Air Purifiers That Remove Smoke

Air purifiers that remove smoke are a great way to reduce the harmful pollutants associated with thirdhand smoke. These pollutants include dangerous chemicals that stick to surfaces and linger in the air.

The most effective air purifiers for smoke are those that combine a HEPA filter with a carbon filter to trap particles and odors. Also, make sure the model you choose has a sufficient clean air delivery rate for your room size.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most versatile household ingredients, with uses ranging from cleaning to nixing bad odors to soothing sunburns. But despite how similar they look in your measuring spoon, baking powder and baking soda are not the same thing. They’re both leavening agents that help baked goods rise, but each works differently. We turned to the pros to demystify the kitchen science behind these pantry staples and learn what sets them apart.

Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate is the main ingredient in baking soda. It’s pure alkaline (a base), and when combined with acid, it reacts to release carbon dioxide gas in order to aerate and lighten a mixture. In this way, baking soda helps to make cookies, cakes and muffins rise. Baking soda is typically stored in a closed container or zip-top bag, and it can lose potency over time. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat sources to avoid losing its ability to react with acids.

Unlike baking soda, which needs to be mixed with an acidic liquid, baking powder already contains an acid. This is why it’s used in recipes that don’t require an additional acid, such as scones or vanilla wafers. For maximum effectiveness, purchase a double-acting baking powder that will react once when it is combined with liquid and again when it is exposed to heat.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar has been used for thousands of years as a prized cooking ingredient, household cleaner and natural fungicide. It contains acetic acid and is produced both synthetically and smoke purifier through biological fermentation. The word vinegar derives from Old French (vin, wine; aigre, sour) and Latin (acetum, sour alcoholic liquid).

Vinegar is one of the best odor neutralizers for smoke because its low pH attacks the higher-pH smoke molecules. It also works as a deodorizer by absorbing other odifers in the air. To use as a smoke purifier, pour distilled white vinegar into several bowls and set them around the house in rooms with heavy cigarette or cigar smoke smells. Leave the vinegar in the room for at least a few hours, and preferably overnight. Replace the vinegar with fresh white vinegar after it has absorbed odifers.

To absorb odifers in small areas, wet a cloth with straight white vinegar and wring out excess liquid. Then wave the cloth over surfaces in the room to remove smoke odifers and refresh furniture and other fabrics. For a more pronounced clean, dip a cloth in the vinegar solution and scrub walls and ceilings with it. For washable items like curtains, pillows and blankets, toss them in the washing machine with a cup of baking soda to boost its odor-neutralizing power. For hard-to-clean items, like books and decorative items, put them in a large plastic bag with a half cup of baking soda and tie the bag shut. Let the items sit for eight hours before shaking them off and removing them.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Many people think of hydrogen peroxide primarily as a bleaching agent for hair and clothing. However, it is also a powerful oxidizing chemical that kills germs and eliminates odors, making it useful as a disinfectant, cleaning agent and sterilizer in homes and other settings. It can even be used to treat wounds and sterilize food preparation surfaces.

Hydrogen peroxide is a covalent compound with the formula H2O2. It is the simplest form of oxygen peroxide and the most reactive, eagerly oxidizing any compounds in contact with it. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and it dissolves in water and alcohol. It can react with a variety of organic compounds to form more complex molecules such as peroxides and oxidizing agents, and it can initiate polymerization reactions. It is also capable of reacting with some metals to form crystalline solids such as sodium perborate (NaBO2*H2O2*3H2O) and potassium permanganate.

It is often produced by the oxidation of water using nitric acid, but it can be synthesized via the energy-intensive anthraquinone process and by electrochemical reduction of oxygen in the presence of transition metal salts such as those of iron, copper, manganese, nickel, or chromium. High-concentration streams of hydrogen peroxide (typically above 68% by volume) are available, but they must be handled and shipped with special precautions due to their classification as a hazardous material.

4. Air Fresheners

Air fresheners are a $1.5 billion industry that sells like hotcakes in the US, but there’s a problem: most of them increase indoor air pollution by releasing volatile organic compounds into the air. These chemicals can react with other substances in the air to form secondary pollutants, including ozone and formaldehyde. The latter is a known carcinogen that can be breathed in, leading to respiratory problems and skin irritation.

These compounds are released from fragrances or essential oils, which are often derived from plants. Fragrance companies aren’t required to list their ingredients, and it’s difficult smoke purifier to know what you’re breathing in when it comes to these products. Moreover, most of these fragrances are made with solvents that can irritate the nose and throat.

There are plenty of safer ways to refresh your home. Look for natural or clean products that are transparent about their ingredients and undergo rigorous product testing. These include candles and reed diffusers, as well as odor-absorbing products like scented gels and solids. Also, opt for a humidifier that can help with dry noses and throats — especially if you or someone in your house smokes tobacco.

The best way to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke in your home is with an air purifier that specifically targets tobacco odors and particles. Choose a unit that has a pre-filter to capture large particles, a HEPA filter to catch smaller ones and an activated carbon filter to absorb odors.