Having guests who smoke weed, cannabis, or marijuana in your Airbnb can be a huge hassle as a host. The strong smell often lingers long after the guests are gone, which can be problematic for your next guests and result in negative reviews. As an Airbnb host trying to run a smooth short-term rental business, learning how to eliminate weed smell efficiently is key.
Fortunately, there are several methods hosts can use to eliminate the odor of pot and cannabis in an Airbnb unit between guest stays. With the right approach, you can eliminate the smell and prevent it from returning. Here are the top techniques for handling weed stench in Airbnb and vacation rental properties.
1. Ventilate the Space Thoroughly
One of the simplest ways to tackle lingering weed or smoke smell is by airing out the space extremely well between guests. As soon as stoner guests check out, open all the windows and doors to create full cross-ventilation throughout the house.
Position box fans facing outward in windows to rapidly pull air through the rental. Keep the place fully ventilated like this for several hours to clear out any stale marijuana smell or smoke residue permeating the space.
Don’t forget to pull back curtains and drapes to circulate air across fabric surfaces where odor molecules can cling. Proper ventilation should help considerably to air out the recent pot smoke.
2. Use Odor-Eliminating Products
In conjunction with ventilation, use commercial odor-eliminating products inside to get rid of the smell on surfaces and fabrics where it tends to linger most stubbornly.
Ozone generators work exceptionally well at removing smoke stains and smells from the air through oxidation. Set one up in the Airbnb unit, crank it to high, and let it run for a full day after airing out to fully purge any lingering weed stench traces.
Carpet deodorizing powders, fabric fresheners, and industrial-strength air freshener sprays also help absorb and cover stubborn smoke smells embedded in soft furnishings. Use these intense chemical deodorizers wherever you notice persistent pot smell issues.
3. Deep Clean Fabrics and Surfaces
To effectively mitigate the issue of weed odor in an Airbnb property, it is essential to conduct a thorough deep cleaning of all fabrics, flooring and surfaces subject to direct guest contact. This removes residue from smoking sessions that keep producing a lingering stale smell.
Shampoo carpets and rugs to eliminate any deeply embedded odor molecules. Steam clean upholstered furniture and mattresses to refresh with intense heat. Wash all linens, blankets, pillowcases, and towels in hot water mixed with white vinegar or bactericidal detergent to kill smells.
Use degreasing cleanser to scrub cabinetry, walls, tile, and hard flooring, wiping up any visible smoke residue film. Touch up with a disinfectant cleanser to kill bacteria that generate odors over time after guests smoke inside.
4. Implement Air Purifying Plants
Certain houseplants excel at removing trace contaminants from indoor air, helping to quietly and naturally neutralize lingering odors without chemicals.
The top options for clearing weed smell in an Airbnb unit include spider plants, English ivy, Boston ferns, peace lilies, orchids, red-edged dracaena, and palms. Position several of these air purifiers around the rental property to passively cleanse the indoor air of cannabis smoke smells between guest stays.
5. Schedule Regular Professional Cleaning
To prevent weed or tobacco smells from ever building up too intensely after guests violate your no-smoking rules, implement regular monthly or biweekly professional deep cleaning services.
Hire a top-rated cleaning company specializing in vacation rentals to refresh your Airbnb unit between guest bookings. Ask them to use intensive odor-eliminating chemicals and disinfecting methods always to maintain a clean, neutral-smelling rental environment.
6. Establish Clear House Rules
Create strict non-smoking rules for your Airbnb to discourage guests from lighting up joints inside in the first place. Outline your zero-tolerance policy on both tobacco and cannabis consumption clearly in your rental house manual.
Specify that you charge a full extra night rental fee and an added cleaning fee for any smoke smell or lingering weed odors detected after checkout. This gives stoner tenants more incentive to follow your short-term rental property guidelines.
7. Provide Outdoor Smoking Areas
Rather than forcing pot-loving guests to abstain completely from recreational weed use onsite, carve out designated outdoor areas on your Airbnb property, especially for smoking.
Set up a covered patio corner, garden bench seating, or balcony area for tenants to safely and legally consume cannabis without making your indoor space reek for the next guests. Just be sure smoking zones remain situated far away from entryways so weed smoke doesn’t come drifting inside.
8. Monitor and Refresh Regularly
Even after tackling weed or cigarette stench using the previous tips, monitor your Airbnb closely between all guest stays. Sniff out any lingering hints of smoke smell as soon as each party checks out before the unit resets.
Use an ozone generator again if you detect faint whiffs of stale odor. Refresh surfaces with cleansing products anywhere that still seem stuffy or clings to the old pot smell. Keep all soft furnishings clean and well aired out. Stay vigilant in keeping your Airbnb’s indoor air sparkling fresh.
9. Invest in a High-Quality Air Purifier with HEPA and Carbon Filters
While houseplants can help, investing in a dedicated air purifier is a game-changer for combatting persistent weed smell in your Airbnb. Look for a unit to tackle odors featuring HEPA and activated carbon filters.
Here’s why this is so effective:
- HEPA filters trap microscopic particles like dust, pollen, and some fine particles found in marijuana smoke. This helps eliminate the physical source of the scent.
- Activated carbon filters: These are the real workhorses for odor removal. Activated carbon is incredibly porous, meaning it has a huge surface area that can trap and neutralize odor molecules like those found in marijuana odor.
