Options besides essential oils?

Kiwibird

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So it seems we have gotten a neighbor who smokes and it's drifting in through the poorly sealed window like a draft (?) or possibly they smoke inside because just our office has smelled very lightly of stale cigarettes for a few days and we did just get a new neighbor on the other side of that wall in the past few days. Kiwi is hardly ever in that room but my husband works from home and we use it as a home gym. We've been keeping the door shut so the smell doesn't escape (we cannot smell it anywhere else). We have an air purifier in there, but it seems "limited" in it's ability to fully remove the smell. Because of all the computer equipment in that room, my husband is not keen on running a aromatherapy diffuser in there so are there any of the organic candles or incenses safe to burn in a room away from Kiwi? I suspect when I caulk around the windows and install proper weather stripping the issue will be solved. I can't smell it stronger when I stick my nose up to the shared wall or the floor, so I'm *guessing* it's coming through the window and not someone smoking in their unit. That window is drafty and not well sealed, so I suspect that is the issue. Any brand suggestions for a candle or other pleasantly scented thing that can be burned in another room with the door closed but wouldn't harm Kiwi if some of the scent got out would be appreciated!
 

plumsmum2005

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Baking Soda absorbs smells, put out in an open pan for natural odour control.

Could probably also scent it with lemon and orange peel?
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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You think baking soda could remove a smell that an air purifier can't? We've been running the air purifier on high since we noticed the odor and we can still smell it a little.

TBH, I'm a bit perplexed about the odor and am not even 100% it is cigarettes (though that is what it smells like to me). We have had friends over a few times who smoke and you can smell it pretty strongly on their clothes/person but the air purifiers we have stop the smoke smell from lingering after they leave. I have also seen people smoking outside before but never smelled it inside.

Anything that generates moisture (i.e. boiling citrus peels etc...) my husband isn't going to want in that room around his computer stuff or else I'd just put my aromatherapy diffuser in there with some good smelling essential oils in it. Wonder if I used one of those tea light diffusers in there with an unscented organic soy tea candles from the health food store and essential oils in the bowl? They sell these little diffusers at the dollar store so it wouldn't be a big investment to try...

ceramic-aroma-oil-burner-diffuser1.jpg
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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bit of a long shot in them working but you have these? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rechargeab...&qid=1505742554&sr=8-5&keywords=odor+absorber

may work but who knows. Maybe put a couple plants, in the room? Help absorb the smells, push out some au natural smells and of course pretty the place up!

We have a air purifier in there rated for 400+ sq feet that is also rated for absorbing cigarette odor (not our purpose of buying that model but it is one of the things it's suppose to do), not sure how much a smaller "odor absorber" would help... I do think I'll try some baking soda in a dish and give it a shot, but I'm doubtful how much it'll help.

Live plants would not last (and unfortunately, my pretty but faux orchid I have in there doesn't help the air:p). The window faces the parking lot (like neighbors can look right through it at eye level) so it is shut and covered at all times.
 

plumsmum2005

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It is a recognised cure for paint smells, hope it helps? Just thought that adding some peels off a lemon and/or orange would smell nice?

Did your previous occupant smoke dyk?
 

LordTriggs

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you never know, those stones could be really good! haha

not too sure what you could use.

Maybe even try putting some aquarium sealant around the window to help keep the smell out?
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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It's never smelled like smoke in here before. I don't think the prior residents smoked, though they were not the cleanest people. They did have a cat or cats though, of which I am highly allergic, hence having to run 4 air purifiers because even after over a year I STILL find myself having slight allergies! I can also sometimes smell a faint dryer-sheet or fabreeze like odor, which is from our neighbors.
 
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plumsmum2005

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If your neighbours window is close to yours and they either have a dryer vent or hang the hose outside of said window and with the wind in your direction there is a strong possibility of you smelling these random smells. Sealing the window and/or replacing will help.

Re cat allergies if replacing flooring is not an option then all you can do is steam carpet and hard floors and vacuum plenty. When we came here there had been house cats and I have allergies also. The seller gave up cleaning three months prior to moving. Nice welcome, cat urine and hair everywhere!
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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Sometimes the smell of dryer sheets outside is so strong it makes me gag. Just opening the door to walk in/out lets the smell in and it lingers. I can also smell candle/air freshener scents outside frequently and a few times I've smelled guys body spray so strong you'd think someone dumped a can of the stuff somewhere. Strangely, I find the cigarette smoke odor more tolerable than chemical "good scents" (not that it smells good, but the passive odor doesn't burn my respiratory tract up like other "scents" do). I'm less offended to pass a smoker in the street than someone wearing strong perfume.

We do plan to caulk around the windows and install some weather stripping once fall sets in (which should be in the next few weeks).
 

plumsmum2005

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To be honest it is the lesser of two evils with me. Smoke affects my asthma and strong perfume gives me sinus headaches LOL.

