Vapor may leave a smell behind on surfaces, but it does not last as long as the odors from cigarettes do. The smell will dissipate within a few minutes in a well-ventilated room.
However, there are certain things that can cause the smell to linger longer. These include vegetable glycerin, traces of salt, polypropylene glycol, and a variety of different flavors.
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Hard Surfaces
Aside from a few areas where the odor can get stuck, there isn’t the same lasting effect vaping has on hard surfaces as smoking does. Smoke can linger in a room for hours after it’s extinguished, and the stale smell can cling to fabrics like curtains, carpeting, and walls. When you smoke a cigarette, it creates a fog of nicotine-laden fumes that disperses quickly. While this doesn’t have the same effect on fabrics, it can leave a film of residue on walls that attracts dirt. Fortunately, this film is easy to clean and isn’t as permanent as the staining left behind by cigarettes.
Another area where vaping residue can be seen is on windows. The residue is easily removed using a wet cloth, and it can be minimized by using an air purifier with a filter that captures the chemicals created by vaporization.
Vapors settle in areas that aren’t ventilated well and can cause an unpleasant odor to linger in the atmosphere. Some e-liquid flavors have strong aromas that can cause this, and it’s especially noticeable if you use high-powered vape devices that create big clouds.
It’s important to regularly vacuum and dust the areas where you do your vaping to ensure the odor doesn’t build up. You can also wipe down surfaces with white vinegar to help absorb the odor and reduce it over time. This can be used in the fridge to absorb food odors or to clean your rubbish disposal.
Those living in an apartment can be more susceptible to the lingering odor of vaporization, as they won’t have the same ventilation opportunity as others. Regular cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom can also help reduce odors, as it’s likely that you have many different areas in these rooms that can contribute to the overall smell. Keeping these areas clean can also prevent the development of mold and mildew, which can produce unpleasant odors. Regular scrubbing of the walls is essential, too. The porous texture of the paint offers plenty of nooks and crannies for residues to rest in.
Fabrics
Unlike cigarette smoke particles which are both heavy and sticky, vapor particles tend to be lighter and more easily disperse in the air. However, they can still settle on fabrics – particularly drapes, curtains, and carpets – and linger there as long as the vapor does. Fortunately, this smell is not as strong as the smell of cigarette smoke and can usually be removed with water and detergent, rather than having to scrub and scour the grime off smoldering wallpaper and fabrics, which would damage them in the process.
The smell of vapor can also cling to fabric clothes, especially those that have been worn in the same room as you have been vaping. While this odor may not be as strong as the odor from cigarette smoking, it can still linger for some time and may require a wash or airing before it disappears completely. However, using a light and flavorful e-liquid or pod refill will be less of an issue than with some heavier, stronger-smelling vape flavors, which can leave a more unpleasant smell on clothing.
Vapor particles are also more likely to stick to and cling to dust, hairs, and other dirt in the air than cigarette smoke residue does, making it much easier for them to build up and make your home appear dirtier. It is, therefore, a good idea to step up your cleaning frequency if you or someone in your household vapes, especially by opening windows and regularly wiping surfaces.
Vape odors can also be more noticeable in rooms with soft furnishings such as lounges, bedrooms, and a study or office. If the smell becomes a regular problem in these areas, it may be necessary to change your décor or use a deodorizer spray that can eliminate odors quickly and without damaging your furniture. If the odor is coming from your walls, repainting them with a sealant such as Kilz may help, though it will not stop the smell from returning once it has been washed away.
Carpets
The vapor that is not exhaled will drop on carpets and linger within the fibers of the material. This will create a smell that is more difficult to remove than cigarette smoke. Carpets are also more likely to absorb odors if the room is not ventilated well and the carpets are not cleaned regularly. Vapor odors will not last as long as cigarette odors, but they may be more difficult to remove if the carpet is old or has a persistent stain.
The best way to prevent odors is to vacuum your carpet often. Vacuuming removes the microscopic particles that cause a smell, and it also helps to break down any stain-causing liquids that have been soaked up by your carpet. This method is more effective than spraying carpets with a strong odor counteractant.
It is best to use a natural carpet cleaner containing only a few chemicals. You can find these types of products at most major retailers. Some carpet cleaners also have deodorizing properties that help eliminate odors.
Another option is to use a carpet freshener that is formulated with essential oils. These types of products usually come in a variety of pleasant fragrances. Many are infused with citrus fruit or floral scents that leave behind a clean, fresh aroma. Some of these products can even be placed in the vacuum cleaner.
You can also place a few bowls of vinegar around the room. Vinegar can be used to soak up odors and is one of the most effective ways to eliminate a bad carpet smell. It is important to note that vinegar may stain the fibers of your carpeting, so it should be used sparingly.
If your carpet is new, you can try placing a few potted plants in the room. Certain types of vegetation, such as bamboo palms, pothos, and peace lilies, can eliminate VOCs and boost air quality.
If you do not want to spend time cleaning your home, it is important that you limit where you can smoke. Smoking only in designated areas will reduce odors and give your home a clean, fresh smell. Investing in an air purifier is also a good idea, which is a great tool for eliminating unwanted odors from your home.
Air Vents
When someone vapes in a room, airborne particles rise and can escape through vents. These airborne particles contain traces of salt (added to some e-liquids), vegetable glycerin, polypropylene glycol, and lots of different flavors. When these vapors exit the lungs, they “perfume” the surrounding environment, giving off a distinctively lingering odor.
These odors will also fall onto hard surfaces like walls, carpeting, and fabrics. They may leave a slightly sticky residue on the surface that can attract dirt, dust, and hairs. Over time these residues will cause the room to look and smell dingy and dirty.
The amount of odor that lingers depends on many factors, including the type of e-liquid, how often one vapes, and how well or poorly ventilated the room is. The type of materials in the room can make a difference, too; for example, a room with hardwood floors will absorb odors less than a room with carpet flooring.
In some cases, the odors from e-cigarette vapor can also set off hotel smoke detectors. This happens when the vapor particles get close to the sensor and trigger it, whether it’s an ionization detection alarm or a heat-based trigger. This can lead to the housekeeping staff being alerted that someone is smoking in the room.
This odor usually doesn’t last as long as cigarette smoke odors and can be removed with a quick cleaning. It can also be minimized by vaping in rooms with good ventilation systems, opening windows, and using a fan to help circulate the air.
In addition to odors, some people may find that the residue from vaping can stain furniture and fabrics. This can be reduced by cleaning with a dry cloth or using commercially marketed fabric fresheners that bond to the residue and remove it from the surface. If the staining is severe, it might be necessary to repaint the surface.