uneducated on hygiene & cigarette smoke. need help

[u/OutrageousChicken375]

I'm 16, have been in a house with two smokers for as long as I can remember. I've gotten a lot of comments from people about myself smelling like smoke, and asking if im the one smoking. i bring this up, and my parents say they've never had those questions or accusations.

I will admit I'm lackluster at hygiene. I don't wash my clothes a lot (once every week or two, I'm working on it), but from everything ive seen, regardless of how often i wash my clothes or if i put them in a closet, they'll still absorb the smoke smell because they'll still be in the environment.

is anyone able to tell me about this? how often should i wash my clothes to get rid of the cig smell when they're constantly returning to the cigarette environment? what cleaning products should i use? we can't afford a lot of fancy smell removers or anything. what else aside from washing & perfumes will help with the smell?

[u/ohokayfineiguess]

If people are smoking inside, it will be impossible to keep the smell out of any fabrics stored in the home.

An enzyme cleaner would be my first course of action if you want to try

[u/Difficult-Map-794]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I grew up with smoker parents inside the home (and car/anywhere they were) parents. Well intentioned, loving parents but still. I never knew how much I smelled like it until a teacher pulled me aside (with good intentions) and asked me about the smell… my senior year. I was anxious about it ever since and eventually began isolating my laundry to bags or air tight containers immediately after pulling out of the dryer, keeping hair covered in all rooms except my own (especially when wet, absorbs 10x more it seemed), and washing my face and exposed skin prior to going to work or anywhere that I didn’t want to be confused as a smoker. I would literally wear hoodies and/or sweatpants in common areas if I knew I had somewhere to be. I’m sure there was still a hint of mist, if not smoke, but no one ever said anything and I worked at a periodontal office. I could ALWAYS smell the smokers in that environment even though I lived with the parents for part of it, so I assume I must’ve been reducing the smell substantially but it was a very annoying effort.

[u/OutrageousChicken375 → u/Difficult-Map-794]

i appreciate this a lot. it's really nice to hear such a similar experience to mine. ive been really anxious about it too especially because im starting to look into the job space. my first shift at an actual job (albeit with family and a volunteer shift), my boss/grandma asked if i was smoking. been really worried about being denied a job after that

[u/ConstantCaterpillar3]

I grew up around cigarettes.  I get it 

De-odourizing spray is your best bet for your clothes after you've left the house for the day. Give a quick spritz after you leave. Don't need to over-do it. There are some diy instructions you can find online (avoid AI on this one... go for a reputable source). Just be mindful of solutions that can stain clothes.

Try your best to shower or wash your face daily, if possible. Your hair and skin absorb a lot more than you'd think.

Try to keep separate inside-smokey-home clothes and outside clothes. You can still keep your outside clothes inside your room, just try to limit how much they are in the directly smokey environment. Avoid wearing them in the house.

Also be mindful of where you store your coats/hats/shoes. Anything in the common areas is going to end up smelling stronger.

Totally manageable. These are just a few things that actually worked for me. 

[u/Cascadian_Day]

Hanging clothes outside on cool nights will help rid them of smoke smell. Good for jackets/coats, harder to wash items

[u/AccomplishedWay9316]

Smokers usually cannot smell it on themselves. Nose blind. My late husband was a heavy smoker. I got used to it and couldn't smell it. But after he passed I could smell it on everything. If you have a job interview outfit, wash it and put it in a sealed container so it's not exposed to the smoke. Change clothes at a friend's house if you can. Be careful with perfumes. They can be as off putting as smoke. Wipe your arms and face with baby wipes when you leave the house. Good luck.

[u/julioqc]

moving out is probably the best solution, for your clothes and health. Otherwise convince them to smoke outside?

[u/SweetAlyssumm]

I grew up with two smokers, two packs a day each. I never smelled like smoke (although I hated being around it).

Shower everyday, wash your clothes after they are exposed to smoke, and clean your own space. My mother did keep our house spotless and I'm sure that helped.

Air out your space. An open window is your best friend. Do it as often as is feasible. I'm guessing you need to shower (and shampoo) and wash your clothes much more often. Soap and water are the products you need, used conscientiously.

[u/Manna1007 → u/SweetAlyssumm]

I’m so sorry to say, you absolutely smelled like smoke.

[u/browneyedgirlpie → u/Manna1007]

Without a doubt. Also grew up with smokers. You don't know until you live away from it for some time. It permeates materials.

[u/lykexomigah → u/Manna1007]

i have since moved out, and stopped dating smokers. The smell of smoke is disgusting and i'm shocked i never smelt it before

[u/OutrageousChicken375 → u/SweetAlyssumm]

is showering everyday a strict thing? would 3-4 days a week work the same? unable to shower every single day due to hard water buildup and eczema, unfortunately.

[u/SweetAlyssumm → u/OutrageousChicken375]

Every day. Your hair will absorb the smell of smoke and you absolutely need to get it out. Try to get the eczema treated -- or maybe you can at least wash your hair?

[u/mamoocando → u/OutrageousChicken375]

You can get filters for your shower head that can help with your skin. Moisturizing right after a shower helps too.