1. Understanding Smoke Odor in Cars
Many of the items you need to get rid of smoke smell are regular household items. Other agents used to clean surfaces are tailored to the job of getting smells out of your vehicle. You will use a vacuum, and if available, other professional equipment, such as a steam cleaner. A steam cleaner is a key part of a car cleaning system. We listed many items below for you to consider. They all offer solutions for getting the smell of smoke out of your car.
If you prefer a home remedy verses a commercial car cleaning agent, for hard surfaces, you can use a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. This will work most anytime in the process.
2. Essential Tools and Supplies for Smoke Odor Removal
- Microfiber cloth
- Rags
- Bucket
- Latex gloves
- Mask
- Ruler
- Bin for trash removal
- Vacuum
- Steam cleaner
- Ammonia-free glass cleaner
- Hard surface auto cleaner
- Upholstery cleaner
- Leather cleaner and conditioner
- Simple Green (optional)
- Odor neutralizer
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Coffee grounds
- Citrus peels
- Charcoal
- Cat litter
- Ozone generator
3. Step-by-step Guide for Cleaning the Car's Interior to Remove Smoke Smell
3.1. Trash and Debris Removal
Get a trash bin and remove all loose trash from the vehicle. Debris in your car houses smoke smell, and you will want it out of your way while cleaning. Look deep under the seats and remove anything you find.
3.2. Cleaning Car Mats and Extracting Smoke Smell
Grab the floor mats from the front and back seats. Vacuum them thoroughly. If you have a steam cleaner, use that on fabric, rubber or vinyl car mats. It is a good idea to use a degreaser on floor mats. For carpet mats, sprinkle baking soda on the mats. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes before vacuuming it and the smells up.
LEARN MORE: Check our complete guide for Interior Car Detailing Workflow
3.3. Vacuuming and Cleaning the Floor and Surrounding Areas
To ensure you get the smoke smell removed from all areas, use a vacuum to remove odor-holding dirt and debris from this area. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpeting and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. The next step in the process, is simply to vacuum the baking soda up from the carpet. As a natural absorbent, it will remove the cigarette smell.
3.4. Cleaning the Glove Box and Dashboard
Remove the contents and discard what is not necessary. Everything in the car can hold the smell of smoke. Let the remaining contents air out. Wipe down the glove box interior surfaces with a cloth and cleaning agent.
3.5. Washing the Cup Holder Area and Gear Shift
Using a hard surface cleaner and a microfiber cloth is the first step in removing odor from this area. Wrap or tape a small cloth around the end of a ruler to get in the cracks and crevices where the dash meets the windshield.
Both of these areas can gather ash and the smell of smoke. Vacuum the cup holders. Spray a hard surface cleaner in the cup holders and wipe them out with a cloth. Do the same if your gear shift is not wrapped in leather. For leather-wrapped gear shifts, use a leather cleaner and conditioner to rid the area of cigarette and cigar smells.
If you find insects inside your car cabin check this guide.
3.6. Removing Smoke Smell from Steering Wheel and Column
If the steering wheel is wrapped in leather, use a leather cleaner and conditioner to remove the odor. On a non-leather steering wheel, you can use an automotive cleaner that does not leave the area slippery. Marijuana and standard cigarette smoke will gather in parts of the steering column. Tilt the column up and down to clean all of the surfaces.
3.7. Cleaning Seat Belts and Removing Smoke Smell from Trim
Seat belts
The smell of smoke can be strong in this area. Typically, they are close to the source of cigarette smoke. Use a damp cloth to wipe the front and back while you extend the belt from the pretensioner. Repeat if necessary.
Trim
To get the smoke smell from the trim, it will take a little patience. A car or truck has a lot of trim throughout the vehicle. Wipe down the trim in detail with a clean and damp microfiber cloth. Rotating and replacing it frequently will eliminate the cigarette odor.
3.8. Cleaning Headliner, Visor, and Windows
Smoke rises, especially if the windows are not open while passengers smoke. Using a car steam cleaner is the most effective way to clean, and get smoke smell out of the headliner. This interior section can be tricky. Use an adapter that curves to allow the spray head to make proper contact with the smoke-filled surface.
You can get smoke removed and other particles dislodged that have gathered on your visors. Vacuum and wipe the visors with a damp cloth. Clean the mirror with a glass cleaner.
Cargo Area
Vacuum the cargo area to remove smoke residue, debris and smell. If your cargo area has carpet, sprinkle with baking soda, and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Vacuum the baking soda up along with the smoke smells that have accumulated in it.
Windows
Smoke will leave a film and odor on the glass. Spray the surfaces and wipe with a clean or new glass microfiber cloth. Repeat if you have streaks. Your glass is now smoke and odor free. Using steam on glass helps to remove smoke film with easy.
LEARN MORE: Check this guide for car windows cleaning
3.9. Removing Smoke Residue from Vents and Ventilation System
Clean the front of the vents with a small brush or damp cloth. The most effective way to get deep into the air vents, and remove the smell of smoke is to use a steamer. Introduce steam to the system through the intake or one of the vents. The steam will flow through the system while it removes smoke residue as part of the process.
LEARN MORE: Check our full guide for air vents cleaning
If you do not have a steam cleaner, you can use your car’s air system. While the car is in park, open the windows. Turn the car fan to the highest position. Turn the air conditioner to the coldest setting. Run the air conditioning for seven to ten minutes. This will help get rid of the cigarette smell that was housed on those duct surfaces.
To thoroughly remove smoke smell and odors, there is one more thing to do for the vents. Locate the air intakes in your car. They are typically located on the outside near the wiper blades. Spray an odor neutralizer into the air intake system. This will help remove the odor of smoke and will reduce the smell from your air conditioning system.
