In recent years, indoor air quality has become an increasing concern, with secondhand smoke pollution emerging as a prominent problem. Whether it’s the lingering smell of cigarette smoke, haze from wildfires, or odors arising from cooking, the need for cleaner indoor air has never been clearer.

So, does air purifier help with smoke? Do air purifiers work for smoke smell? Where will be an air purifier that helps with cigarette smoke best? That is one of many questions raised. ​​In this article, we will help you answer the above questions in detail.

Answers about air purifiers that help smoke

Yes, air purifiers can help with smoke. Air purifiers work by removing airborne pollutants, such as dust, pollen, and smoke particles, from the air. They usually contain at least one filter and a fan. As air passes through the purifier, the filter captures fine particles, such as dust, smoke, and other pollutants and allergens. 

We realize a lot of scientific study related to the question: Does air purifiers help with smoke? One study published on Healthline found that High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air purifiers can reduce smoke particles in the air. These devices are designed to collect at least 99.5% of particles in the air that are 3 microns or less in size. This includes many types of smoke particles.

The same study noted that air purifiers do little to remove non-particle components of smoke, such as nicotine or other gaseous components. This means that while air purifiers can help reduce the particulate matter in smoke, they may not fully eliminate all harmful components.

Another study underlined the effectiveness of air purifiers and ventilation systems by Mohammad Aldekheel et al. equipped with efficient in-line filters in substantially reducing indoor air pollution. Meanwhile, the study conducted in educational facilities in 2021 found that air purifiers reduced the concentration of microbiological pollutants by 18%.

To further solidify the answer to the question: Does air purifiers help with smoke? We give you a deeper understanding of how they work in the next section.

How Air Purifiers Work to Help with Smoke

Air purifiers help deal with smoke by using a variety of technologies to filter and clean the air, effectively removing both smoke particles and associated odors. Let’s break down how air purifiers work to help answer the question for yourself: Does air purifiers help with smoke?

Filtration system

To help with smoke, the air purifier uses filtration first. We notice two types of filters that can eliminate smoke effectively, which is:

• HEPA filters: HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are essential for many air purifiers. They are designed with a dense mesh of fine glass fibers that effectively trap tiny contaminants, including smoke particles. As air flows through these filters, pollutants get captured within the mesh, preventing them from re-entering the room. This ensures cleaner and healthier air for occupants.
• Carbon filters: Many air purifiers include activated carbon filters to address the strong odors associated with smoke. Activated carbon stands out due to its vast surface area and porous texture, making it excellent at adsorbing odorous molecules. These molecules bind to the carbon’s surface, ensuring smoke odors aren’t just concealed but are genuinely trapped and eliminated.

Fan and air circulation

Besides the filter system, the fan and air circulation inside the air purifier play a role in reducing smoke. Air purifiers operate with a built-in fan, which ingeniously draws air from the encompassing room. Once captured, this air undergoes a transformative journey through the intricate layers of filters housed within the cleaner. 

Ionization (Optional)

In addition to the above technologies,  several air purifiers use Ionization technology. Simply put, these devices emit negatively charged ions into the atmosphere. These negatively charged ions, once released, seek out and cling to smoke particles and other impurities in the air. By doing so, they add weight to these particles. As a result, the now heavier particles either gracefully descend to settle on surfaces or become much easier prey for the purifier’s filters to trap and remove.

Types of Smoke Air Purifiers Can Address

Does an air purifier help with cigarette smoke smell? Will an air purifier help with secondhand smoke? There are many questions being asked about the types of smoke that air purifiers can remove, so below, we will take a deeper look at what types of smoke they can remove:

• Tobacco: Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters and activated carbon filters are particularly effective at removing both the visible particles and the strong odors associated with tobacco smoke.
• Cooking smoke: Cooking smoke and odors from frying, grilling, or other cooking methods can be reduced by air purifiers with activated carbon filters. These filters help capture the fine particles and cooking odors produced during meal preparation.
• Wildfire smoke: During wildfire events, outdoor smoke can infiltrate indoor spaces. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are essential for capturing the fine particulate matter present in wildfire smoke, improving indoor air quality.
• Wood smoke: Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces can release fine smoke particles and odors. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA and activated carbon filters can help reduce these emissions, making indoor environments more comfortable.
• Incense and candle smoke: Burning incense or candles can release smoke and fragrances. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters can remove smoke and neutralize lingering odors.
• Pet smoke and odors: Pets can sometimes introduce smoke and odors into the home, especially if they spend time outdoors. Air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters can help manage pet-related odors and particles.
• Industrial or pollution-related smoke: In areas with high levels of industrial pollution, air purifiers can be effective at reducing indoor exposure to pollutants and fine particles associated with smoke from factories or traffic.

