If you are a smoker or have had a smoker in your car, you know how tough it is to eliminate the smoke smell. The smell can linger on for days, weeks, or even months, making your car’s interior unpleasant. In this article, we will show you 6 steps how to get smoke smell out of car with some easy and effective tips and tricks.
Materials You’ll Required
| Cleaning Supplies | Purpose |
| Microfiber cloth | Cleaning and polishing surfaces |
| Rags | Cleaning surfaces and wiping up spills |
| Bucket | Holding cleaning solution or water for mopping |
| Latex gloves | Protecting hands from cleaning chemicals and dirt |
| Mask | Filtering out airborne particles and chemicals |
| Ruler | Measuring surfaces for precise cleaning |
| Bin for trash removal | Collecting trash and debris during cleaning |
| Vacuum | Removing dirt and debris from carpets and floors |
| Steam cleaner | Deep cleaning carpets and upholstery |
| Ammonia-free glass cleaner | Cleaning glass and mirrors without streaks |
| Hard surface auto cleaner | Cleaning car interiors and exteriors |
| Upholstery cleaner | Cleaning and removing stains from upholstery |
| Leather cleaner and conditioner | Cleaning and conditioning leather surfaces |
| Simple Green (optional) | All-purpose cleaner for various surfaces |
| Odor neutralizer | Neutralizing and eliminating unpleasant odors |
| Baking soda | Absorbing odors and as a mild abrasive for cleaning |
| White vinegar | Cleaning and removing stains from various surfaces |
| Coffee grounds | Absorbing odors and as a natural abrasive for cleaning |
| Citrus peels | Deodorizing and adding a fresh scent to cleaning |
| Charcoal | Absorbing odors and impurities from the air |
| Cat litter | Absorbing moisture and odors from surfaces |
| Ozone generator | Eliminating odors and purifying the air |
6 Steps How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Car
Step 1: Clean the Car
- Remove garbage, ashtrays, and cigarette butts from the car.
- Vacuum carpets, seats, and floor mats to eliminate debris and dust.
- Clean dashboard, steering wheel, and door handles with an all-purpose cleaner.
Step 2: Air It Out
- Open windows and doors
- Allow fresh air circulation
- Leave in sunlight for a few hours
- Sunlight helps eliminate smoke smell
Step 3: Use Natural Remedies
- Baking soda: Sprinkle on carpets and seats, leave for a few hours, then vacuum to absorb smoke smell.
- White vinegar: Fill a spray bottle, apply on car interior, leave for a few hours, and wipe off with a damp cloth.
Step 4: Use Commercial Smoke Eliminators
- If natural remedies fail, consider commercial smoke eliminators.
- These products are specifically designed for eliminating smoke odors in cars.
- Available at local auto stores or online.
- Read and follow instructions carefully before use.
Step 5: Consider a Professional Detailing Service
If the smoke smell still lingers in your car after trying all the above steps, you may want to consider a professional detailing service. A professional detailer can clean your car thoroughly and remove the smoke smell. It may cost you some money, but it is worth it.
Step 6: Prevent Future Smoke Smells
- Avoid smoking in your car to prevent smoke smell
- Use air fresheners to maintain a fresh and clean car scent
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Best Products to Get Smoke Smell Out of Car
- Ozium Smoke & Odors Eliminator Gel
- Meguiar’s Whole Car Air Re-Fresher Odor Eliminator Mist
- Chemical Guys AIR_101_16 New Car Smell Premium Air Freshener and Odor Eliminator
- Turtle Wax Odor-X Odor Eliminator & Refresher Spray
- Dakota Non-Smoke Smoke Odor Eliminator
- Febreze Car Air Freshener, Set of 5
- Rocco & Roxie Supply Co Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator
- OdoBan Ready-to-Use 32 oz Spray Bottle & 1 Gal Concentrate, Eucalyptus Scent – Odor Eliminator
- Armor All Smoke X Car Air Freshener and Purifier
- Chemical Guys SPI_109_16 Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner Kit with Horsehair Leather Cleaning Brush.
How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell in Car Naturally
Here are some natural ways to get rid of cigarette smell in a car:
- Sprinkle baking soda on upholstery and carpets, let sit, then vacuum
- Place a bowl of white vinegar in the car overnight to absorb odors
- Use activated charcoal in a bowl to absorb odors over a few days
- Put a bowl of coffee grounds in the car for a few days to absorb odors
- Place citrus peels in the car for a few days to absorb odors and leave a fresh scent
- Mix essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus) with water and spray to mask odors
- Open windows for a few hours to let fresh air circulate and eliminate odors
Note: While these natural methods can help reduce cigarette smell, they may not completely eliminate it. It is also important to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in the car, including the upholstery, carpets, and dashboard, to get rid of cigarette residue.
How to Get Cigarette Smell Out of Car With Leather Seats
- Thoroughly vacuum seats and carpets
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, wipe leather seats with the solution
- Sprinkle baking soda on seats, let sit for hours, then vacuum
- Use automotive leather cleaner following manufacturer’s instructions
- Place odor-absorbing product (e.g., activated charcoal bag) in the car
- If smell persists, consider professional detailer for cigarette smoke odor removal
Note: It’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on leather seats, as they can damage the leather. Always test any cleaner or solution on a small, inconspicuous leather area before using it on the entire seat.
