How to Get Rid of the Weed Smell | UK Guide

The distinctive smell of cannabis, often described as earthy skunky or herbal, can linger on clothing in homes and on breath long after use. Whether you want to freshen up your environment or remove the scent from yourself or your belongings this article explores effective and responsible ways to get rid of the weed smell. This guide is useful for cannabis users who value discretion or simply prefer a neutral-smelling space.

Why Does Cannabis Have a Strong Smell?

The characteristic aroma of cannabis comes from compounds called terpenes. These are natural oils found in the plant that give it its unique fragrance. Different strains of cannabis have different terpene profiles resulting in varied smells. When cannabis is smoked or vaporised the terpenes release into the air and can cling to fabrics surfaces and hair causing the smell to linger.

Understanding this helps explain why simply airing out a room or changing clothes might not always fully remove the scent.

How to Remove Weed Smell From Clothing and Hair

To get rid of the weed smell on clothing washing is usually the most effective method. Use a good quality detergent and consider adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle which can help neutralise odours.

For hair washing with shampoo is the best approach. Some people find that a clarifying shampoo or a shampoo designed to remove odours works well to reduce cannabis smell.

If you are in a hurry dry shampoo or scented hair products can mask the scent temporarily but do not eliminate it completely.

Removing Weed Smell From Rooms and Furniture

Ventilation is key to reducing cannabis odour indoors. Opening windows and using fans can help circulate fresh air and disperse lingering smells.

Cleaning surfaces with mild soap and water can remove residue that traps odours. Soft furnishings like curtains cushions and carpets may require deeper cleaning or professional treatment to fully remove smells.

Using odour absorbers such as activated charcoal or baking soda placed strategically around a room can absorb some of the smell over time. Commercial air purifiers with HEPA filters may also improve air quality and reduce odours.

Scented candles or essential oil diffusers can mask odours temporarily but they do not remove the source of the smell.

Neutralising Cannabis Breath

Cannabis breath can be a giveaway after smoking or vaping. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute odours in the mouth. Chewing mint gum or using mouthwash can freshen breath.

Good oral hygiene including brushing teeth and tongue thoroughly is important. Avoiding smoking indoors or in confined spaces reduces the chance of lingering breath smell.

Tips to Prevent or Minimise Cannabis Odour

If you want to reduce cannabis smell proactively consider using vaporizers which produce less odour than smoking.

Smoking outside or in well-ventilated areas can prevent the smell from settling indoors. Using smoke filters or sploofs made from activated carbon and dryer sheets can help reduce the amount of smell released.

Storing cannabis in airtight containers in a cool dark place limits the release of smell when not in use.

Common Misconceptions

Some believe that spraying perfume or air freshener is enough to remove cannabis odour. While these can mask the smell temporarily they do not eliminate the underlying compounds causing the scent.

Others think that smoking low quality cannabis does not smell as much but actually all cannabis releases terpenes which produce odour regardless of quality.

Ventilation is Key
One of the most effective ways to reduce weed smell is to increase airflow. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and push out the smell. Using fans to direct the air outside can speed up the process significantly.

Use Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is excellent at absorbing odors. Placing bowls of activated charcoal around your smoking area can help trap and neutralize the smell. There are also charcoal-based air purifiers designed specifically for this purpose.

Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
Cannabis smoke can cling to fabrics, carpets, and walls. Washing curtains, blankets, and clothes, and cleaning upholstery with appropriate cleaners will reduce lingering odours. Wiping down hard surfaces with vinegar or an all-purpose cleaner also helps.

Odour Neutralizers and Sprays
Products like ozone generators, air fresheners, or commercial odour neutralizers can mask or eliminate weed smell. However, some sprays only mask the odour temporarily, so it’s best to use them alongside cleaning and ventilation.

Essential Oils and Natural Remedies
Certain essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or citrus can help freshen the air. Diffusers or sprays made with these oils provide a pleasant scent that can overpower weed odour. Boiling cinnamon sticks or citrus peels also helps add a fresh aroma.

Smoke Outside or Use Vaporizers
Smoking outside is the simplest way to keep the smell from lingering indoors. Vaporizers produce less odour than smoking and are less likely to cling to fabrics and surfaces, making them a discreet alternative.

Use a Smoke Buddy or Personal Air Filter
A smoke filter device like a Smoke Buddy can reduce the amount of smoke and odour released into the air. These personal filters are portable and help contain the smell when smoking indoors.

Store Cannabis Properly
Storing cannabis in airtight, smell-proof containers reduces the release of odours. Glass jars with tight lids or specially designed smell-proof bags help contain the smell when not in use.

Summary

Getting rid of the weed smell involves a combination of washing clothing and hair ventilating and cleaning indoor spaces and practising good oral hygiene. Preventative measures like using vaporizers smoking outdoors and proper storage can reduce odour significantly. Masking scents can help temporarily but addressing the source is key to effectively removing cannabis smell.