the apartment, the smell of tobacco in it will not last long.
No. 12. Soda
In any house there is soda or, at least, a baking powder (and soda is also present in its composition). The substance (sodium bicarbonate) is able to actively absorb extraneous odors, including cigarette odor.If friends-smokers come to visit, then you should prepare in advance for their visit: pour enough soda into a small container (for example, a plate) (you can about a half-pack) and add a couple of drops of essential oil to it. Let this mixture stand not only during the stay of the guests, but also for some time after their departure (about a day). Drastic measures, after such a reception, can be avoided.
If the stay of friends was delayed and after their departure it became clear that the amber from cigarettes was delayed by carpets and of furniture, you need to act promptly. Soda is scattered on the floor, on carpets, if possible on some parts of the furniture and accessible surfaces, evenly distributed and left for a day. After the specified time, everything is cleaned using a vacuum cleaner. If the smell is not strong, then you can get rid of it in one or two cleanings.
No. 13. Perfume
To eliminate a light aroma, you can use your favorite perfume. Drip on light bulb a couple of drops will not be difficult, but it should be remembered that perfumes must be applied to a cold lighting element. When the light turns on, the bulb will heat up, and under the influence of heat, the aroma of perfumes or toilet water will intensify.
The proposed method is masking and its frequent use is fraught with consequences - a large concentration of perfume will make the air in the apartment unpleasant and "heavy"
No. 14. Aroma candles and oils
These are masking agents. Pharmacies and many outlets offer a wide range of such products, so there will be no problems with the purchase of essential oils and scented candles. Their aroma will block the disgusting cigarette smell for a while.
Number 15. Sea salt
Salt belongs to a number of natural substances that actively absorb bad odors. Sea salt has a stronger cleansing effect. The adsorbent is dissolved in water to a state of non-liquid slurry, scattered in small quantities into containers (bowls, banks, saucers) and placed in rooms where they were going for a smoke break. Gradually the stinking spirit will disappear. A few drops of your favorite essential oil can be dripped onto the salt (usually 4 drops per 80 g of salt) and the house will fill with a pleasant aroma. Many people prefer oil of lavender, cloves, pine, lemongrass or fir.
Along with masking essential oils, there are those that neutralize the smell of tobacco. These are citrus aromas and conifers (fir, juniper)
No. 16. Vinegar
A solution of vinegar with water (1: 1) process the surface, tile, washable wallpaper on the ceiling and walls. The vinegar smell will disappear after a couple of hours and take away tobacco stench.
Number 17. Borax
A mixture of sodium tetraborate (borax) and dishwashing detergent excellently fights cigarette stench. To treat different surfaces, prepare a solution of 7 l of water, 100 g of borax and half a tablespoon of detergent. After the work, all things are washed again with clean water.
Number 18. spring-cleaning
When the apartment is heavily smoky, a heavy, stagnant smell of tobacco is felt inside, and the walls and ceiling are darkened with constant smoke, there may not be enough ventilation or light treatment. So, we have to make drastic changes, and the only way to solve the problem is repairs: wallpaper replacement, flooringrepainting doors and windows. But, in this case, there is an alternative. Not everyone and not always has the opportunity to radically change everything, but you should not lose heart, because the general cleaning will help to cope with the situation.
Textile processing
Self-cleaning of textiles is a rather time-consuming process, and if you can use the services of dry cleaning, then you should not neglect it. If not, then with curtains, cloaks, curtains, bedspreads, blankets and other products will have to tinker themselves. All things must be cleaned, rinsed insoda solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) and dry, if possible, in air.Light cotton or linen products can be pre-soaked inbleach solution - 1-2 liters of water are added to 10 liters of water. l facilities. After soaking - rinse in soda solution and wash.
Upholstered furniture and mattresses
Processing upholstered furniturea solution of water (5 l) and essential oil(10 drops). It is best to choose the aroma of eucalyptus, lavender or rosemary. For further action, you will need an old sheet or piece of cloth. Wet the prepared textiles in the prepared water, squeeze it well, spread it on the sofa and tap it with a beat. Dirt that has settled on furniture will come out and be immediately absorbed by a damp cloth.