I'm definitely coming back perfect or no way jose!
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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I vacuum 3X a week, use a carpet rake and while I can't steam the hard floors (laminate wood) I "swiffer" it almost daily. I've cleaned the baseboards, the walls... I know it's probably fused in the damn carpet, which I hate, but replacing it is so not doable right now for a multitude of reasons. Before moving in, I did a deep clean and in the kitchen it was cat hair caked in grease all over (and in the bathroom, cat hair caked to grime). That's how I know they had cat(s).
 
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plumsmum2005

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Even a cheapest of the cheap carpet in a sale and on Black Friday?

I know it's horrible!
 
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Kiwibird

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The cheap carpet releases nasty fumes, so we are either going to have to replace with the very expensive "eco carpet" that won't kill Kiwi, put down hard flooring or wait until we move then replace it with cheap carpet before selling.
 

SailBoat

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Okay, I'm going off in a totally different direction with this Thread!

You have a shared Wall! Target that wall, look for any cut or break in that wall! The most likely entry points are Electrical Switches and/or Electrical Outlets! Also, any wall or floor vents on or at the base of that wall!

You will likely find that as you come closer to those 'items' that the smell will become stronger!

These are common issues regarding heat loss (summer) and cold air drafts (winter) on exterior Walls. They are also excellent air exchange points of shared walls. Okay, not so wonderful! :D

The safe fix is a trip to the Big Box Store - you know, Kiwi's and Julio's favorite place! What you are looking for is a foam soft plate insert for Wall Outlet Boxes. They are currently hiding them in the Storm Door Seal area in or next to the Storm Door isle. They are very inexpensive, like under: 2.50 USD for a packet of six!

Take care with the installation as they are pre-cut to fit several styles of Outlets. To use them for a switch takes a bit of playing with the piece to carefully remove enough of the center to fit around the outer part of the switch and not leave an opening.

If you find that this is the problem, let me know and I can walk you though the process of fitting a switch. Always remember, removing less is best!

If you have vents, this will require a bit more skill, but far within your abilities! Remove the cover and look closely for openings between the incoming supply and the opening for the vent cover. It is very rare not to find openings here!!! You can use aluminized 'duct' tape - not the gray stuff that will fall apart with time.

You will be surprised at just how much these two items will effect air gain and loss in your home! Once you complete this wall, take the time to inspect all of the vents! You will continue to find openings! Also, consider doing all outside Outlet and switch opens! It is shocking just how much a problem they are in near all homes!

If this kind of problem is found - its a double win! You spend the money once, and solve or greatly reduce the problem with the shared wall, but you also (with outer walls) are paid back for the effort by reducing heating and AC costs! :D

Enjoy!
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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So the shared wall in that room only has one outlet on it. I do smell a somewhat "musty" odor if I sniff the outlet (boy does that sound weird:p), not quite the stale smoke odor though. I will definitely go ahead and just seal up all the outlets and light switches along our shared walls and walls that face the outside. I do know there is shared airspace in the walls, as I could feel airflow when I had all the fixtures pulled off our tub when I refinished it last year. There are no vents at all in this unit. Heaters are individual wall heaters. That particular room has a baseboard heater along the window wall. No central A/C. I am also trying to determine the best way to winterize/seal up that window (the big noisy one I hate). It's drafty, noisy and if someone were to smoke outside in the vicinity of it, I bet the smell would get in the more I think about it.

On another note, I did some looking around and they make electric fragrance warmers, so I think I will get one and use it to warm essential oils in a carrier oil. No candle would be needed for the electric variety so it should be safe for Kiwi as I use only pure essential oils, never the artificial scent oils:)
 
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SailBoat

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So the shared wall in that room only has one outlet on it. I do smell a somewhat "musty" odor if I sniff the outlet (boy does that sound weird:p), not quite the stale smoke odor though. I will definitely go ahead and just seal up all the outlets and light switches along our shared walls and walls that face the outside. I do know there is shared airspace in the walls, as I could feel airflow when I had all the fixtures pulled off our tub when I refinished it last year. There are no vents at all in this unit. Heaters are individual wall heaters. That particular room has a baseboard heater along the window wall. No central A/C. I am also trying to determine the best way to winterize/seal up that window (the big noisy one I hate). It's drafty, noisy and if someone were to smoke outside in the vicinity of it, I bet the smell would get in the more I think about it.

On another note, I did some looking around and they make electric fragrance warmers, so I think I will get one and use it to warm essential oils in a carrier oil. No candle would be needed for the electric variety so it should be safe for Kiwi as I use only pure essential oils, never the artificial scent oils:)


Shared air space you say! If you have any separation along the floor and wall consider caulking those thin openings.

I would like to provide you a few idea regarding that large window of yours. As you know, the vast majority of sound that comes though a window is much the same effect as a drum - vibration. Anytime that vibration can be dampened the level of sound is reduced.

- There are a number of products on the market that use that soft plastic material in which designs are cut from and can be used to lightly adhere to a 'clear' glass surface. I have seen the material used to alert Birds of the presents of the glass surface. The addition of a design created by you and placed on that glass surface can greatly cut the vibration of the glass surface.