LEARN MORE: Check this guide for car air filter cleaning
Repeat the step above for your heating system to remove the smoke smell. Turn your heater on high and spray the odor neutralizer into the intake system.
3.10. Cleaning Car Seats to Eliminate Smoke Smell
To remove odor caused by smoke and the smell of marijuana or cigars on fabric seats, there are a few essential things to do. Vacuum the upholstery. Secondly, use a steam cleaner to further remove the smell. Do not forget the head rests, as they can be smoke collectors.
If you have leather seats, vacuum them with a soft-ended accessory. After you are done vacuuming, you are ready to clean the leather. To clean and remove the smell of smoke from leather car seats, you should use a leather cleaner and conditioner. Apply the cleaner to this part of your car according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a microfiber cloth or an applicator that may come with the product. Applying a leather conditioner afterwards can help keep future smoke from permeating the surface. Leather seats can easily absorb smoke smells. To keep on top of this car odor, you may have to clean the seats frequently.
LEARN MORE: Check this guide for removing smell of smoke from house
3.11. Finalizing Smoke Film and Surface Smell Removal
There are a few more things you can do for the environment in your car.
3.12. Replacing Air Filter and Cabin Filter for a Fresher Cabin
Replace the cabin air filter. Many drivers are unaware that there is an air filter for a car’s interior. Many manufacturers recommend that you replace a cabin air filter every 30,000 miles. If people smoke in your car, you will eventually smell the cigarettes. For a cleaner cabin, and to reduce the smell, you may have to change your air filter more frequently.
Other Car Remedies to Remove smoke smell
LEARN MORE: Check this guide of air filter cleaning
4. Natural Remedies for Smoke Odor Elimination
4.1. Use Dryer Sheets to Wipe Away Tobacco Smell
If you have cloth seats, you can wipe them down with dryer sheets. Although this will not eliminate the source of the smell, it will instantly deodorize it.
4.2. Use Vinegar to Remove Smoke Smells
Pour undiluted vinegar in a bowl and let it sit overnight. White vinegar works well. If you have a larger SUV, place two to three bowls to get the job done. If one night’s treatment does not work, repeat it the next night.
4.3. Get the Smoke Smell Out With Cat Litter
Place a bowl of cat litter in your car and let it sit overnight. Cat litter is meant to absorb odors and works well on smoke smells. If it did not get the smoke smell out in 24 hours, repeat it the next night.
4.4. Remove Cigarette Odor With Charcoal
Putting a bowl of charcoal in your car for 36 to 48 hours can help reduce the tobacco smell. It will absorb the odor at a small price.
4.5. Citrus Peels Work to Remove the Smokey Smell
A very natural remedy for smoke smell removal is to use citrus peels. Leave a plate of lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange peels in your car for about 48 hours. You will also have a pleasant citrus scent in your car. Be sure to keep the windows closed so insects are not attracted to the fruits.
4.6. Coffee Grounds Cover Cigar and Cigarette Smells
Although they are less absorbent than other solutions, they are usually available and extremely cost-effective. If you need to get the smoke smell reduction job done fast, this is the technique for you. Coffee grounds will not entirely eliminate the smell, but they are effective in the short term.
4.7. Best smoke eliminator spray - Enzyme eliminators for odor removal
You can choose Ozium products as a final steep for smoke smell removing to remove any odors from tabbacos and weed, and also chemicals smell after cleaning.
5. Commercial Solutions for Smoke Odor Elimination
There are commercial car air re-freshers and odor bombs that you can buy. These aerosol cans permeate all areas and eliminate all kinds of odors, including smoke. Many people do not recommend them for continual use as there are more complete solutions if you keep the interior clean, and use one of the odor-removal techniques mentioned above.
LEARN MORE: If you have mold smell inside your car, learn more at this special guide.
6. Common Questions About Removing Smoke Residue and Odor
Q. How do dealerships get the smoke smell out of cars?
A. A car dealer is likely to use a commercial spray cleaner on the carpet and upholstery as they clean vehicles. The dealer may use baking soda on the floor for odor removal. Some dealers may have an ozone machine that powers the odors away.
Many car dealers have full detail shops that use commercial steam cleaners to aid in the process.
Q. How long does it take to get rid of smoke smell in car?
A. After you have cleaned the car, it can take up to 48 hours to eliminate the smell that tobacco leaves behind. Starting with a clean car interior will let one of the odor-removal remedies do its job. Your car will be smelling like normal quickly.
Q. How much does it cost to get the smell of smoke out of your car?
A. If you get the smoke odor out yourself, you can do it for under $30. If you choose to have the service done professionally, those services can cost $150 and up.
You can search for the best solution for removing smoke and the odors that come from standard cigarettes, cigars and marijuana. If you thoroughly clean the car interior first, then follow it up with a car odor removal technique, you can effectively rid your car of the odor that has been bothering you. After a car deep clean, you may notice a slight lingering smell. If that is the case, just do a light service to keep the odor caused by smoke down.
Q: What do I need to do if i keep smelling cigarette smoke?
A: If you have strong smell you need to perform full procedure of smoke smell removal, if cigarette smell is medium strength - perform ozone treatment 30 minutes, if smell is super light - just park your car under the sun, open all windows and let it stay for 2-3 hours.
Q: How to remove heavy smoke odor out of Tesla?
Perform detailing with steaming. Put the car in camp mode and run a ozone in it for 2-4hrs. It will help remove the smoke smell and ozone smell at the sametime.