High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove 99.97% of particles with a size of 0.3 µm, and, perhaps contrary to popular belief, capture a greater percentage of particles both larger and smaller than this worst-case size.
While many people know that an air purifier can help with allergens such as mold and pollens, the good news is that using an air purifier can help to remove smoke from the air as well. Not only can an air purifier help to remove smoke odors, but it can capture many of the harmful chemical components as well.
Dust, Pollen, or Smoke Odors
In a typical home environment, an effective air purifier can start to reduce these pollutants within 30 to 60 minutes. Noticeable improvements in air quality are often observed within a few hours, with significant reductions occurring over 24 hours of continuous use.
Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors, and use fans or air purifiers to facilitate airflow. This helps remove airborne smoke particles and freshens the indoor environment.
Use air cleaners to help remove particles and odors
Consider purchasing portable air cleaners with both a HEPA filter and activated carbon filter. The carbon filter is important as it will remove the VOCs from the air. The HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of particles and VOCs that are bound to particles.
Ventilate the home—immediately open all windows and doors so that the smoke can move out of the house quickly. Turn on fans—to encourage the smoke to move faster, turn on ceiling fans and position portable fans so that they move the air toward the open doors and windows.
A bowl of vinegar can start absorbing odors almost immediately and is typically adequate for up to 24 hours. When left out in a room, the acetic acid in vinegar neutralizes alkaline odors, such as those from smoke, cooking, or pet accidents, by binding with the odor molecules and neutralizing them.
If the smoke smell comes from fire damage, it can take weeks or months to disappear. Until it does, the smoke odor will reduce the home's indoor air quality and pose a health hazard for all building occupants.
Air conditioners may filter out some components of smoke, such as larger particles and visible particulate matter. However, they are not designed to completely purify smoke or remove all harmful substances present in it.
Ozone generators permanently remove smoke odor resulting from fire damage, cigarette and tobacco smoke. Cigar and cigarette smoke odor removal is easy with the OdorFree smoke odor eliminator and also in buildings that have suffered fire and/or smoke damage.
Smoke Eater Vs. Air Purifier
However, smoke eaters are more powerful and have a higher Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) performance, which is perfect for removing gaseous carcinogens fast and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) that are dangerous byproducts of cigar smoke.
According to Li, air purifiers are most important for people who are sensitive to particles because they have asthma, allergies to pollen or dust, or cardiovascular issues, as well as children, pregnant people and the elderly.
Air Purifiers to Remove Smoke Particles
The pre-filter captures larger particles like dust, dirt and hair while the activated charcoal filter removes gases and odors. The medical-grade HEPA filter captures those micro irritants like those harmful thirdhand and wild fire smoke particles.
Febreze Air Freshener Spray, 2 count
It gets rid of strong smoke and cooking odors quickly, even in our large Good Housekeeping test kitchens.
Best for odors
The Oransi TrueCarbon 200C Air Purifier is our top choice for removing odors like cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and diaper pail smells. Truly a no-frills option, this model comes ready to go.
The smoke particles must be removed by cleaning since smoke particles tend to get into the smallest cracks and areas. This means that you may be left with lingering odors even after cleaning your house from top to bottom. Removing all sources of odors is the only way to ensure the scent will not linger.
One of the most effective ways to clean smoke from indoor environments is to attach a MERV 13 furnace filter to a box fan. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency tested this method with air monitors and found that a box fan filter reduced airborne particulate matter dramatically.
The only effective way to remove tobacco residue and smell is to clean and seal all structural surfaces. Restoration specialists start tobacco smoke removal by cleaning all surfaces. The cleanup always includes deodorizing agents to help eliminate the tiny particles of tobacco smoke.
Boiling vinegar can help to get rid of the lingering smell.
A small bowl of baking soda on an upper shelf will absorb odors without adding any chemical smell.
Filters labeled “MERV13” or higher are most effective for removing smoke particles. Having a portable HEPA air cleaner available will also help to create a room with filtered air. See https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/air-cleaners-and-air-filters-home. for additional guidance on home air filtration.