- Cold air, two sources - surface transfer and leakage around the edges and more commonly under the molding around the windows frame. There is commonly huge gaps between the studded wall structure and the window frame. The proper, but rarely done process involves using that Insulated Foam in a Can product, but the non-expansion type. With an edge sharpened pry bar you can carefully lift the molding. As you know, it helps greatly to use a utility knife to cut the paint between the wall and molding.

- Not at the top of the list, but possible answer. When at the Big Box Store, ask regarding a clear plastic sheet that is used to help winterize a large glass window surface. It could be looked at as double win since is creates a dead air space that reduces sound and limits surface transfer. You are going to have to use your Artistic eye to classify this idea as I am told that they are not the best looking fix (inside use) and look really 'quick fix-ish' from the outside.

Hope this helps or at least sets your mind to working on like ideas!

Hope those concepts provide you so success in cutting the noise and cold air issues.

FYI: Your comment - "electric fragrance warmers" I have no experience with that kind of product as Mrs' Boats serious dislikes any of them. Long time married men know when it is best not to questions some topics. :D

Also: The air rush around plumbing fixtures are more commonly sourced to the piping and the heavy cutting done to install them. Commonly direct air paths to open areas in which outside air pulls into the builder. There is a 'fire block (Fire Stop)' wool insulation material that is required by some Government Units as apart of their building code. Expensive and very difficult to do after construction is completed. Target areas around piping and plumbing is the best one can do in that regard.
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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I guess I don't see any molding around our windows??? They are all double pane sliding windows, maybe that's why? I do plan to caulk around the (metal) frames and then put weather stripping in the groove where it closes (I think that is where the draft and outdoor smells come in). I have seen a plastic "insert" for windows that theoretically dampens sound, but the HOA will not allow for such a solution as we must have these ugly standardized blinds installed which wouldn't allow for a plug. I am unsure about the stick on films, but may not be a bad thing to try on the big window since being able to see out it is irrelevant. I'd have to buy a hair dryer to install the film, as I don't own one:p I have (since my last bit of complaining about the window) hung a big thick comforter in front of it on the inside facing side which does seem to help dampen the sound some and will almost certainly help keep heat in/cold out.

Always good not to upset your wife:D Personally, I love good smells but the chemical scents literally create a burning sensation in my eyes, nose, throat and I don't need my little buddy to be the proverbial "canary in the coal mine" to know that crap is toxic. I use essential oils quite a bit, but the scents are never strong or lasting using the methods I have available currently. I'd LOVE an option for scents to stick around longer than 5/10 minutes and could mask other odors but were still safe for everyone (and don't release a bunch of humidity into the air like the diffuser). This could be my excuse to buy one and justify it to my husband;)
 
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SailBoat

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I guess I don't see any molding around our windows??? They are all double pane sliding windows, maybe that's why? I do plan to caulk around the (metal) frames and then put weather stripping in the groove where it closes (I think that is where the draft and outdoor smells come in). I have seen a plastic "insert" for windows that theoretically dampens sound, but the HOA will not allow for such a solution as we must have these ugly standardized blinds installed which wouldn't allow for a plug. I am unsure about the stick on films, but may not be a bad thing to try on the big window since being able to see out it is irrelevant. I'd have to buy a hair dryer to install the film, as I don't own one:p I have (since my last bit of complaining about the window) hung a big thick comforter in front of it on the inside facing side which does seem to help dampen the sound some and will almost certainly help keep heat in/cold out.

Always good not to upset your wife:D Personally, I love good smells but the chemical scents literally create a burning sensation in my eyes, nose, throat and I don't need my little buddy to be the proverbial "canary in the coal mine" to know that crap is toxic. I use essential oils quite a bit, but the scents are never strong or lasting using the methods I have available currently. I'd LOVE an option for scents to stick around longer than 5/10 minutes and could mask other odors but were still safe for everyone (and don't release a bunch of humidity into the air like the diffuser). This could be my excuse to buy one and justify it to my husband;)

Yaaa, I understand the HOA thing! We have a few stories as well.

Regarding the film and a hair dry - Mrs has poked me to saying, what you already know, buy them in a garage sale. I know, you already know that, but I have properly past the information along! :D

Those double pane sliding windows are (as you know) just short of leave a door open. They commonly rap the wall structure with dry wall and insert of the metal frame against the drywall. As you indicate, you're taking a long look at the the metal frame should find gaps and water drains slots. Take care not to 'fully' block those drains, target leave a gap along the bottom edge of the slot to allow for drainage. The two segments should have a seal where the two panels over lap! That seal is prone to failure and is rarely repaired because it commonly requires that at least one of the panels need to be removed to provide access to the seals. Look for either a segment of the frame that comes out or enough space to lift the Panel above the bottom frame.

Hope this is helpful and not me just rambling on and on and on.
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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I purchased a small plug in scent warmer today. I put some coconut oil and essential oils in it. It is starting to smell very nice and I feel safe that it won't be putting off harmful chemicals for Kiwi :) Just wanted to update for others who may be interested in an alternative to essential oil diffusers!
 

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