I once lived in an apartment where the smell of cigarette smoke from the neighbours was coming through the walls. No matter how many times I cleaned, The smell wouldn’t go away. It became a constant reminder that I needed to find a solution fast. If you’re struggling with odours seeping through your walls, Don’t worry. In this article, I’ll show you how to stop smells from coming through walls, including easy fixes like sealing cracks And more advanced tips like improving ventilation. Let’s get your space smelling fresh again!
Understanding Why Smells Travel Through Walls
Smells can move through walls in ways you might not expect. They travel through tiny cracks and gaps in the walls, Ceilings, and floors. This means odours from a neighbour’s cooking, Cigarette smoke, Or pets can easily make their way into your space. Let’s explore why this happens.
How Smells Move Through Walls
Odours travel through the air. In homes and apartments, the air moves through small cracks and gaps in the walls. Even if you close a door, The smell can still enter your room. Shared walls in apartments make it even easier for smells to pass between rooms.
Ventilation systems also play a part. Air ducts can carry smells from one unit to another. If your apartment shares a vent with a neighbour, The air and smells can flow freely between spaces.
Common Sources of Smells
Here are some common sources of smells that travel through walls:
- Cigarette Smoke from Neighbours
If your neighbour smokes, The smell can seep through the walls. Even if you don’t smoke, the odour can linger in your space. - Cooking Odors
Strong cooking smells like garlic, Fish, Or spices can move through the air. You might smell your neighbour’s meal more than your own! - Pet Odors, Mold, or Damp Smells
Pets can leave behind odours, especially in confined spaces. Similarly, mold and dampness can create musty smells that travel through walls.
How to Stop Smells from Coming Through Walls: 7 Practical Solutions
Dealing with unwanted smells in your home can be frustrating. Whether it’s cigarette smoke, food odours, Or pet smells, they can easily sneak through the walls. Don’t worry, though! In this section, I’ll share seven practical ways to stop smells from coming through your walls. Let’s get your space smelling fresh again.
01. Seal Cracks and Gaps in Your Walls
Smells often travel through cracks in the walls. Start by checking for gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards. Use caulk or foam sealants to fill small cracks. For bigger gaps, Apply weather stripping To seal the spaces. Sealing these cracks will stop smells from getting inside.
02. Improve Ventilation
Good airflow helps prevent smells from lingering. Open windows to let fresh air in and use fans to get the air moving. You can also install an air purifier to filter out bad smells. With better ventilation, Odours won’t have a chance to settle in your home.
03. Use Odour Absorbing Products
Activated charcoal, Baking soda, And air fresheners are great at absorbing odors. You can place them in different parts of your home, Like closets or bathrooms. Baking soda can be sprinkled on carpets, while activated charcoal works best in small spaces. Air fresheners or essential oils can mask the odours And keep your space smelling nice.
04. Install a Deodorising System
If you want a steady, Fresh scent, try installing a deodorising system. Automatic air fresheners can release fragrance throughout your home. You can also use DIY solutions, like placing bowls of vinegar or baking soda to absorb odours. These systems work 24/7 to keep your space fresh.
05. Soundproofing to Prevent Smell Travel
Soundproofing isn’t just for noise—it can also block odours. Installing soundproof panels or insulation can stop smells from travelling through walls. This is especially helpful in apartments with shared walls. Adding soundproofing can make a noticeable difference in keeping your space odour-free.
06. Seal Your Vents
Smells can travel through your air vents, especially in shared apartment buildings. To stop this, seal your vents with adhesive strips or vent covers. You can also install air filters to trap odors before they spread. Make sure to replace the filters regularly for best results.
07. Repaint the Walls
A fresh coat of paint can help seal in odours. Many paints now have odour-blocking properties, which can keep smells from coming through the walls. If you live with a smoker or have pets, Repainting the walls every few years can make A big difference.
How to Get Rid of Smoke Smell in an Apartment
Cigarette smoke can linger in your apartment, Making it hard to breathe. Whether it’s from neighbours or previous tenants, Getting rid of it is important. But don’t worry! There are easy ways To remove the smell. Let’s explore how to clear the air and freshen up your space.
Removing Cigarette Smoke Odours
The first step is to let fresh air in. Open your windows and use fans to move the air around. Then, try using vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it on the walls and furniture to help neutralise the smell.
If the odor is strong, You can use an ozone generator. This tool breaks down smoke particles in the air. Be sure to follow the instructions for safe use.
When I lived with cigarette smoke, I found vinegar and fresh air worked best. An air purifier helped too, keeping the keep air clean over time.
Deep Cleaning Your Apartment to Eliminate Smoke Smell
Smoke particles stick to carpets, Furniture, and curtains. To remove them, start by sprinkling baking soda on your carpet. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, Then vacuum it up. This helps absorb the odor.
For your furniture and curtains, wash or dry-clean them if possible. You can also use a steam cleaner for a deeper clean. Don’t forget about your air ducts—cleaning them can stop smoke from lingering.
Extra Tips for Preventing Odors in Your Home
Keeping your home smelling fresh doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple steps, you can prevent bad odors from taking over. Here are some easy tips to maintain A clean, fresh-smelling home.
Keep Your Home Dry and Well-Ventilated
High humidity can trap moisture And cause musty odors. It’s important to keep the humidity levels in your home between 30% and 50%. You can use a dehumidifier or open windows to keep the air dry. Regular ventilation with fans or airflow can help remove any trapped moisture and odors.
Add Natural Scent Sources
Natural scents can mask unpleasant smells and improve air quality. Essential oils are great for this; you can use a diffuser to spread your favorite scent. Scented candles are another simple way to make your space smell nice. I love using lavender and citrus oils for A fresh and calming aroma. These natural scents not only smell great but also help create a soothing atmosphere in your home.
Conclusion
Tackling odors early is important to keep your home fresh. The sooner you address unwanted smells, the easier it is to prevent them from spreading. Using the tips I shared has made a big difference in my home. The air feels fresher, and the space is more comfortable.
I encourage you to try these methods in your own home. If you’ve faced similar issues with smells seeping through your walls, I’d love to hear about your experiences.
FAQs
Can you prevent cigarette smoke from coming through the walls?
Yes, sealing cracks, improving ventilation, and using odour-absorbing products like activated charcoal can prevent cigarette smoke from seeping through walls.
Why does my apartment smell like food from my neighbour?
Food smells travel through shared walls and ventilation. Seal gaps in walls, improve airflow, and use odor-absorbing products to reduce cooking smells.
Do air purifiers work for odours in walls?
Yes, air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters can trap odours in the air, including those coming from walls, and help keep your space smelling fresh.
