Will I have to clean more if I vape indoors?

Cigarettes are notorious for causing discoloration and lingering odours when smoked in enclosed spaces. Researchers have found that even with a window open, smoke from one cigarette can linger in a room for up to two and a half hours.

The toxins from smoke can linger for even longer on carpets, furnishings and walls. They create additional risks to health and become harder to remove as they build up. In contrast, the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes, which is commonly known as vapour, is composed of atomised particulates. These particulates are easy to dissipate and have a minimal effect on surroundings.

Cigarettes cause discoloration to walls, furnishings and more because of the smoke they create. The combination of nicotine, numerous chemicals and the process of burning makes the smoke particularly sticky. It quickly builds up on surfaces and becomes difficult to clean.

Some people worry that the presence of nicotine in e-liquids means they will also cause discoloration, but this is not the case. The aerosol exhaled by vapers is simply the atomised e-liquid ingredients and a little water, which is naturally produced by the human body.

These atomised particulates are very fine and easy to dissipate. In addition, Public Health England have found that exhaled e-cigarette vapour contains negligible levels of nicotine.

Cigarette smoke can also leave a distinctive odour on clothes and soft furnishings. Some people worry that the wide ranges of e-liquid flavours mean vaping will also leave strong, sweet odours behind.

Because e-cigarette vapour dissipates easily rather than creating a sticky smoke, it does not leave residual odours in the same way that cigarettes do.

If you consistently and heavily vape in the same enclosed, indoor space, the exhaled vapour can settle and over a longer period of time it may create a misty film on surfaces.

This film won’t cause discoloration like cigarette smoke or damage belongings in any way. It is often most noticeable on windows, which can start to look a little opaque.

The build up of this harmless vapour residue can be easily avoided by regularly wiping surfaces gently, with a dry cloth. If you often vape in a car, it is particularly useful to be aware of vapour build up.

If you are concerned about vaping residue, simply leave a window open when vaping. The gentle air-flow will help exhaled vapour to dissipate quickly and reduce the possibility of build-up.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/733022/Ecigarettes_an_evidence_update_A_report_commissioned_by_Public_Health_England_FINAL.pdf

https://ash.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SecondhandSmoke.pdf