Many people know that it well picks up harmful substances and unpleasant odors of potassium permanganate. Therefore, for furniture cleaning doweak potassium permanganate solution: a few granules - per liter of water, moisten a soft cloth in it a little and process the surfacesand a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water(1: 1), with which you can wipe the upholstery of upholstered furniture. Industrial products are also in demand: “UNCUM”, “Bugs”, “Vanish”, “NORDLAND”, “Tuba”, etc.
All of these actions can be performed while cleaning mattresses. If the acquisition of a new one is not possible, thenWet knockout the removable cover goes through all the necessary steps: washing, rinsing with air conditioning, drying in the open air. The non-removable cover is cleaned with a brush moistened insoap or shampoo solution.
The purchase of a steam mop will help to solve a considerable number of problems, since the thermal effect destroys the tobacco smell
Books
If the apartment has a bookcase or a whole home library, and the owner or his guests smoke, then the books will take the brunt. You just always have to remember that paper absorbs various flavors well, and in order to get rid of your darling, you will have to take out all the print media to places where there is fresh air and air for several days. Then it is best to arrange the literature in a closet that closes well. Between books can be laid outactivated carbon tabletswhich very successfully adsorb dirt from the air.
Cleaning hard surfaces and toilets
Hard surfaces are also subject to mandatory cleaning, since tar and toxic substances also settle on them. Quality cleaning must pass window sillsfloors interior doorstables and cabinets, walls (painted or with washable wallpaper), windows, shelves etc. The most popular solutions:
- Soda - 2 tsp. and laundry soap (ground) - 2 tsp. dissolved in 1 l of water.
- Vinegar with water - 1: 1 or 1 tsp. vinegar essence on 1 tbsp. water.
- 100 ml of ammonia (ammonia), 50 g of vinegar, 50 g of baking soda, 3 l of water.
The above solution is considered quite aggressive, you need to work with it in rubber gloves and a respirator. In addition, the suspension can damage wood coatings, so it’s best to test it first in a small inconspicuous area
- Chlorine (30 g) and water (1 l) are mixed, the solution is relevant for cleaning the toilet and bath.
You can remove stagnant cigarette smog with a mixture of1 liter of water, 1 tbsp. l shampoo and 15 drops of essential oil of pine, spruce or juniper. This composition is well suited for cleaning walls and wallpapers.
Palace rugs and carpets
2 tbsp. l baking soda is diluted in 1 liter of water (warm), add 50 ml of shampoo. Using a brush, apply the mixture to the carpet, then work with a vacuum cleaner (washing).
In the absence of certain types of household appliances, you can use special detergents that have already proven themselves:
- Vanish, 5+, and VOX Drop.
- Selena and Udalix Ultra.
After wet cleaning, it is necessary to dry carpet products well, so that instead of a tobacco smell a musty appears.
You can dry clean for carpets that are afraid of water. The palace should be evenly covered with soap shavings or soda, allowed to stand for a day, and then cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.Bad smells will go away. You can also do with upholstered furniture.
In winter, the most effective remedy issnow cleaning in the fresh air. Both purity and aroma of frosty freshness are guaranteed. Strong odor will help removea mixture of water and vodka (5: 1). Carpet, paths are sprayed with a spray solution, you can clothes, and then taken out to the street or to the balcony for weathering. Similarly, you can usebaby powder or talcum powder.
clothing
Winter things are better to dry clean. The rest of the products, as well as toys, will have to be overwritten independently and with the addition of air conditioning. For outerwear you can usemint tea bags. The clothes are pre-shaken, you can vacuum them or wipe them lightly with a cloth moistened with a very weak solution of vinegar (then dry well). And so that the tobacco fumes completely disappear, they put tea bags with mint in their pockets. They will absorb unpleasant tobacco residues and add mint freshness.
