Thirdhand smoke is a lesser-known but still harmful form of tobacco exposure that can linger in homes long after you’ve burned your last cigarette. This invisible threat poses risks to both current and future occupants, especially children. This article explores thirdhand smoke and how to address it. In the video above, Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey and painter Mauro Henrique discuss how to remove a cigarette smell from your home.
What Is Thirdhand Smoke?
Thirdhand smoke is the sticky residue from tobacco smoke that clings to surfaces like walls, carpets, furniture, and clothing long after smoking has stopped. This residue can persist for months or even years. It contains harmful chemicals such as arsenic, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, lead, and nicotine.
Over time, these chemicals can mix with other indoor pollutants, potentially creating more dangerous toxins. For example, nicotine residue can mix with nitrous acid from gas appliances, creating cancer-causing nitrosamines. This makes removing or preventing thirdhand smoke even more critical for your home’s safety.
Prolonged exposure to thirdhand smoke is linked to health issues, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairments, increased risk of cancer, and respiratory problems. Findings from several research studies highlight these dangers.
How Thirdhand Smoke Spreads
Thirdhand smoke can spread throughout a home in several ways:
- Air circulation: HVAC systems can distribute smoke residue throughout the house.
- Physical transfer: People and pets can carry smoke particles on their skin, hair, and clothing.
- Surface absorption: Porous materials like carpets and upholstery readily absorb smoke particles.
Detecting Thirdhand Smoke in Your Home
It’s not always easy to spot thirdhand smoke, but there are some signs to watch for:
- A lingering smoky smell, even after thorough cleaning.
- A sticky residue on surfaces, particularly in areas where smoking occurred.
- Yellow or brown discoloration on walls, ceilings, or fabrics.
If you’re buying a new home, check for these signs before moving in—especially if you have kids (they’re
extra vulnerable because they spend more time on the floor, touching surfaces contaminated by smoke) or respiratory concerns.
Removing Thirdhand Smoke from Your Home
Eliminating thirdhand smoke from a home can be challenging and time-consuming. In the video, Henrique shares his experience with tackling thirdhand smoke contamination and emphasizes the difficulty of the task.
Deep Cleaning Techniques
Start with a thorough deep clean to reduce contamination:
- Wash all fabrics, including curtains, bedding, and clothing.
- Clean all hard surfaces with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery with a HEPA filter vacuum.
- Clean air ducts and replace HVAC filters.
- Use an air purifier with activated carbon filters to remove airborne particles.
Painting and Sealing
After cleaning, repainting can help seal in any leftover residue. Here are Henrique’s tips:
- Apply a primer designed to block odors and stains.
- Use alcohol-based paint to create an additional barrier.
- Apply multiple coats for better coverage.
Professional Remediation
If thirdhand smoke contamination is severe, you may need to call in professionals. Remediation can involve:
- Complete replacement of heavily contaminated materials
- Ozone treatments to neutralize odors
- Thermal fogging that penetrates porous surfaces and helps eliminate residue
When Cleaning Isn’t Enough To Remove Cigarette Smoke
In homes with years of smoking history, deep cleaning and painting may not fully resolve the issue. As Trethewey notes, long-term smoke exposure can cause building materials like drywall and insulation to absorb smoke particles, making them impossible to clean.
Considering a Full Renovation
A full gut renovation might be your best bet if smoke has deeply penetrated your home. This process can involve:
- Cleaning or replacing all ductwork
- Installing new windows and doors
- Removing all drywall and insulation
- Replacing flooring and subflooring
While this is a more extreme solution, it’s sometimes necessary for a truly clean and safe home.
Preventing Thirdhand Smoke in Your Home
The best way to deal with thirdhand smoke is to stop it from forming in the first place. Here’s how you can keep your home smoke-free:
- Designate outdoor smoking areas far from entrances and windows.
- Encourage smokers to change clothes and wash their hands after smoking.
- Implement a strict no-smoking policy inside the house.
- Use air purifiers and increase ventilation in areas where smoking has occurred.
Our Advice for Homebuyers
If you’re considering buying a home with a history of smoke, make sure to have it inspected for thirdhand smoke contamination. Working with a professional who can detect smoke residue will help you avoid potential health risks and costly clean-up down the road.