Many smokers prefer to enjoy their cigarette or cigar outside for a breath of fresh air and to avoid the buildup of any potential odors or messes indoors. However, some people cannot smoke outside for reasons such as colder weather or the lack of an easily accessible outdoor smoking area like a balcony or patio. If this is the case, your best option is to smoke inside. Indoor smoker may struggle to keep their house clean, but there are several easy ways to keep their home looking and smelling fresh! Read below to learn more!
Ashtrays
In order to keep a clean house, smokers must use ashtrays to contain the ashes and cigarette butts. Ashing outside of an ashtray creates messes and leads to stains and a prominent smoky smell embedded in the floors. Ashtrays must also be regularly emptied and washed, as full or dirty ashtrays smell very strongly of smoke and are unsightly.
Carpet Cleaning
Cleaning the carpets helps regular indoor smokers keep their home looking and smelling clean. Odors and particles from cigarette smoke can embed themselves deep in carpet fibers. Not only does this create an unpleasant lingering odor, but it can lead to stains and discolorations on the carpet.
Baking soda is one effective way to remove any stains and odors from carpets. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the affected area, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, and vacuum it up. Baking soda is a natural absorbent that can work deep down in the carpet fibers to remove any odors and stains. Baking soda can also be used to remove stains or odors in other household fabrics such as drapes, curtains, and blinds.
Frequent professional carpet cleaning is also necessary for indoor smokers, as it can remove any stains and odors too tough for baking soda or other household cleaners. This is already recommended as an annual service for all homeowners, but indoor smokers should use professional carpet cleaners more frequently. A professional carpet cleaning every six months or so will have the carpet of an indoor smoker looking and smelling fresh!
Cleaning Harder Surfaces
Harder surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and hardwood floors are also affected by cigarette smoke and must be regularly cleaned. Ammonia- and glycol-based cleaning solutions are excellent options for most harder surfaces, as they work to neutralize odors and remove any stains.
Cleaning with a mixture of water and vinegar is another effective way to remove any smoky smells from hard surfaces. Vinegar kills a variety of bacteria and is a safe alternative to commercial products that may contain toxins. Water, vinegar, and baking soda can also mix to create a pleasant air-freshening spray.
Repainting the Walls
If cleaning the walls was not enough mask any smells or cover up any stains, repainting will have them looking good as new. Repainting with shellac-, oil-, or water-based primers effectively traps any smoky smells and covers up any unsightly stains. Some of the more handy homeowners can handle the painting themselves, but talking with a professional is always recommended to ensure you choose the proper paint and primer for your specific situation.
Increasing the Indoor Air Quality
One of the largest problems of smoking indoors is its negative impact on indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways for indoor smokers to increase their indoor air quality and prevent indoor smoke buildup.
Increasing airflow is very important for indoor smokers, as stagnant air with cigarette smoke is unhealthy to breathe and leads to mold and mildew growth in the long term. Opening windows or doors is an excellent way to naturally increase airflow and prevent any smoke from lingering. This allows fresh air to enter your area and smoke to dissipate.
The HVAC system in a smoker’s home is also very important, and ductless mini splits are the best way to increase your home’s indoor air quality. They consist of an outdoor compressor or condenser connected to one or more indoor air handling units, and they offer many benefits over competitors like window air conditioners and central ducted HVAC systems.
For example, they are highly efficient, reasonably priced, and silent during operation. Mini splits are also popular because of their versatility, as they double as air filters, purifiers, and dehumidifiers. During operation, a mini split is filtering out any harmful pathogens, dust, dirt, debris, allergens, and more to increase the indoor air quality. This also reduces the risk of disease and prevents buildup of mold or mildew.
Most mini split filters should be changed every four to six weeks, but an indoor smoker should replace theirs more frequently because mini splits operate poorly and inefficiently with dirty or clogged filters.
Mini splits are not the only way to increase indoor air quality. Stand alone air purifiers can also filter out harmful byproducts of cigarette smoke, and some are even designed specifically for indoor smokers. Many smokers also install exhaust fans in their home. Exhaust fans take unwanted particles of dirt, debris, smoke, and dust from the inside air and expel them outside. They are common in bathrooms and kitchens, but are perfect in any room for an indoor smoker.
Be sure to research carefully before purchasing a mini split, air purifier, or exhaust fan. They are almost always designed for use in rooms of a specific size, and an improperly sized unit will not ventilate efficiently or properly. You can also use household materials and foods to eliminate any smoky odors. Bowls of charcoal, orange peels, coffee grounds, vinegar, and pineapple have been shown to combat the odors of cigarette smoke. Candles and plants are two other excellent options.
Designated Smoking Areas
Many have found it best to have designated smoking areas in their home. This helps keep many of the problems contained to a smaller area rather than the whole house, and it makes cleaning much easier.
Smokers often struggle keeping their house clean, but with this convenient guide you’ll keep your house looking and smelling fresh!