Why Do House Smells Like Cigarette Smoke But We Don’t Smoke?

The reason behind it can be anything from electrical smoke to phantosmia. Also, molds and mildews can also smell like cigarettes. Cigarette smoke is one of the most unappealing smells according to most people. It’s even more disturbing if you are picking up a smoky smell in your house but no one in the house smokes. 

House Smells Like Cigarette Smoke But We Don’t Smoke?

For a house to smell like cigarette smoke, there can be many reasons. The first logical explanation is if someone in the house smokes cigarettes. But, if no one in the house smokes but you’re still smelling cigarettes then there could be some actual issues behind it. And, you definitely should find out where it’s coming from. 

From cigarette

If someone from your house doesn’t smoke “inside the house” but still smokes outside then it can cause your house to smell like cigarettes. Even if they enter the house hours later after smoking, the cigarette smoke infests the clothes and hair of the smoker. And, the minute they get into the house, the smell spreads inside.

Second-Hand Smoke

Second-hand smoke can also make your house smell like cigarettes. If someone from the house works somewhere where other people around them smoke, it can make them smell like cigarettes. 

Generally, at the workspace, many common things are touched by everyone such as the coffee machine or vending machine, the doorknob, chair, desk, pen, and many more. When a smoker touches these items, they collect the smell. So, when a non-smoker touches these items afterward, the smell infests them too.

As a result, when they come home and touch other things in the house the smell transfers to these things from their hands. Also, it’s very likely for bars and smoking zones of restaurants. The cigarette smell is very pervasive. So, if anyone enters the house after visiting a bar or smoking zone, that can cause the smell.

Electrical Smoke

Electrical smoke can be another reason behind the smell of smoke in your house. If the smell appears only when you are using a particular electrical item such as lights, air conditioner, fan, etc. then it’s very likely that the cause is electrical smoke.

Generally, if there is any exposed wire associated with any electrical items it slowly burns when you turn on that item. And, create electrical smoke in the process which causes the room to smell like cigarettes. This issue can lead to dangerous situations if left unattended for long.

So, look for signs of exposed wire when you smell smoke in your house. It can be an exposed wire in the ceiling or behind a wall. Check the possible areas and try to fix them as soon as possible. Also, getting professional help is recommended if you are not familiar with fixing electric wires.

Is Smelling Smoke A Sign of A Stroke?

Smelling smoke without there being an actual source of smoke can be a sign of a serious health issue. According to many, it is one of the many symptoms that someone is having a stroke. However, there is no solid evidence that can medically prove this theory.

Despite it not having been proved medically, many people who have gone through stroke have claimed that they experienced burnt toast, metallic and chemical smell before having a stroke. Besides, smelling something that isn’t there can refer to serious medical conditions.

When someone experiences a stroke, it causes the nervous system to break down. The brain tissue can’t receive oxygen and nutrients. Now, since the brain processes our sense of smell, it can be possible to smell something imaginary such as smoke during this time.

Is Phantosmia The Reason?

Phantosmia is a medical condition where a person smells something that is not actually there. This disorder is also known as olfactory hallucination. Individuals suffering from phantosmia can mostly smell burnt toast, smoke, chemical and metallic smell, rotten and moldy smell, burning rubber smell, etc.

Even though this is not a widely observed condition, it can still be a possible reason why you can smell smoke in the house. The cause for this condition can be both related to the nose and the brain. But mostly nasal cavities such as sinus infection, tumors, nasal polyps, rhinitis can cause phantosmia.

It can also refer to severe migraine, schizophrenia, seizures or epilepsy, and other types of head traumas. In most cases, phantosmia goes away on its own. However, if the symptoms stay more than a few days, it can indicate an underlying medical condition. In that case, it’s better to consult a doctor soon.

Why Does Mold Smell Like Cigarette Smoke?

Mold is a very common issue in old houses. Also, new houses where there are very little light, poor air ventilation, and a damp environment, can cause mold to grow. And, they can cause unpleasant smells to linger in the house.

In most cases, molds give off a musty and earthy odor. Sometimes, it can also smell like rotten wood or cigarette smoke. Molds release a microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) that causes these unpleasant smells. So, if you are smelling cigarette smoke around the house, it can also indicate mold growth.

Why Does My Bathroom Smell Like Cigarettes?

The main reason for bathrooms to smell like cigarettes is if someone touches the wall or other surfaces after touching a cigarette. Besides, this bathroom smelling like cigarettes can be also a result of water leakage and mold growth. Replacing the old ductwork of the bathroom after every few years is a good practice to prevent the water leakage.

In most cases, a broken or damaged pipe leaks water that causes molds to grow. These molds release different chemical compounds while growing which can cause the bathroom to smell like cigarettes. To prevent the mold formation you can go for the polystyrene baseboard instead of wooden baseboard.

Frequently Asked Question

Q: How do I remove smoke smell infested in household objects like furniture and carpet?

Ans: The best way is to wash the fabric items. Besides, you can sprinkle baking soda or wipe the surfaces of the item with vinegar.

Q: Is there any other medical condition where people can smell imaginary smells besides phantosmia?

Ans: Sinusitis and nasal inflammation can also cause a person to smell something that isn’t there. Sometimes, migraines can trigger this issue.

Conclusion

Picking up some small whiffs of cigarette smell here and there around the house without anyone in the house smoking can indicate either any problems with the house or any issues about your health. Both of them can lead to bigger problems if left unchecked so it’s better to check it out as soon as possible.

Understanding the presence of a cigarette smoke smell in a non-smoker’s house is vital to maintaining a healthy environment. It’s alarming when you notice a small cigarette smoke aroma lingering in your space, especially when you or your family have made the conscious decision to quit smoking. The unexpected tobacco smoke scent could be traced to an array of sources such as dirty air filters, uncleaned air ducts, or even secondhand smoke from a nearby source.

The harmful effects of inhaling these dangerous fumes are undeniable, making it paramount to proactively counteract cigarette smoke odors. Ranging from the use of air purifiers and activated charcoal to employing air fresheners, various remedies can help clear the air. However, always remember that these are temporary solutions to persistent smells like tobacco smoke. If you find yourself noticing a cigarette smell occasionally, it might be time for a thorough examination of your HVAC system to ensure that dust particles and other potential carriers of this smell are eradicated.

Moreover, if the smell persists, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure a comprehensive cleaning of your living space. After all, the health risks associated with even passive smoking are not to be taken lightly. Let’s all strive for smoke-free homes, ensuring healthier, happier lives for ourselves and our loved ones.