You will have to work with things made of leather, because this material absorbs odors like a sponge. For cleaning leather thingswater-vinegar solution. With a cloth dampened in it, gently wipe the products, then the latter is well ventilated. Special attention should be paid to things and toys that are undesirable to wash. In this case, you shouldDry wash: things and a small piece of cloth are laid in the automatic washing machine, on which 2-3 drops of essential oil are applied. The washing machine should work in the "spin" mode.
Ready-made (industrial) devices
No. 19. Anti-smoking aerosols
Such products can be found at many manufacturers. Most often we use hand-spray aerosols that are safe for people, have a pleasant aroma and effectively neutralize tobacco smoke. You can choose automatic fresheners: they are installed in the right place and the timer (after a certain time) starts the aerosol.
No. 20. Electric ashtrays
This item is already equipped with a built-in smoke filter and a fan. Smokeless devices, which are characterized by the ionization function, operate from a USB input and batteries.
No. 21. Mineral granules of an adsorbent (drayper)
Today's popular solution is to prevent the smell of cigarettes from spreading around the house. Such granules (may be flavored salt) are placed in an ashtray and immediately absorb smoke. The most popular flavored granules among users are “Antitobak”.
Number 22. Fresheners and Flavors
Fresheners and flavorings in general there are a huge number. Devices are used to mask tobacco "fragrances."
Number 23. Aromatizer
The device is powered by sockets. The built-in fan accelerates pleasant aromas throughout the apartment. Since the aromatic composition is injected automatically in the device, it is advisable to turn on the devices at night.
Number 24. "Washing" of air
A device that works comprehensively to clean and moisturize the air. The device passes air through itself and, using filter drives, delays harmful particles with an unpleasant odor. Some models additionally perform the function of flavoring. Many users note the good work of devices from Boneco, Venta, Air-O-Swiss, etc.
Number 25. Ionizers
Devices that destroy tobacco stench at the molecular level. The principle of operation of an electric ionizer (there may be an air humidifier with an additional function) is based on the fusion of oppositely charged ions. The elements of tobacco smoke, for the most part, are positively charged, and the device during operation forms ions with a negative charge. Particles are attracted and the resulting molecules have much more weight than air particles. Here are the first and settle on the floor without harming anyone.
No. 26. Air purifiers
Designed to filter the air in the room and remove particles of cigarette smog from it.Always relevant equipment under the brands Panasonic, Timber, Mitsubishi, NeoClima, etc. Many new models of air conditioners have the function of purifying the air masses. Well-proven climate equipment Toshiba, General Climate, Carrier and others.
Number 27. Dry Mist
Belongs to the professional means of combating tobacco smog at the molecular level. Advantages - cleaning of the most inaccessible places and a long validity period (up to a month).
Completely remove from the air all substances that are hazardous to human health, no air purifier for home can. But modern devices can minimize the concentration of harmful substances in the air to safe values (for humans)
Prevention
If the reasons for the constant presence or penetration of tobacco smoke are not eliminated in the apartment, then attempts to eliminate the cigarette stench and its consequences will continue indefinitely. It is clear that all the same, no one will immediately leave a bad habit. But you can:
- To ask the home heavy smoker to go outside for a smoke break.
- His clothes, smelling of smoke, immediately put away in a closet that closes tightly.
- Ventilate the room every day.
- Regularly carry out wet cleaning of the entire apartment.
- Install rubber seals on the doorways and be sure that no disgusting “aromas” leak through the balcony doors or entrance doors.
- Try to use air purifying devices.
- If possible, decorate the apartment with blooming jasmine gardenia, indoor lemon, odoriferous or other fragrant plants.
Conclusion
This is not to say that there is some single, universal remedy that will help get rid of the smell of tobacco and cigarettes in the apartment. If everything is severely neglected, then, as always, you will have to act in a complex way: cleaning, chemistry and grandfather’s smoking. In addition, you can always contact a cleaning company. Real professionals will clean the premises quickly and efficiently, using professional tools and special, expensive equipment. And although the method is effective, the problem may be the price of such a method. It is much simpler not to bring the situation to a critical point and not to wait until it is impossible to enter the apartment, but to immediately remove the unpleasant odor after one cigarette. And what tool to choose - decide for yourself.