Does air purifier help with smoke

So after answering the question does air purifier help with smoke? Maybe you want to know which air purifier is best for smoke. Below, we have researched and selected some of the most suitable air purifiers:

BlueAir classic 680i air purifier

The first option we want to introduce is the BlueAir Classic 680i that stands out due to its impressive CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating of 450. Ideal for larger spaces, it’s designed to purify air in rooms as vast as 700 square feet. One convenient feature is its wheel design, which offers portability between rooms. It employs a dual-filtration system that integrates HEPA and activated carbon filters. This combination ensures that smoke particles and the associated odors are effectively neutralized.

IQAir HealthPro Plus

Next, we appreciate IQAir HealthPro Plus for its supreme air purification capabilities. One of its standout features is the HyperHEPA filter, which has the prowess to capture ultra-fine particles, including smoke, as small as 0.003 microns. Additionally, its V5-Cell gas and odor filter provides an extra layer of protection, ensuring no unpleasant smoke odors linger.

Honeywell HPA300

For those who are more budget-conscious, the Honeywell HPA300 offers excellent value. While being friendly on the pocket, it doesn’t compromise performance, especially when it comes to removing smoke particles. Its expansive coverage area, combined with a HEPA filter, ensures larger rooms remain smoke-free.

Coway Airmega AP-1512HH

Receiving accolades and rated as the best air purifier by U.S. News, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH boasts a commendable smoke CADR of 233. Alongside its HEPA filter, this model integrates an eco mode – a thoughtful addition for those keen on conserving energy.

Dyson Pure Hot + cool HP04

Dyson, a brand synonymous with innovation, brings forth the Pure Hot + Cool HP04. This multifunctional device serves as an air purifier, heater, and fan. Its filtration system combines a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, ensuring a thorough removal of both smoke particles and their accompanying odors.

Winix 5500-2

The Winix 5500-2 stands as a formidable choice for those with medium to large-sized rooms. Equipped with a True HEPA filter, this model also includes a washable AOC (Advanced Odor Control) filter. This duo ensures not just the capture of smoke particles but also a significant reduction in smoke-related odors.

Practical Tips for Effective Use of Air Purifiers for Smoke

Does air purifier help with smoke? Absolutely yes. However, to optimize the impact of air purifiers to reduce smoke, we want to introduce some helpful tips below:

Choose the right air purifier

First of all, you should select an air purifier that is specifically designed for smoke removal, equipped with HEPA and activated carbon filters. If you’re dealing with tobacco smoke,choosing a purifier with a strong track record in addressing cigarette odors and particles is vital. 

Proper placement

Place the air purifier in the room or area where smoke is also most prevalent. For smoke reduction, it is recommended to keep the purifier in the same room where the smoking activity occurs or where smoke tends to accumulate.

Close doors and windows 

To minimize the entry of outdoor smoke into your living space, we recommend keep doors and windows closed while the air purifier is running. This helps create a controlled environment and prevents the influx of outdoor smoke.

Run continuously

To maximize the effectiveness of the air purifier, you ought to run it continuously, especially in areas with persistent smoke presence. This ensures that the purifier continuously filters the air and removes smoke particles.

Regular filter maintenance

Last but not least, we highly suggest you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement or cleaning to ensure the purifier’s efficiency. If the manual suggests replacing the HEPA filter every six months, set a reminder to do so.

Conclusion

The question “Does an air purifier help with smoke?” can be answered with a resounding yes. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA and activated carbon filters are powerful tools in the battle against smoke particles and the lingering odors they bring. Whether it’s tobacco smoke, cooking smoke, wildfire smoke, or other sources, these devices are designed to efficiently capture and neutralize the harmful elements that compromise indoor air quality.