The smell of cigarettes and cigarette odor in a car is unmistakable and difficult to tolerate for nonsmokers. In addition, when the time comes to sell your car or trade it in, the funk of cigarette odor can depreciate its value. The problem is, to remove cigarette smell from your car can be difficult, though not impossible. The scent of cigarette smoke is strong, and one of the most potent and hard to remove odors in vehicles. Burnt tobacco penetrates upholstery, carpet, hard surfaces and infiltrates the air system.
Keep in mind that smoke has a way of getting everywhere. For passengers, the residue can impregnate your hair and clothes, even if itās a short drive. No one wants to smell like smoke or be in an environment where they are unable to breathe properly. The smoke is harmful to your health and generally offensive to everyone else. If youāre a smoker or have a passenger who is, donāt smoke in your car, and you will not have to worry about the odor when it comes time to sell.
The good news is, whether you would like your car to smell like new, or youāre selling your used car, or youāre buying a used car from someone that smoked, the potent smell of smoke can be removed. The most obvious thing you need to do to get rid of the smoke smell is clean, clean, clean! But there are more options. Here are a few suggestions to help remove the cigarette smell in your car.
Air It Out
Open all of the windows and doors to air things out. Remove any belongings and take out every scrap of trash. Then, keep those windows rolled down, turn the vents on, and drive your car around for a while. You may have to do it a few times to really air it out. You may even want to spray a little cologne or perfume into the vents before driving. Airing out the car is a good first step in removing the heavy odor.
Dryer Sheets
For those with cloth seats, a good way to deodorize your car is by wiping the seats with dryer sheets. This way, your car will get a deeper, fresher scent without it overpowering your entire cabin. No matter the type of seats you have, you can keep some sheets under them. Plus, dryer sheets are a good repellent and an even better way to prevent mosquitoes from randomly attacking your car (and you).
Coffee Grounds
Instead of smelling smoke on your morning drive, please your nostrils with the aroma of coffee. Place a bowl of coffee grounds in your car with the windows closed and the interior will be overpowered by the smell of your favorite morning mocha. The smoke scent will be gone in a matter of a few hours.
Baking Soda
When simply vacuuming isn’t enough, sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet and upholstery may help. Leave it for an hour before vacuuming. The baking soda can help absorb odors as you vacuum it up. You can also leave an open box of baking soda in the car to help remove the cigarette smell from your car.
Cinnamon Sticks
Adding sweet scent to your car is easy enough cinnamon sticks. First, bring cinnamon in water to boil then pour into a travel mug. Place the mug inside the car with the windows up until the water is the temperature of the car interior. During the winter you can sit in the car with the heater on for 20-30 minutes while the water cools and the scent fills the car.
Citrus Peels
For those who like oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruit, the peels of any citrus fruits are good for absorbing odors. Keep the peels in a cup and put them in your car. Citrus peels tend to soak up the smoky smell and replace it with the fresh scent of citrus.