How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Your Car

Whether you’re trying to sell a car that was previously owned by a smoker, or you simply want to rid your own vehicle of the smell, it can be a challenge to get rid of the smoke odor. 

In this article, we’ll explore several effective methods for removing smoke smell from your car’s interior. 

Whether you’re dealing with a minor case of smoke smell or a more severe one, these techniques will help you eliminate the odor and leave your car smelling fresh and clean. 

Keep reading to learn more about how to get smoke smell out of your car once and for all.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Assess the severity of the smoke smell 

Assessing the severity of the smoke smell in your car is an important first step in determining the best course of action for removing it. 

The extent of the smoke smell will often depend on how long the car has been used for smoking, how much smoking has occurred, and the type of materials in the car’s interior (e.g., fabrics, plastics, etc.). 

Here are some tips for assessing the severity of the smoke smell in your car:

Open the windows and doors 

One of the simplest ways to gauge the severity of the smoke smell is to open the windows and doors of your car and let fresh air circulate. This can help dissipate the smell and give you a better sense of how strong it is.

Use a smoke smell detector

Another option is to use a smoke smell detector, which is a small device that can detect and measure the intensity of smoke odors. These devices are widely available online and can be helpful for identifying the strength of the smoke smell in your car.

Evaluate the car’s interior

Take a close look at the car’s interior to assess the extent of the smoke smell.

Are the seats and carpets heavily stained or discolored?

Does the smell seem to be concentrated in certain areas of the car, or is it more widespread?

These factors can help you determine the severity of the smoke smell and the level of effort required to remove it.

Consider the type of materials in the car

The type of materials in your car’s interior can also play a role in the severity of the smoke smell. 

For example, synthetic materials like plastics may hold onto smoke odors more readily than natural materials like leather or cloth. If your car has a lot of synthetic materials, you may need to put in extra effort to remove the smoke smell.

Note

By assessing the severity of the smoke smell in your car, you can determine the best approach for removing it. 

If the smoke smell is relatively mild, you may be able to remove it with some simple cleaning and deodorizing techniques. 

However, if the smoke smell is more severe, you may need to take more drastic measures, such as replacing contaminated materials or using professional deodorizing services. 

Regardless of the severity of the smoke smell, it’s important to be patient and persistent in your efforts to remove it, as it can take time and multiple attempts to fully eliminate the odor.

Step 2: Remove any visible evidence of smoking 

Removing any visible evidence of smoking is an important step in getting rid of the smoke smell in your car. By eliminating any visible signs of smoking, you can help reduce the overall smoke smell and make your car more presentable. 

Here are some tips for removing visible evidence of smoking from your car:

Remove cigarette butts and ashtrays

The first step is to remove any cigarette butts or ashtrays from the car. These items are often sources of strong smoke odors and should be disposed of properly.

Vacuum the car

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any visible dirt or debris from the car’s interior. Pay special attention to the seats, carpets, and dashboard, as these areas are likely to have accumulated dirt and debris from smoking.

Wipe down surfaces

Use a general-purpose cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down surfaces in the car, such as the dashboard, door panels, and center console. This will help remove any surface dirt and grime that may be contributing to the smoke smell.

Clean the windows

If the windows in your car have become foggy or hazy from smoking, clean them thoroughly to help remove any smoke residue. Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the windows, both inside and out.

Note:

By removing any visible evidence of smoking, you can help reduce the overall smoke smell in your car and create a cleaner, more pleasant environment.

Keep in mind that this is only the first step in removing smoke smell from your car, and you’ll likely need to take additional steps, such as cleaning and deodorizing the car’s interior, to fully eliminate the odor.

Step 3: Clean and deodorize the car’s interior 

Cleaning and deodorizing the car’s interior is a crucial step in getting smoke smell out of your car. By removing any dirt, grime, or contaminants that may be contributing to the smoke smell, you can help reduce the overall odor and create a fresher, more pleasant environment. 

Here are some tips for cleaning and deodorizing the car’s interior:

Upholstery cleaner

Use an upholstery cleaner to remove any dirt or stains from the car’s seats and carpets. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully, as different products may have different usage instructions.

Carpet cleaner

If the carpets in your car are heavily stained or soiled, consider using a carpet cleaner to deep clean them. Carpet cleaners are designed to remove tough stains and odors, and can be an effective way to remove smoke smell from carpets.

General-purpose cleaner

Use a general-purpose cleaner to remove dirt and grime from the dashboard, door panels, and other hard surfaces in the car. Be sure to choose a cleaner that is safe for use on automotive surfaces, and follow the instructions carefully.

Smoke-odor removers

Using smoke-odor removers can help remove the smoke smell from the car’s interior These products work by neutralizing the smoke odors, rather than simply covering them up, and can be an effective way to remove smoke smell from the car’s interior.

Air fresheners

While air fresheners can help mask the smoke smell, they are not a permanent solution. Instead, consider using an air freshener as a temporary measure until you can fully remove the smoke smell from the car.

By cleaning and deodorizing the car’s interior, you can help reduce the overall smoke smell and create a fresher, more pleasant driving environment. Keep in mind that it may take multiple attempts to fully remove the smoke smell, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.

Step 4: Air out the car 

Airing out the car is an important step in getting smoke smell out of your car. By allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the car’s interior, you can help dissipate the smoke smell and create a fresher, cleaner environment. Here are some tips for airing out your car:

Open the windows and doors

The simplest way to air out your car is to open the windows and doors and let fresh air circulate. This can be especially effective if you’re able to park the car in a well-ventilated area, such as an open garage or outside in the sun.

Use a fan

If you’re unable to open the windows and doors, or if the smoke smell is particularly strong, consider using a fan to help circulate the air. You can place a fan in the car’s interior, pointed towards the windows and doors, to help draw fresh air in and push the smoke smell out.

Use an air purifier

Another option is to use an air purifier to help remove the smoke smell from the air. Air purifiers work by filtering out contaminants and odors from the air, and can be effective at removing smoke smell from the car’s interior.

Leave the car parked

Finally, consider leaving the car parked for an extended period of time to allow it to air out. If possible, park the car in a well-ventilated area and leave the windows and doors open for a few hours or even overnight. This will give the smoke smell a chance to dissipate and allow fresh air to circulate throughout the car.

By airing out your car, you can help remove the smoke smell and create a fresher, more pleasant driving environment. 

Keep in mind that it may take multiple attempts to fully eliminate the smoke smell, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.

What Next? 

In conclusion, getting a smoke smell out of your car can be a challenging task, but it is possible with the right approach. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively remove smoke smell from your car’s interior and create a fresher, cleaner environment. 

With persistence and patience, you can successfully eliminate the smoke smell and enjoy a pleasant driving experience. Remember to be thorough in your efforts to remove smoke smell from the car’s interior, as it may require multiple attempts.