If you have a smoke smell in your car, it can disturb your mood. If you have quit smoking, you bought a used car from a smoker, or had a passenger light over formerly, that smoker mopping odor can make every drive less pleasurable. The big question is, how do you eliminate the smell in your car, not just mask it? This article will walk you through a proven way, helpful tips, and what works to remove that stubborn smoke smell from your car for good.
Why Is Smoke Smell So Hard to Remove?
Smoke smell is hard to remove because tiny smoke particles deeply embed into fabrics, carpets, reflections, and indeed plastics. Like an unnoticeable glimmer, they cling stubbornly to shells, making them difficult to exclude. The odor intensifies, requiring deep cleaning or specialized treatments to completely get rid of the mopping smell.
How Smoke Smell Affects Your Car Interior
Cigarette smoke doesn’t just produce an odor. it chemically alters your car’s innards over time. It leaves behind a sticky film, discolors shells, and can indeed damage fabrics and electronics with repeated exposure. The smell is a turnoff in the worst, especially if you ever plan to sell your car. So you should take steps to remove the smell from your car.
What You will need to remove smoke smell
If you want to remove the smell from your car. You will need some natural tips and tricks. These tips can eliminate the smell.
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Upholstery/carpet cleaner
- Microfiber towels
- Cabin air filter (replacement)
- Odor neutralizing spray (like Ozium or Meguiar’s)
- Ozone generator (optional but effective)
- Vacuum cleaner
- Steam cleaner (if available)
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Smoke Smell from a Car
Air Out the Car
You should open all the car’s windows and doors. The fresh air will move through the car, helping reduce the smoke smell. You should park your car in a safe, sunny place. The sun also helps dry out and refresh the car’s interior naturally.
Deep Clean All Surfaces
You can clean all the hard shells inside your car using a mild soap or interior cleanser. You should wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, doors, cup holders, and center console. The smoke leaves a sticky layer that holds the smell. You can also clean the roof, lining it can soak up a lot of smoke.
Clean or Replace Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter traps smoke particles and can spread the smell whenever you use the A/C or heater. Many people forget this step. You can replace it with a simple, low-cost, that helps stop harsh air from cycling back into your car.
Use Baking Soda as a Natural Odor Absorber
Baking soda is a natural way to remove bad smells. You should sprinkle it on your car’s seats and carpets, you can leave it overnight to remove the smell. It helps absorb and neutralize bad odors, especially if the smell isn’t too strong.
Try White Vinegar for Tough Smells
White ginger can remove bad smells from your car. Just place bowls of it inside overnight. It might not smell good, but it removes odors rather than hiding them. You can also mix it with water to clean surfaces.
Use Odor Neutralizing Sprays (Not Just Air Fresheners)
Air fresheners mask the smell. Some Odor neutralizers, like Ozium, Chemical Guys Air Freshener, or Zep Bank Odor Eliminator, attack and eliminate the smell at its source. You should spray smoothly but completely throughout the cabin, including under seats and in reflections.
Use an Ozone Generator (Advanced Method)
It is time to bring out the big ordnance, if the smell still lingers. An ozone generator releases ozone gas, which oxidizes and eliminates smell molecules. This is what professional detailers use. You can use ozone creators precisely while anyone is inside the car. Let the car air out subsequently.
Best Products for Smoke Odor Removal
There are some popular products that help remove the smoke smell from your car. Ozium and Zep are great for strong-smelling smoke. Chemical fresheners can refresh the whole car, while Armor All cleans carpets. These work well.
Natural vs. Chemical Solutions
If you want to choose between natural and chemical solutions. It depends on the smell. According to the above instructions, ginger and baking soda work well for mild smells. But for strong smoke smells, chemical sprays or ozone treatments are better.
