How to Remove Tobacco Smells From Cars

Smoking in the car leaves it smelling like a life-sized ashtray.

Cigarette smoking is linked to a variety of health ailments including heart disease, cancer and breathing complications, such as emphysema. If all of these health risks aren't enough to deter one from smoking, perhaps that nasty smell associated with smoking will. Smokers can't smell the overpowering odor of cigarette smoke because they are used to the smell. Nonsmokers, on the other hand, can detect the smell of cigarettes from a mile away. If you have purchased a car from a smoker or recently quit smoking, there are ways to get the smoky smell out of the car.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Vacuum
• Kitty litter
• Shallow cake pans
• Orange peels
• Interior car cleaner
• Cloth
• Glass cleaner
• Paper towels
• Dryer sheets

Instructions

1. Sprinkle the carpets and upholstery with a healthy dose of baking soda. Let the baking soda sit overnight, then vacuum well. Be sure to vacuum up the ashes that fall between and underneath the seats.

2. Fill two or more shallow cake pans with kitty litter, and place them on the floorboards in both the front and back seats. Leave the pans in place overnight. The kitty litter will absorb the cigarette smell from the air.

3. Open the doors and windows of the car to allow proper ventilation and fresh air. This will help eliminate the stale cigarette smell.

4. Eat an orange, and save the peel. Place the orange peel on the seats or floor of your car for several days. The citrus peels will naturally neutralize the cigarette odor.

5. Spray the dash, steering wheel, console, door panels and any other hard surface with an interior car cleaner. Wipe well with a clean cloth.

6. Clean the windows and windshield with glass cleaner and paper towel. This will remove any nicotine and smoke residue, which will help remedy the smell.

7. Place several dryer sheets under the seats of your car. Replace the dryer sheets when you notice they have lost their aroma.

References

• Car Deal Expert: How to get cigarette smoke smell out of a car 
• Health Guidance: How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell
• Mrs. Clean House Cleaning Specialists: How To Remove Odors