If you have purchased a used car or had a passenger who smokes inside the car, you know that getting rid of that lingering smoke smell can feel like an impossible task. Especially for non-smokers, the smell of your car may be unpleasant. But don’t worry, with the right steps you can eliminate this odor and restore freshness to your car’s interior.
Whether you are freshening up your ride or tackling the problem left by the previous owner, this guide will help you eliminate that cigarette smoke smell permanently and get you back to enjoying your future rides.
How to Get Rid Of Smoke Smell in a Car
1. Deep Clean
Thoroughly clean your car to target smoke particles that may have settled into the seats, carpets, and even the ceiling.
- Vacuum every surface, from floor mats to upholstery, as smoke can cling to all fabric areas. Pay close attention to crevices and corners where particles might be trapped.
- Take out all the items from your car and get rid of any signs of cigarette residue or ash.
- Use an upholstery cleaner on seats and carpets. For leather seats, use a leather-specific cleaner to avoid damage.
For detailed instructions, check out our useful guides on cleaning car interiors and cleaning car seats to achieve optimal freshness.
2. Clean Hard Surfaces
Eliminate smoke residue that can easily build up on the hard surfaces of your car like the dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels.
- Use a gentle car-specific cleaner or a mild soap solution to wipe down the hard surface areas.
- Wipe down every hard surface thoroughly and pay special attention to high-contact spots like cup holders, and the gear shift.
3. Tackle the Air Vents and Change Cabin Air Filter
Smoke can easily spread throughout your car’s ventilation system, so it’s important to replace the cabin filter and clean the air vents to prevent the smell from recirculating.
How to Clean Air Vents
- Use a Vent Cleaner: Spray a car vent cleaner directly into the air vents by following the product’s instructions. This can help to neutralize odors trapped inside the vents.
- Change the Cabin Air Filter: As cabin air filters trap dust and smoke particles, replacing them can significantly improve the air quality inside your car.
Here's a guide on how often to replace air filters in car.
4. Neutralize Odor with DIY Methods
Natural solutions can be surprisingly effective when it comes to smoke odor removal.
Baking soda and activated charcoal odor absorber bags are powerful odor absorbers that can work wonders on your interior.
How To Use Natural Remedies to Neutralize Odors
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on seats, carpets, and mats. Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight) to absorb odors, then vacuum it up. Baking soda absorbs the odor leaving your car smelling fresh.
- Bamboo Charcoal Bags: Place a few bags of activated charcoal in the trunk or under the seats. The bamboo charcoal bag works by absorbing moisture and odors from the air and is an excellent natural way to neutralize the odor of your car’s interior.
These are the best ways to remove smoke smell from cars naturally.
5. Odor Eliminator Spray
If you don’t want to rely on natural methods to eliminate the smoke smell, there are many options with a car-specific odor eliminator sprays that are easy to use and provide long-lasting freshness. Odor eliminator sprays are specially designed to neutralize odors rather than just masking them.
Get your favorite air freshener and spray it generously on the seats, carpets, and headlines, as these are the areas most likely to hold onto the smoke smell.
6. Professional Ozone Treatment
If you’re looking for the ultimate solution, professional ozone treatments offer a powerful way to remove even the most stubborn smoke odors. Ozone treatment generates ozone inside the car which neutralizes and eliminates strong odors.
If the smoke has been in the car for a long time or the smoke smell is particularly stubborn, then this method is the most effective way to get rid of the smoke smell from a car. It is best to do this professionally, as Ozone can be dangerous.
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What To Expect From an Ozone Treatment
- Professional Service: This treatment is offered only by professional car detailing services and can take a few hours. The ozone gas is circulated throughout the car to eliminate all traces of odor.
Conclusion
Removing smoke odor from your car depends on the severity of the smell and your desired level of freshness. For a quick and easy freshening, try DIY methods. But if you’re aiming for a completely odor-free experience, full car detailing or ozone treatment will give you the lasting results you desire.
If you are searching for a reliable car detailing service near you to completely eliminate the smoke odor from your car, Panda Hub is just a click away! Our expert detailers come to you, so you can enjoy a fresher, cleaner car right at your doorstep. Say goodbye to smoke smells and hello to a refreshed car interior!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to get a smoke smell out of a car?
Yes, one of the most common ways to get rid of smoke odor from car is to use baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on your car for a few hours and vacuum it up. As baking soda is a great odor neutralizer, it absorbs the smoke of cigarettes or vape and leaves your car fresh.
How long does it take for the smell of smoke to go away in a car?
There is no proof of how long it takes for the smell of smoke to go away but, some of the resources say it can take up to 48 hours.
However, the duration depends on the severity of the smell and the treatments you use to eliminate it.
Can car detailing remove the smoke smell from a car?
Yes, car detailing can help to remove the smoke smell from a car.
Car detailing is performed by experts with years of experience and the process includes deep cleaning of the car’s interior, including vacuuming, shampooing upholstery, cleaning air vents, and using specialized odor eliminators.
