The Science Behind the Smell

Whether you’re living in a cozy apartment or a sprawling house, the smell of marijuana smoke can sometimes linger longer than you’d like. If you’re a cannabis enthusiast who enjoys smoking at home but doesn’t want your living space to smell like a hotbox, you’re in luck! 

Before we jump into how to get rid of that marijuana odor, let’s understand what causes it in the first place. The distinct smell of cannabis comes from compounds called terpenes, which are also responsible for the scent of many other plants, like pine and lavender. While terpenes are delightful in nature, they can be overwhelming indoors, especially when combined with the compounds released during combustion.

When you smoke marijuana, the smell is carried by the smoke particles that cling to fabrics, walls and other surfaces. This is why the smell can linger for hours, sometimes even days. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to combat it!

DIY Methods to Eliminate the Smell of Marijuana

1. Ventilation is Key

One of the simplest ways to keep the smell of marijuana from sticking around is to ensure proper ventilation. Open your windows and doors to let fresh air circulate and carry the smell outside. If you’re in an apartment and worried about neighbors catching a whiff, try using a fan to direct the smoke out of a window. Exhaust fans in bathrooms or kitchens can also help pull the smoke out of your living space.

Pro Tip: If you have a window fan, set it to blow air outwards to create a steady airflow that pushes the smoke outside. This method can significantly reduce the amount of smoke that lingers indoors.

2. Sploofs: Your Secret Weapon

If you haven’t heard of a sploof, you’re in for a treat. A sploof is a DIY tool that can filter the smoke from your exhale and reduce the smell of marijuana significantly. To make one, you’ll need a cardboard tube (like the one from a toilet paper roll), some dryer sheets and a rubber band.

How to Make a Sploof:

• Take the cardboard tube and stuff it with dryer sheets, leaving about an inch of space at one end.
• Cover the end with more dryer sheets and secure them with a rubber band.
• When you exhale, blow the smoke through the sploof. The dryer sheets will help trap the smoke and neutralize the odor.

You can also buy pre-made sploofs or activated carbon filters for a more professional approach.

3. Odor Absorbers and Air Fresheners

Sometimes, masking the smell isn’t enough—you want to eliminate it altogether. This is where odor absorbers come into play. Products like activated charcoal, baking soda, or even white vinegar can help absorb and neutralize the smell of marijuana.

Activated Charcoal: Place bowls of activated charcoal around your smoking area. Charcoal is highly porous and can trap odor-causing particles, effectively reducing the smell.

Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, furniture, or any surface that may have absorbed the smell. Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. Baking soda is excellent at neutralizing odors.

White Vinegar: Boil a pot of white vinegar on the stove while you smoke. The vinegar steam can help neutralize the smell of marijuana. You can also leave bowls of vinegar around the room to absorb odors over time.

For a quick fix, use air fresheners or sprays designed to neutralize odors, not just cover them up. Look for products that specifically mention they can tackle smoke smells.

4. Candles and Incense

Candles and incense are classic methods for masking unwanted odors and they can work wonders for the smell of marijuana. Look for candles or incense with strong, pleasant scents like lavender, sandalwood, or citrus. These can overpower the smell of cannabis and leave your home smelling fresh.

Pro Tip: Smoke-specific candles, often labeled as “smoke eliminator” candles, are designed to neutralize smoke odors rather than just mask them. They’re a great addition to any cannabis-friendly household.

5. Fabric Refresher Sprays

If you’ve been smoking in a room with a lot of fabric—think curtains, carpets, or upholstered furniture—the smell can cling to these surfaces. A fabric refresher spray can help eliminate the odor. Spritz it on any fabric surface where the smell might linger and let it work its magic.

6. Steam Cleaning

For a deeper clean, consider steam cleaning your carpets and upholstery. The heat and moisture from the steam can help break down and remove the particles that carry the marijuana smell. This method is especially effective if the smell has been building up over time.

7. DIY Air Purifiers

If you’re feeling crafty, you can make a DIY air purifier using a box fan and a furnace filter. Simply attach the filter to the back of the fan and turn it on. As the fan pulls air

Alternatives to Smoking Marijuana

There are plenty of DIY methods to keep your home or apartment smelling fresh, as well as some great alternatives like edibles and vapes that leave no trace of cannabis scent. ShopNaked is your go-to source for cannabis products that won’t stink up your space, as we have all types of Vapes that are neutral scent and go away faster than marijuana and still gives you that great smoking feeling. We also have a wide variety of edibles whether HTC or CBD gummies or Chocolate edibles. Be sure to check all of our category sections for what works best for your environment or work lifestyle.