Expert Tips on How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell In a Car

If you’ve ever slid into someone’s car and been greeted by a whiff of stale cigarette smoke, then you know just how unpleasant this particular odor can be. However, what if it’s YOUR car that has the stink of old cigarettes ruining your interior? Our Orlando Toyota service experts are here with tips on how to get rid of cigarette smell in a car so your ride smells fresh and clean every time you slide into the driver’s seat.

How to get rid of cigarette smell in a car

Our first tip for how to get rid of cigarette smell in a car? Don’t smoke in your car… period. If you feel the need to light up, step outside and make sure your car’s doors and windows are closed so the smoke doesn’t waft in. You should also avoid keeping cigarette butts in your car – the leftover odor can work its way into your interior and leave your car smelling less-than-fresh. Remember, not only is it unpleasant for your passengers to smell cigarettes, but it can also bring down the value of your car when it’s time to trade in or sell.

But what if you’re not a smoker and the used car you purchased has this unpleasant odor stuck inside the cabin? Here are a few tips on how to get rid of cigarette smell in a car when it seems to be permanently woven into your upholstery and carpet.

Tip #1: Detail your car thoroughly.

You’ll want to deep clean the carpet and upholstery, as well as wipe down surfaces to try and remove the odor of cigarettes.

• Empty out the interior. Trash, your extra pair of shoes, clothing, etc. can retain the smell of smoke and ruin your efforts to get rid of the stink if you leave them in the car. Take everything out and wash all clothes and fabrics before putting them back in. Be sure to check your glovebox, seatback pockets, center console, and cargo area.
• Vacuum. Vacuum all of the seats and carpet thoroughly. If you have seat covers, take them off and see if they’re machine washable. If they are, toss them in to clean them. If they’re not, hand wash them with detergent and water.
• Take out your floor mats. If you have carpet mats, they’ll need to be vacuumed as well and you can air them out in a dry place (we recommend outside). If you have all-weather mats, scrub them down with soap and water.
• Wipe down all surfaces. Wipe down all plastic, vinyl, SofTex, and leather surfaces with a clean cloth and the appropriate cleaning solution for that particular surface.
• Use a detailing solution. You can find special detailing solutions to clean seats and upholstery at our Toyota of Orlando parts store – be sure to get the right one for your car. Tell our parts experts that you’re trying to figure out how to get cigarette smell out of a car and they can point you in the right direction. Don’t forget the seatbelts!
• If your car is leather or SofTex, you’ll need a specially formulated cleaner – ask our Toyota of Orlando parts team which will work best without damaging your ride.

 

Tip #2: Break out the baking soda.

Next,  you’ll want to bring a deodorizer into the picture.

• Sprinkle baking soda onto the fabric seats and carpet of your Orlando Toyota once everything is dry, as well as the carpet floor mats. Don’t forget to do the cargo area or trunk as well as under the seats.
• Let it sit overnight. Let the baking soda sit on your seats and carpet as long as possible – overnight if you can. Baking soda neutralizes odors and can help to ensure the cigarette smell is removed. You might even leave a box of baking soda sitting open on your dash to help the process.
• Vacuum again. Go through your Orlando Toyota and vacuum up all of the baking soda.

Tip #3: Try other methods.

Still smelling cigarettes when you open up your car? Here are a few more methods to put to the test to get rid of the stink.

• Clean your upholstery and carpet again with a cleaning solution. It might take two or even three times to get rid of the smell.
• Change your cabin air filter to ensure it’s not retaining a cigarette smell.
• Use dryer sheets to wipe down seats, carpet, and seatbelts.
• Put a small bowl of coffee grounds or charcoal in your car; both of them absorb odors.

Let Toyota of Orlando help you get your car smelling like-new again

Whether you need to schedule car detailing, get detailing supplies, or need advice on how to get cigarette smell out of a car, we can help! Contact Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001.

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