They Don't Have a Choice. You Do. Secondhand smoke and vape aerosol don't just stay in the air. They contain heavy metals and cancer causing chemicals, and can settle on clothes, furniture, and Just because you can't see the vape cloud anymore doesn't mean it's gone. The chemicals don't just disappear. They settle into the air, furniture, carpets, clothes, blankets, and walls long after the Vape residue on clothes and furniture can be absorbed through skin, says Professor ABC listen How Long Does Vape Smoke Stay in the Air?