Close the door to your room and open a window. You want to restrict smoke odors from traveling to other parts of the building while directing as much of the actual smoke as possible outside. [2] X Research source Put a fan in the window. Have it facing outside rather than towards you. This will help pull smoke out of the room and funnel it outdoors. A large box fan is ideal, but even a small desk fan is better than nothing. [3] X Research source If you’re still actively smoking, blow all of your smoke through the back of the fan so that it gets sucked outside. [4] X Research source
Air sanitizers like Ozium are believed to help neutralize odors like cigarette smoke. [6] X Research source Febreze can hide bad smells, possibly including cigarette smoke, because it contains hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), an active agent that traps, binds, and retains malodorous molecules. [7] X Research source Citrus is typically considered a good masking odor. If you have fresh oranges, even better: peel a few oranges in your room and leave the peels in strategic locations around your room while you wait for the odor to dissipate. [8] X Research source Incense, such as cedar wood, may help cover the smell of smoke. [9] X Research source However, burning incense may not be allowed in buildings with strict no-smoking policies. Leave out a bowl of white vinegar or ammonia. These powerful odors will help mask most odors, including smoke. Be sure to change these often, especially if the liquid is turning brown or yellow. [10] X Research source However, these products do not smell very good, and in the case of ammonia, the fumes may be hazardous if left out for prolonged periods of time. You may also have some explaining to do if your roommate or building manager finds bowls of vinegar or ammonia lying around. Douse a rag with vanilla extract and hide it under a bed or chair. It should emit a strong vanilla odor which may help mask the smell of smoke. [11] X Research source
Some of the best plants for improved air quality include philodendron, spider plants, English ivy, peace lily, daisies, and chrysanthemums. [14] X Research source
Use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner to scrub the walls of your room. If you have an all-purpose cleaner with a strong odor, like lemon or citrus, that may be even more effective in hiding the smell of smoke. [16] X Research source Vinegar can also be used to clean the walls, though again, you may have to explain the vinegar aroma clinging to your room. Rest assured, the odor doesn’t last very long compared to cigarette smoke. Mix one cup white vinegar with two cups of warm water, then add a generous scoop of baking soda. Use a mop, brush, or sponge to wash the walls and window moldings, and wipe it all down with a dry paper towel. [17] X Research source
Sprinkle the carpet cleaner/deodorizer generously across the carpet throughout the room, and let it sit for a while to absorb any lingering smells. [20] X Research source When it seems like the smell is fairly well-masked, use a vacuum to clean your entire room’s carpeting. [21] X Research source In a pinch, you can mask odors trapped in the carpet by mixing baking soda and a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender. Mix the liquid and powder together as much as you can, then sprinkle the carpet. Let it sit for about four hours (or as long as time permits), then vacuum up the powder. [22] X Research source
Spraying odor-masking products on furniture and/or carpeting may help reduce noticeable smoke odors, but will not completely eliminate most odors. [24] X Research source Rubbing baking soda into a piece of furniture can also help neutralize odors. Let the baking soda sit for as long as possible (ideally overnight, though time constraints may not allow for this), then vacuum up all of the baking soda. [25] X Research source This method could even be done in conjunction with a spray-on odor-masking product. You can clean and remove cigarette smells from hard-surface furniture, such as wood, the same way you do flooring; wipe down the piece of furniture with a scented cleaner. Also try eliminating cigarette smells by wiping down your furniture with a cloth that is lightly dampened by all-purpose cleaner with bleach.
Keep your ashtray empty as often as possible. Stray cigarette butts can emit a powerful odor long after the flame has been extinguished. [27] X Research source If you are trying to hide your smoking from others who live in the same house as you, remember to dispose of cigarette butts in a place they won’t be found or smelled.
If you aren’t able to change out of your clothes immediately, try spraying them down thoroughly with Lysol.
Eat something with a strong odor, like garlic or onions. [29] X Research source This should effectively mask the odor from your breath, as garlic and onions tend to overpower most other smells. Freshen your breath by brushing your teeth and using mouthwash. [30] X Research source This will give you the freshest breath possible, and will leave your mouth feeling clean. Chew a strong mint. Breath mints are designed to mask odors by leaving a strong minty aroma in your mouth. This can even be done after you’ve brushed your teeth or eaten something with a strong odor. [31] X Research source Oil pulling can also help remove built up cigarette odor in the mouth.
Use a scented soap to work up a good lather between your hands. [33] X Research source If you don’t have scented soap, a scented shampoo or body wash will do. Rinse your hands thoroughly, and repeat as necessary. [34] X Research source Use hand sanitizer and/or moisturizing lotion to help further cover up the smell after you’ve washed your hands. [35] X Research source
Use a coconut shampoo or other strongly-scented product to mask the odor on your hair and scalp. [37] X Research source Use a scented styling product after you shower to further ensure that your hair does not smell. [38] X Research source
