You’ve probably heard of secondhand smoke. But did you know there is such a thing as thirdhand smoke? It’s the chemical residue that lingers on indoor surfaces as a result of tobacco smoke. If you’ve just purchased a house from a smoker (or you’re a smoker and you’re selling your home), then you’ll want to take steps remove this residue and the smell that it causes. Here’s what you need to know.
The dangers of thirdhand smoke
While the smell of tobacco smoke can be unpleasant, it’s the residue that’s left behind that can cause serious problems. You can become exposed to these chemicals through touch or by breathing them in, and they can be a health hazard to children, adults, and even pets. Unfortunately, this residue can remain even after the smoking has stopped. A study conducted by San Diego State University discovered that even after a home had been cleaned and stood vacant for two months, it still contained the pollutants found in thirdhand smoke.
Smoking affects resale value
Did you know that smoking inside a home can have a negative effect on its value? In fact, Realtor.com concluded that smoking can reduce a home’s resale value by up to 29 percent. Although sellers are not required to disclose if there was smoking in the home, you may be able to detect an odor. You can also ask your home inspector whether they think there was smoking in the house. And if you are genuinely concerned, then ask the seller’s agent. If they’re reputable, then they will give you an honest answer. It’s important to know that getting rid of thirdhand smoke for good may take time, muscle, and considerable expense.
Start with the HVAC system
Unfortunately, spraying some air freshener and opening the windows isn’t going to eradicate the problem. The smoke has been repeatedly filtered through the home’s HVAC system, which will require a thorough cleaning. Hire a professional to clean the air ducts and replace the filter on the HVAC unit. In fact, consider replacing the air filter once a month until the problem is under control. You should also clean the evaporator coil. If these steps don’t help with the smell, you may need to replace the whole system.
Thoroughly clean the whole house
When battling thirdhand smoke, it’s essential to thoroughly clean the entire house. This includes:
- Changing lightbultbs, since the polluted dust on them will be activated with heat.
- Washing the smoky film off of windows and blinds.
- Washing walls and especially ceilings where the smoke tends to stick the most.
- Painting over walls and ceilings once they are clean. Be sure to use a primer that will seal in the odor so it does not seep through the new layers of paint.
- Professionally steam-cleaning carpets, or replacing them entirely.
- Thoroughly cleaning all wood and tile floors, being sure to vacuum up all the dust in the corners.
- Washing all drapes and curtains, or replacing them.
- Using a dehumidifier during muggy weather.
- Using an air purifier in the house.
Although you shouldn’t necessarily rule out buying a smoker’s house, you do need to be aware of the issues that it can cause. Weigh the health risks and consider the time and money that you’ll need to spend to get rid of the odor and residue for good. Only then will you be able to make an informed decision.
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