With the legalization of marijuana and the growing popularity of vape, smoking is on the rise. The evolving trends in smoking highlights the growing complexity of smoke management in hotels. These new forms of smoking bring additional challenges that can exacerbate the issue of thirdhand smoke. For instance, vaping may leave behind different types of residues compared to traditional cigarettes, complicating the cleaning process.

As smoking trends shift, the need for hotels to adapt their strategies for managing both secondhand and thirdhand smoke becomes even more crucial. Understanding how different smoking products impact the environment can help hotels implement more effective policies and practices to prevent or handle smoking incidents.

In the hospitality industry, managing smoking policies is crucial for maintaining a clean and comfortable environment. However, the challenge of handling smoking in hotels extends beyond the departure of guests and the cleaning of rooms. One persistent and often overlooked issue is thirdhand smoke, which continues to affect hotel environments long after the immediate smoking event has ended. Here’s why thirdhand smoke is a critical concern and how hotels can effectively manage it.

What is Thirdhand Smoke and Why Does It Matter?

Thirdhand smoke refers to the residual toxins left behind from smoking, which settle on surfaces such as walls, furniture, and carpets. Unlike secondhand smoke, which is the smoke inhaled by non-smokers during smoking, thirdhand smoke involves chemical residues that remain long after the cigarette is extinguished. These residues can interact with indoor pollutants, potentially creating harmful compounds that linger in the hotel room environment. To learn more about thirdhand smoke, visit our previous blog on the matter.

In short, thirdhand smoke is an issue because it is not resolved once the smoking incident ends. Residue will remain; coated over surfaces or absorbed by furniture pieces. Toxins can remain on the surfaces for up to 5 years after a smoking incident. Exposure to this residue can increase risk of cancer, lead to respiratory and pulmonary issues among other negative health effects. Each new guest that passes through a smoking room will be exposed to these harmful toxins. In addition, cleaning staff will have long term exposure and could experience many of the harmful effects. While simply cleaning the room may seem like the obvious solution, third hand smoke is difficult to remove and in the case of recurring smoking incidents, near impossible to clean.

Not only are guests going to experience negative health effects from their stay; many guests may leave negative reviews on their experiences at your hotel. A study on TripAdvisor found that 10% of reviews on non-smoking rooms had complaints related to smoking cigarettes, marijuana, and vape. 80% of these complaints were in regards to thirdhand smoke residue from cigarette smoking from previous guests.

The Ongoing Impact of Thirdhand Smoke

Standard cleaning procedures may not fully remove the third hand smoke residue left behind. Even painting over walls will only hide the toxins for later exposure. These lingering toxins can contribute to unpleasant odors, potential health risks, and a general decline in room quality.

The presence of thirdhand smoke can impact guest satisfaction and safety, particularly for those who are sensitive to smoke or who are staying in a non-smoking room. For hotels, this means that the problem extends beyond the immediate smoking event and requires ongoing management to ensure that every guest room remains truly smoke-free.

Addressing the Challenge of Thirdhand Smoke

To effectively manage thirdhand smoke and maintain a high standard of cleanliness, hotels need to implement comprehensive strategies:

1. Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: Regular cleaning is crucial, but for thirdhand smoke, deep cleaning methods are required. Use specialized cleaning products designed to neutralize and remove smoke residues. Focus on areas that are prone to accumulation, such as carpets, upholstery, and walls.
2. Advanced Monitoring Technology: Investing in technology like WYND Sentry can help hotels better manage smoking-related issues. While WYND Sentry primarily detects active smoking, its real-time alerts can aid in early detection of problems that might lead to thirdhand smoke concerns. This proactive approach can complement cleaning efforts by identifying potential issues before they escalate.
3. Staff Training and Awareness: Train your staff on the importance of addressing thirdhand smoke and the specific techniques required to manage it. This includes recognizing the signs of smoke residues and understanding how to use advanced cleaning products effectively.
4. Clear Smoking Policies and Communication: Ensure that your smoking policies are clearly communicated to all guests and strictly enforced. Designate specific smoking areas away from guest rooms to minimize the risk of thirdhand smoke infiltration.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Feedback: Regularly review guest feedback and room conditions to identify any persistent issues related to smoking residues. Continuous monitoring helps ensure that your cleaning practices remain effective and that your hotel environment stays welcoming and healthy.

Ensuring a Truly Smoke-Free Environment

Handling smoking in hotels is a multifaceted challenge that extends beyond the immediate effects of smoking. Thirdhand smoke is a hidden issue that can persist long after a guest departs, impacting air quality and guest satisfaction. By implementing advanced cleaning methods, utilizing technology like WYND Sentry, and maintaining clear smoking policies, hotels can effectively manage both the visible and invisible impacts of smoking. Addressing thirdhand smoke is essential for ensuring a truly smoke-free environment and delivering a superior guest experience.

To delve deeper into effectively addressing these challenges, hoteliers can explore the comprehensive capabilities of WYND Sentry. By leveraging this innovative solution, hotels gain real-time insights and proactive measures to combat smoking-related incidents, ensuring enhanced guest experiences, minimized financial risks, and safeguarding your property.

For more information on WYND Sentry and how it can benefit your hotel, visit WYND Sentry - Hotel or connect with our team to Book a Demo.