So, how to get smoke smell out of car? While on a trip, it is obvious that you will prefer indulging in a relaxed state of mind. To add to the feeling, you may want to light a cigarette and puff away your stress.
Almost every five people out of ten are into smoking, considering the recent rise in inclination toward nicotine inhalation. Especially among the budding generation, the act of inhalation and vaping appears to be a style statement. The reason for such a craze is that it provides quick relaxation from mental stress and anxiety.
The 21st-century world makes humans adapt to the emerging lifestyle. However, this adaptation is not always positive. It takes into account the addictive bent to intoxication and nicotine inhalation.
But have you ever thought while you smoke sitting inside the car, you may end up inhaling the same for the entire stretch of the journey? It is harmful to your body and will also make you feel uneasy throughout the journey. In addition, it can be a concern for people intolerant to nicotine smell. So if you are thinking of an alternative to how you can get rid of this smell of smoke, you are on the right track. Let’s consider this aspect in detail, but before we jump into that, let us also look at how the smoking craze captured human minds.
Smoking Craze- Now And Then
You must know smoking as a modern invention to ease the complexity of technology-dominated life. It’s just the opposite. Though tobacco smoking is a recent addition, the smoking of dried herbs like Kratom and Cannabis dates back to the early 5000 BCE.
A feather in the technological inventions of modern life is the machine-made cigarette. Cigarette comes in handy as an on-the-go solution. There is no need to crush and dry leaves. Instead, fold your cigar paper, lit it up, and enjoy. You also have access to pre-rolled cigarettes. Therefore, the only tool you must carry is lighter.
But this hassle-free usage has also made people turn themselves into chain smokers. Whether in a public space, personal vehicle, house, or office, they abide by tobacco inhalation to enjoy a celebration or get rid of stress.
What Causes the Smoke Smell in Your car?
The smoke smell in the car can get unsettling because it leaves behind traces of embarrassing odor that can ruin the essence of a journey. There can be distinct causes for odor. Some general aspects that we can associate with the smoke odor are as follows:-
The primary and well-known cause is if the car belongs to a chain smoker who prefers smoking while driving.
Secondly, in case the cabin air filter is not clean enough to ventilate fresh air.
A third cause can be smoke from the blower motor. If a blower motor is on the verge of burning or is burning, the air pockets may signal you beforehand. The indication reaches the driver if the driver could smell cigarette odor from the vents.
Fourthly, if the car is a second-hand buy, there are higher chances that the former buyer has not cleaned the in-built cabin filter or the in-built ashtray. The smoke-saturated air filter fails to circulate fresh air in the car. Smoke particles get absorbed in the leather detailing and foam interior.
A fifth probability can happen if a cigarette gets stuck in a radiator by mistake.
Sixthly, you may sense a smoke odor from the exhaust system if leaves get into the heat shields.
However, before heading towards your destination, you must not forget to check your cabin air filter because it can provide early warning signs.
Is Smoke Smell In a Car Permanent?
Tobacco used in cigars has a pungent smell. They are strong enough to trouble your olfactory sensations. They can linger on your car for years if you neglect cleaning the interior.
Special attention to floor mats, car decks, dashboards, and leather cover stands is necessary to remove the smoke odor. However, they are not permanent. You may save yourself from the unfiltered air inside your car with strategic initiatives. But the steps you take must promise you a permanent solution. Temporary relief may not perform the best, and it can cost you more.
Is it Possible to Get the Cigarette Smell Out of a Car?
Yes, it is possible to eliminate cigarette odor from your car. But rest assured that if you take care of the details mentioned, you can sense an almost instant difference in the air you breathe inside the vehicle.
You may ask how. Let us clarify your doubts. But for that, we need a spray bottle, air freshener, vent cleaners, steam cleaner, blower, and vacuum cleaner. The instruments we just mentioned are deep cleaning instruments for your saturated air filter, hard and soft surfaces, and car mats.
How Long Does it Take to Get Smoke Smell Out of Car?
Once you have deep cleaned your car, it does not take more than 48 to 56 hours to get you a smokeless car interior.
If you have less time on your hand, you may keep your windows open overnight to get rid of the unpleasant odors. Unfortunately, the interior detailing of a car makes it claustrophobic as the positioning of windows does not help with good air circulation. Instead, it makes one keep the windows open.
How to Get the Smoke Smell Out of a Car?
We have seen that the temporary solutions to impure air and smelly vents get resolved by fixing an air freshener in the front section of the air-conditioning system. Such fresheners can help as odor neutralizers. Also, if you prefer using them in place of steam cleaners, you may invite harm. It is because this fragrance uses chemicals. The fragrant aerosols can reach the lungs and may cause adversities. But for a long-term solution, the deep cleaning strategy is advisable.
As we have already mentioned, an individual interested in deep cleaning the car must follow a few steps to ensure it is smoke-smell-free. So let us now indulge in a study about the easy ways to solve the odor issue in the car.
