Get Rid of Smoke Smell in Car: If you are familiar with cigarettes, you would know that the smell of cigarette smoke can be very difficult to get rid of.
It has a way of sipping into everything and staying there. Its scent can get into your skin, clothes, rugs, and furniture with no difficulty at all.
And many would agree that it is a very unpleasant smell, you don’t want to carry that around in your car.
How then do you get rid of cigarette smell out of a car?
Getting rid of the smoke smell in your car is a little challenging, but not impossible.
Here are 12 ways how to get rid of the smoke smell in cars.
Contents
12 Ways on How to Get Rid of Smoke Smell in Car
1. Air it Out
If your car smells like smoke, airing your car out might be the solution.
The first thing you should consider when trying to get rid of the smoke smell in a car is how pungent the smell is.
If the situation isn’t too bad, a good old fashion airing out might just work.
It is probably the easiest way to remove smoke smell from vehicles.
Directions
- Open all car windows to allow fresh air in.
- You can also leave all the doors open.
- Place one or two portable fans inside the car to ensure proper circulation of air.
- Leave the car to air out for about a day.
- Spray some air freshener in once it’s done airing out.
2. White Vinegar
This remedy works well when the smoke smell is a little too strong to just air out.
White vinegar works as an excellent defense against most smoke smells.
White vinegar doesn’t just mask the smoke smell, it neutralizes the smoke smell in cars.
This is possible because vinegar has a low pH, the low pH attacks and alters the higher pH of smoke molecules, reducing their smell.
This makes vinegar a great way to get rid of the smoke smell in cars.
Directions
- Fill several small bowls with white vinegar and set them around in the car.
- Let them sit overnight with all the windows closed.
- Remove the bowls of vinegar in the morning and air out the car.
3. Activated Charcoal
Charcoal naturally possesses carbon molecules that chemically trap smell.
Activated charcoal, however, works even better to get rid of the smoke smell in cars.
This is because activated charcoal is already processed for better absorption power and porosity.
You can find a range of activated charcoal products in home improvement centers.
They are the perfect way to eliminate cigarette smoke odor in cars.
Directions
- Hang several bags of activated charcoal around in the affected car.
- Leave them overnight to absorb all the smoke smell from your car.
- Remove all the bags of activated charcoal in the morning and allow some fresh air into the car.
4. Citrus Peels
Citrus peels are great for getting rid of different odors, even smoke smells.
This is a very natural and effective way to get rid of the smoke smell in cars.
Directions
- Take off the peels of freshly cut oranges, lemons, or limes.
- Put the peels in different parts of the car.
- Leave them there for a few days and watch the smell disappear.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is widely known for its many uses, one of which is getting rid of the odor
Soda is a very effective deodorizer because, like vinegar, it doesn’t just mask odors, it absorbs and gets rid of them.
This makes baking soda another great remedy to get rid of the smoke smell in cars.
Directions
- Fill several small bowls with baking soda and set them around in the car.
- You could also sprinkle some on the floor mats.
- Leave the baking soda for about 24 hours before taking them out.
- Let fresh air into the car.
6. Odor Bomb
An odor bomb is a total release odor eliminator that effectively eliminates all types of bad odors caused by urine, feces, decay, fire, and most importantly, tobacco smoke.
This means odor bombs are a great way to get rid of smoke smell in cars.
The odor bomb doesn’t just mask bad odors, it completely neutralizes them.
What do car dealers use to get rid of the smoke smell in cars? Well, this is one of the methods.
Directions
- Start the car engine, put on the fan, and set it to recirculation mode.
- Place the odor bomb in the center of the car and use it as a fogger.
- Depress the valve into the locking latch.
- Shut all the windows and doors and leave the engine running for about 15 minutes.
- Turn off the engine and air the car out for 5 minutes.
7. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds have proven to be quite effective in the removal of bad odors.
They aren’t just good for drinking, they can eliminate odors from rotten eggs, garbage cans, and cigarette smoke.
This is possible because coffee is very rich in caffeine, and caffeine contains nitrogen.
The nitrogen increases the ability of coffee to absorb sulfur, an element associated with most foul odors.
Directions
- Pour coffee grounds into small bowls and allow them to dry.
- Place the bowls of coffee grounds into the affected car.
- Leave them overnight.
- Remove them in the morning.
- Replace if the smell is not completely gone.
8. Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon sticks are a great way to get rid of the smoke smell in cars with the bonus of a lingering sweet scent.
Directions
- Boil some cinnamon sticks in water and pour them in a bowl or a mug.
- Place the bowl or mug in the affected car.
- Shut all the doors and windows.
- Leave it for about an hour before taking it out.
- Repeat the process till you have completely gotten rid of the smell.
9. Newspapers
Newspapers have the ability to absorb funky smells just like baking soda and vinegar.
You must have noticed that newspapers tend to take on the smell of their surroundings.
This is another easy way to get rid of the smoke smell in cars.
Directions
- Gather a bunch of old newspapers and spritz them with water.
- Place the damp newspapers in the affected car and leave them overnight.
- Removes the newspapers in the morning and dispose of them.
- Repeat the process till the smell is completely gone.
10. Dryer Sheets
This method works best for cars with cloth seats.
Dryer sheets will help to deodorize your car by giving it a deeper and fresher scent.
Directions
- Simply wipe your car seats and other interior parts of the car.
- Let the car air out.
- Repeat the process till you are satisfied with the outcome.
11. Cat litter
Cat litter has proven to be an effective odor-dispeller.
It is mainly known for its primary use but it is also a great way to get smoke smell out of cars.
This is because its clay composition magnetically absorbs foul odors.
Directions
- Put some cat litter in a bowl and place it in the affected car.
- Shut all the windows and doors and leave them for a few days.
- Remove the cat litter after a few days. Repeat the process with a fresh batch of cat litter if you need to.
12. Get Professional Help
If you have tried several remedies and your car still smells like smoke, you should consider getting professional help.
They will know what to do, and it will probably save you a lot of time and stress.
Conclusion
These are some of the best techniques to get rid of the smoke smell in cars. Find what works best for your car and use it.
If the smell persists, the best option would be to seek professional help.