How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Car With Vinegar
Vinegar is a great natural solution for removing the smoke smell from a car. Here are the steps to use vinegar to eliminate the smoke smell:
- Thoroughly vacuum car interior to remove ash and debris.
- Place a bowl of white vinegar in the car, leave for several hours or overnight.
- Dampen a cloth with white vinegar, wipe all surfaces, including upholstery, carpets, and dashboard.
- Ensure thorough coverage, reaching into crevices and corners.
- Let vinegar air dry, keep car windows open for ventilation.
- Repeat as needed until smoke odor is gone.
Note: Vinegar has a strong smell, but it will dissipate as it dries. If the smell of vinegar lingers, you can place an odor-absorbing product, such as baking soda or activated charcoal, in the car to help eliminate it.
How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Car Air Conditioner
The smoke smell can often linger in the car’s air conditioning system, even after cleaning the interior. Here are some steps you can take to get the smoke smell out of the car’s air conditioner:
- Turn off AC, open windows
- Locate air intake vent near wipers
- Clean vent with vacuum brush attachment
- Replace cabin air filter
- Turn on AC, open windows
- Spray odor eliminator into vent (Ozium, Febreze)
- Let AC run for a few minutes
- Turn off AC, let car sit with windows open
- If smell persists, consult professional auto detailer
Note: Regular maintenance of the car’s air conditioning system, including replacing the cabin air filter, can help prevent odors from building up in the system in the future.
How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Car Quickly
Here are some quick ways to get the smoke smell out of a car:
- Open car windows for fresh air circulation
- Use car-specific air freshener
- Apply odor-eliminating spray (Ozium, Febreze)
- Wipe all interior surfaces with a damp cloth
- Place activated charcoal in a bowl to absorb odors
- Sprinkle baking soda on upholstery, vacuum after a few hours
Note: These quick methods can help reduce the smoke smell, but they may not eliminate it. For more thorough cleaning, consider using the natural or chemical methods mentioned earlier.
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Frequently Asked Questions to Get Smoke Smell Out of Car
How long does it take to get smoke smell out of car?
The time it takes to remove the smoke smell from a car can vary depending on the severity of the smell and the cleaning methods used. It could take anywhere from a few hours to several days to completely remove the odor.
What absorbs the smell of smoke?
Activated charcoal, baking soda, and white vinegar are all effective at absorbing smoke smell. Place them in an open container in the car and leave them for several hours to help absorb the odor.
Will cigarette smoke smell eventually go away?
With proper cleaning and deodorizing methods, the cigarette smoke smell can eventually go away. However, it may take several attempts and treatments to completely remove the odor.
How do you get smoke smell out of car vents?
To remove the smoke smell from car vents, you can use a vent cleaning tool or compressed air to blow out any debris or particles. Then, use a cleaning solution specifically designed for car vents to clean and deodorize them.
Does smoke smell ever come out of car?
Yes, smoke smell can come out of a car with proper cleaning and deodorizing methods. However, it may take multiple treatments and deep cleaning to completely remove the odor.
Does cigarette smoke ruin car interior?
Cigarette smoke can cause discoloration and damage to car interior surfaces over time, including fabrics, leather, and plastics. It can also leave a stubborn odor that can be difficult to remove without proper cleaning.
What is the most powerful odor eliminator?
There are many powerful odor eliminators on the market, including Ozium, Febreze, and Rocco & Roxie. The effectiveness of each product can vary depending on the type and severity of the odor.
How can I remove smoke smell from car upholstery?
To remove smoke smell from car upholstery, you can use a fabric cleaner or odor eliminator specifically designed for cars. Be sure to thoroughly clean and deodorize all surfaces, including carpets, seats, and headliners.
How can I remove smoke smell from car carpets?
To remove smoke smell from car carpets, you can use a carpet cleaner specifically designed for cars or sprinkle baking soda on the carpets and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming it up.
How can I remove smoke smell from car air conditioning?
To remove smoke smell from car air conditioning, you can use a cleaning solution specifically designed for air conditioning systems. Be sure to clean all components of the system, including the evaporator coil and air ducts.
How can I prevent smoke smell from returning to my car?
To prevent smoke smell from returning to your car, you should avoid smoking in the car and keep it well-ventilated. You can also use air fresheners or odor eliminators to help keep the air in your car fresh.
Can a professional detailer remove smoke smell from my car?
Yes, a professional detailer can use specialized cleaning and deodorizing methods to remove smoke smell from your car. They may also use ozone generators to help eliminate the odor.
What is the best way to remove smoke smell from a car?
The best way to remove smoke smell from a car is to thoroughly clean and deodorize all surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and air conditioning systems. You may also want to use odor eliminators and keep the car well ventilated.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the smoke smell in your car can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can eliminate the smoke smell from your car and enjoy a fresh and clean interior. Prevention is key, so avoid smoking in your car to prevent the buildup of smoke particles.
