How To Eliminate Cigarette And Marijuana Smoke Odor
Smoke odor isn't airborne — it's adsorbed. The smell residents complain about lives in the porous surfaces of the unit: drywall, carpet padding, popcorn ceiling, HVAC liner. That's why air fresheners fail.
Why ozone doesn't fix it on its own
Ozone breaks down some surface compounds but doesn't penetrate paint or carpet padding. Within a week, body heat and humidity re-volatilize the embedded compounds.
The Luften process
Step 1: Seal the surfaces with a chemistry-grade primer. Step 2: Apply Smoke Odor Shield via electrostatic sprayer to bond with residual VOCs in soft furnishings. Step 3: Replace HVAC return air filters with carbon-impregnated media for 30 days.
When repaint isn't necessary
If the unit was a non-smoker that got contaminated by a neighbor, treatment alone usually resolves it. Heavy long-term smoker units typically need the primer step.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does treatment take?
- Most one-bedroom units complete in under 4 hours and are ready for occupancy the same day.
- Does it work on marijuana?
- Yes. The chemistry is non-selective for combustion VOCs.
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