Engaging Details for Airbnb Hosts:
Think of it as giving your Airbnb a breath of fresh air after every guest, especially those who might be smokers. On Airbnb hosts forums, many experienced hosts swear by air purifiers, claiming they’ve saved them from negative reviews from guests sensitive to smells. Place one in the main living area and consider adding smaller units to bedrooms for maximum effectiveness.
Pro Tip: Run the air purifier continuously for at least 24 hours after a smoking guest checks out. This will give it ample time to clean the air and ensure the next guest doesn’t walk into a house that smells like weed.
10. Address the Source: Don’t Be Afraid to Enforce Your Rules
All the ozone machines and cleaning in the world won’t help if guests disregard your no-smoking policy. Sometimes, the best way to get the smell out is to prevent it from happening in the first place!
Here’s how to be proactive:
- Clear and Concise Communication: Clear your no-smoking policy in your listing description, house rules, and pre-arrival messages. Don’t be afraid to reiterate the policy and the potential consequences of violating it.
- Security Measures: Consider installing security cameras (disclosed to guests, of course) that monitor for smoking. This can provide evidence if a guest violates the rules.
- Security Deposits: Implement a reasonable security deposit that you can use to cover the cost of professional cleaning and odor removal if a guest smokes in your Airbnb.
Engaging Details for Airbnb Hosts:
Remember, you’re running a business. While you want to provide a welcoming environment, you must protect your investment and ensure a positive guest experience.
Don’t be afraid to enforce your rules and hold guests accountable for their actions. A firm stance on smoking will ultimately lead to a cleaner, fresher-smelling Airbnb and happier guests in the long run.
How to Get Rid of Weed Smell in Airbnb Brief: FAQs
As passionate hosts, we want to ensure the safety and comfort of every guest. However, dealing with the aftermath of guests who smoked cannabis can be frustrating. Here’s a short FAQ to help navigate those tricky situations:
Q: A guest just checked out, and there’s still a strong pot smell. What’s the fastest way to get rid of it?
A: Open windows and doors and use fans to ventilate the space thoroughly. This is your first line of defense! Wash all linens, drapes, and anything washable. A spray like Febreeze can temporarily mask the odor, but you’ll need more powerful solutions for lingering smells.
Q: Ventilation helped, but the cannabis smoke smell lingers. What else can I do?
A: Try these proven methods:
- Ozone Generator: An ozone generator can effectively neutralize cannabis smoke odor. However, it’s crucial to use it correctly and safely, as ozone can be harmful.
- Always air out the space thoroughly after using an ozone generator.
- Deep Cleaning: Hire a professional cleaning company experienced in removing smoke odors. They often have specialized equipment and cleaning agents.
- Air Purifiers: Invest in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters. Run them continuously between guests, especially after a smoke.
Q: My listing has a strict “no smoking” policy. What recourse do I have if a guest violates it?
A: You have several options:
- Document Everything: Take photos and videos of any evidence of smoking, like ashes or cigarette butts.
- Contact the Guest: Address the issue directly with the guest. They may be unaware of the policy or apologetic and willing to resolve it.
- Request for Extra Cleaning: If the smell requires professional cleaning, you can request reimbursement from the guest through the Airbnb Resolution Center. Provide clear evidence, including photos and invoices from the cleaning company.
- File a Claim: If the guest is uncooperative or the damages exceed the security deposit, you can file a claim with Airbnb’s Resolution Center.
Q: Can I use the security deposit to cover damages from smoking?
A: Yes, if your house rules clearly state a “no smoking” policy and outline potential charges for violations, you can use the security deposit to cover the cost of cleaning, repairs, or lost rental income due to the lingering smell.
Q: How do I prevent this from happening again?
A: Be proactive:
- Clear Smoking Policy: Use bold text and clear language in your listing description and house rules. Don’t just say “no smoking” – specify “no smoking of any kind, including cigarettes, cannabis, etc.”
- Visual Reminders: Place “no smoking” signs in visible locations within the property.
Consider Non-Smoking Guests Only: While not affiliated with Airbnb’s official policy, you can only accept guests with previous positive reviews that mention being non-smokers.
Q: Guests want to smoke. Can I designate a smoking area?
A: While tempting, it’s generally not recommended. Smoking can leave a lingering odor difficult to eliminate, even outdoors. It can also bother neighbors or future guests sensitive to the smell.
Q: How long does it take for weed smell to disappear from the air after smoking?
A: Depending on factors like ventilation and quantity smoked, it usually takes 24-48 hours for the odor to dissipate. Open windows, use fans, and consider an air purifier to help speed it up.
Q: What is the best product for eliminating weed smell quickly?
A: Ozone generators work extremely well to oxidize and permanently destroy odor molecules. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and thoroughly ventilate afterward.
Q: What type of incense or candle most effectively covers the pot smell?
A: We’d recommend scented candles with essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, or sandalwood. Nag Champa incense can also overwhelm and mask cannabis odor effectively.
Q: Can products like Stink Sack make you nauseous or sick from the odor intensity?
A: Yes, chemical stench neutralizers like StinkSack can potentially cause headaches, nausea, or dizziness if the fumes are inhaled in a confined space for too long. Make sure to use sparingly and air out the area well after application.
Q: How far away can the smell of weed be detected outside?
A: It varies greatly, but potentially between 50-150 feet away, depending on wind conditions. The odor travels farther at night due to air temperature differences.
Q: How long does the smell from smoking cannabis tend to linger for?
A: The potent smell can linger for up to 2-3 hours after actively smoking. Traces may cling to hair, clothes, and fabrics even longer before dissipating. Proper ventilation is key.
