How to remove the smell of smoke from the car (2023)

If you smell unpleasant smoke in your car, it could be due to a previous owner. You can remove it by cleaning the car's interior surfaces, using natural or chemical odor neutralizers, and replacing parts if necessary. Eliminating smoke and other undesirable odors can benefit the health and comfort of you and your passengers. It is also important if you intend to sell the car. We created this guide so you can learn everything you need to know about removing the smell of smoke from your car.

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How does smoke smell in the car?

One of the most common causes of smoke smell in cars is cigarette smoke.or other smokefrom a previous or current owner. The smoke can penetrate fabrics, hard surfaces and even the car's air system and the smell can linger over time. However, if you smell burnt in the car, stop and get out immediately, putting some distance between you and the vehicle and use caution until you identify the source. It could be a broken part of the car, but it's important to practice safety becauseThere's a chance it's a fire.

Here are the benefits of removing smoke odor from your vehicle:

• Health and safety:Removing smoke particles can help keep you and your passengers healthy and safe by ensuring everyone in your vehicle can breathe clean air.
• Kompfort:Ensuring your car smells good can help you provide a better guest experience and provide comfort for both you and them.
• Vehicle interior protection:Because smoke particles can damage the interior of your car, it's important to remove them and prevent them from affecting surfaces in the future.

Types of products to remove the smell of smoke from the car

natural products

There are some natural remedies you can try to reduce smoke and other odors. These methods, such as coffee grounds orMoney, it can be cheaper than replacing parts and more environmentally friendly than using chemicals. It's a good idea to try these strategies before trying more aggressive ones.

cleaning supplies

chemical deodorantsSmokers are an option to reduce smoke or other bad odors in your car. These can help you clean both hard and soft surfaces and can be stronger and more effective than natural remedies. Make sure they are secure on your car's materials, especially if you have delicate surfaces like leather. There are also some aerosol products that you can use to clean your car's air conditioning system.

Teleaustausch

One of the most common reasons for smoke smell is an old air conditioner.Replace your car's air filtersIt's generally a good practice, especially if you notice an unpleasant odor. You can also replace your car's ashtray if you have one. The smell of smoke could be due to faulty electrical wiring in an interior or exterior part of the car.

got smoke smell from car

Disclaimer: The guidelines in this story are general and are not intended to supersede the instructions for your specific vehicle. Consult your owner's manual or repair guide before attempting repairs.

Ventilate your car

When airing your car, just leave your car window open on a dry, windy day. You can also drive with the windows open to increase wind and airflow throughout the car. This is a good first step and can help you determine the extent and intensity of the smoke smell.

Vacuum or clean surfaces

If you have cloth upholstery and carpets,Vacuumand clean all its surfaces to remove any ash or smoke particles. Be sure to do this carefully, including under the seats and between cracks. If you have leather and trim surfaces, use a special non-abrasive cleaner to avoid damage. Test the cleaner on a small section of leather to ensure it is safe before cleaning the entire vehicle and allow surfaces to air dry, repeat if necessary. Clean the dashboard, windows and other surfaces to remove the film of smoke.

Check the ashtray

Many cars have a built-in ashtray. If this is the case with your vehicle, remove it, wash it and let it air dry for 24 hours. This can help reduce the smell of smoke in your car.

Leave items inside to filter the air

There are certain items that you can place in your vehicle to freshen the air, including:

• NatriumbicarbonatSprinkle baking soda on seats and floors as an odor neutralizer. Vacuum or clean after a few hours. You can even leave an opened box of baking soda overnight to absorb the odor.
• tincture leavesConsider cleaning your seats and surfaces with baby wipes, which can help hide strong odors.
• coffee beansCoffee grounds contain nitrogen, which can help neutralize airborne odors quickly and safely. As a more natural alternative to baking soda, you can leave a bowl of coffee grounds in your car overnight to absorb the smell.
• citrus peelsCitrus peels are a good choice to add a fresh scent to your car. Keep the open peels of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits in your car and boil them in water beforehand to give the sweet smell an extra boost.

Replace air filter

Replace your car's air filterscan help eliminate smoke odors from vents. It can also reduce other odors you may notice and reduce airborne particles. It's a good idea to check your owner's manual for how often you should replace your air filters.

Avoid the smell of smoke in the future

Prevention is one of the best ways to remove the smell of smoke from your car. Make sure your air conditioner filters cool air from outside instead of recirculating air from inside the car. If you smoke in your car, keep the windows open while you smoke to prevent smoke from being trapped inside. You can also use a covered ashtray or smoke diffuser to reduce smoke contact with your car's interior surfaces.

Hearst Autos Research, made independently of thecar and driverEditorial, provides articles about cars and the automotive industry to help readers make informed purchasing decisions.