Instruments Required
- Spray bottle
- Water
- White vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
- Wet Towel
- Car wash
- Latex Gloves
- Steam cleaner
- Hard surfaces cleaner
- Citrus peels
- Cat litter
- Ozone generator
- Charcoal
- Leather Conditioner
- Baking soda
- Glass cleaner
Steps to Follow
Step 1 – Clean Excess Dirt And Trash From the Car Surface
The primary step in drying and cleaning is clearing the excess dirt that sticks on the surface. Search intensively inside the car. Do not forget to look for thrash under your floor mats, seat covers, bottle holders, and dashboards. You may not find anything, but you should not skip this step. While you are up for deep cleaning, make the best use of it.
After removing the mats, use a steam cleaner to vacuum the dirt clinging to the floor mat. The cigarette residue on the floor mat gets extracted using a steam cleaner.
Coming to the carpet of your car, you can sprinkle baking soda on it. Baking soda is a natural absorbent that helps remove the smoke smell from the mat or carpets.
Step 2- Cleaning Glove box
Stuffing unwanted products in the glove box is not a good idea. It is advisable to take the products out, especially while cleaning. The surface texture can be hard or soft, but it absorbs odors.
Step 3: Focus on the Steering Wheel And Leather Car Seats
A leather steering wheel tends to accumulate cigar odors. Cleaning the steering wheels using a leather cleaner can turn fruitful.
You might be fond of leather steering wheel covers or leather seat belts or covers. But do you know that leather is prone to absorb odors of smoke? Not only so, but it also provides a lingering effect for a long. So do not worry if you have leather covers. You can quickly get a leather conditioner, apply it to the steering wheel, seat belts, and seat covers, let it rest for a few minutes, and wipe it with a wet towel.
If you prefer a non-leather steering wheel, you can clean it using the automotive cleaner.
Step 4- Steam Clean the Cargo Area
The area where we store our luggage while heading toward a long drive must not get neglected. A cargo area is an enclosed space with no ventilation. Also, to make it shockproof, manufacturers use high-density material. Unfortunately, this material soaks up cigar smoke in quite a lot amount. You may choose steam cleaning to get the best results.
If you prefer, you may use a generous amount of baking soda. But the baking soda must be fabric friendly, or it may leave stains.
Step 5: Clean the Window, Doors, And Every Exposed Surface
Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the inner and outer surfaces of windows and doors. Use a mirror-friendly car wash to wash the windscreen and looking glasses. A glass cleaner may serve the best purpose.
Step 6: Clean the Ventilation System
The area surrounding the deck has numerous vents from where the air conditioning system delivers pure air.
These vents get clogged due to dirt and smoke. Regular cleaning is essential.
But you don’t need to do much. First, take a damp cloth or a brush to clean the dirt. Then, once it is complete, use a vacuum cleaner or a blower to blow away the cigarette smoke smell trapped in the vents.
Another way is to use the car fan. If you are out and you do not have the gadgets with you, you can switch your car fan as a temporary solution. Turn on the highest speed. It is fair for an on-the-go solution.
Step 7: Replace the Cabin Air Filter
If nothing works, you can go ahead to place the order for a new cabin filter. If your car filter is on the verge of expiration, it is advisable to replace it beforehand. Also, if you have completed journeying 30,000 miles in the cabin air filter, the smoke smell can give you an alarming sign. Do not wait. Replace it when you find the best quality smoke filter for your car.
How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Car Air Conditioner?
A car air conditioning system takes in the air, purifies the same, cools it down, and sends it back. If a car has a smoke odor, the same foul smell will come out of the air pockets even if the air is cool. An easy way to get rid of this situation is a deodorant.
A car deodorant can offer a fruitful result. First, you should pull up the windows, spray the deodorant close to the vents and turn on the AC. Then, you are all set to enjoy the freshness and coolness at once.
How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Car With Vinegar?
Have you ever heard that vinegar can eliminate the smoke smell? If not, you must be surprised to know that vinegar works excellently in reducing the raw smell of smoke. The acetic acid content in vinegar functions well with car cigarette smoke. Try the test out.
Take two glasses filled with vinegar.
Place the first glass in front of the AC vent.
Place the other glass in the luggage area. Leave it overnight. You may wake up to a positive result.
Final Words
Decorating your car may provide your car with an appealing look. But, likewise, the same emphasis must be there on keeping your interior germ-free and odor free.
It is not a mandate that you must invest a hefty amount in keeping your car’s interior clean. Instead, you may use homemade remedies like baking soda, charcoal, or regular soap-free shampoo to clean your vehicle to solve minimum issues.
However, if these cost-effective instruments fail to provide a promising result, you may have to invest a bit. But make sure the investment ensures a long-term benefit. In addition, maintenance is necessary to keep your car free from smoke, smell, and dirt.
