How to Clean a Smoke Buddy

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 16, 2021

A Smoke Buddy is a portable filter that eliminates the smell of smoke. Use it when you’re around other people to reduce their exposure to secondhand smoke. Although you can keep the Smoke Buddy dry and free of debris, you cannot clean the filter. Until it’s time to get a replacement, take care of the Smoke Buddy so that you can smoke peacefully in public.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Washing the Smoke Buddy

1
Moisten a paper towel with clean water. Turn on a faucet and dampen a paper towel very lightly. Avoid using a paper towel that is sopping wet. Flooding the Smoke Buddy with water won’t help clean it, and you can get pieces of the towel stuck inside it.
- Baby wipes are okay to use, but avoid using alcohol-based products.
2
Wipe the inside of the Smoke Buddy. Lower the paper towel through the container’s open end. If you’re having trouble, use a small tool, such as a pencil, to guide the paper towel. Move the paper towel to clean off the inner portion of the plastic.^{[1]
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- Avoid attempting to clean the filter. Unfortunately, it’s disposable, so the unit has to be replaced when it stops working.
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3
Clean the outside with a moist towel. Drag the paper towel out of the Smoke Buddy. Use it again or get another towel to clean the outer portion. Wipe the towel over the plastic to remove any lingering debris.^{[2]
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4
Dry off the Smoke Buddy in open air. You can use a dry towel to absorb most of the moisture. Wipe down the Smoke Buddy’s exterior, then use the pencil again to push the paper towel through the interior. Absorb as much moisture as you can, then let the Smoke Buddy sit in open air until you need it again.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Maintaining and Replacing the Smoke Buddy

1
Leave the caps off after using the Smoke Buddy. Moisture from your breath collects inside the Smoke Buddy every time you use it. Set the Smoke Buddy on a table or in another open area to help it dry out and last longer.^{[3]
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2
Use the Smoke Buddy for up to 3 months. 3 months is the approximate amount of time each unit lasts. This equates to about 150 uses for the Jr. size and 300 uses for the regular size. Depending on how frequently you use yours, it may need to be replaced sooner.
3
Replace the Smoke Buddy when it’s hard to blow through. You will be able to feel when this happens. The filter will be completely clogged, so smoky air will accumulate inside the Smoke Buddy. You won’t smell clean air coming out the unit’s smaller end.