The smell of cigarette smoke is unmistakable, and it permeates fabric and coats hard surfaces with a brown film that retains the scent. The smell is offensive to many nonsmokers, and this is one of the main reasons why many nonsmokers do not allow smoking in their vehicles. Unfortunately, used vehicles sometimes come equipped with the odour of cigarette smoke, and it can be difficult to know how to get rid of the smell.
It is possible to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke in a car and some of the most effective ways are completely natural. If these dont work you may want to move on to the chemicals!
Ground Coffee: For decades, truck drivers have used ground coffee to get rid of strong odors in their trailers, and others have discovered that it works like magic to get rid of the odor of cigarette smoke in vehicles. Set shallow open bowls of ground aromatic coffee on the floorboards and on the seats with the windows and doors closed. Allow the ground coffee to absorb the smell of cigarette smoke in the car for at least 48 hours. If the odor is not completely gone, stash a couple of open bowls of ground coffee under the seats. In time the smell of cigarette smoke will dissipate. In the meantime your friends will wonder why your car smells like Starbucks!
Charcoal Briquettes: Ordinary charcoal is a fantastic odor absorber, and placing charcoal briquettes in a car is a great way to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke. Place a large bowl of charcoal briquettes on the car seat, and allow the car to remain closed for at least 48 hours. The charcoal should absorb the scent of cigarette smoke, and the vehicle should smell fresh and clean.
Ordinary White Vinegar: White vinegar is also a fantastic natural product to get rid of odors, and although it can be messier, it is very effective. (and your car will smel of vinegar instead of cigarettes!!) Pour about 8 ounces of ordinary white vinegar into the bottom of a deep bowl or clean bucket, and set it on the floorboard of the car. Allow it to remain undisturbed for at least 2 full days. The car should smell significantly better, and the scent of cigarette smoke should be undetectable.
Newspapers: Newsprint also works well to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke in a car. Wad up several sheets of ordinary black and white newsprint, and place it under the seats. It will continue to work to absorb odors, and within days the car should be free from the smell of cigarette smoke. Periodically change the newspapers and they will continue to keep the car smelling fresh and clean
Commercial products: All of the car care manufacturers such as Turtle Wax, Autoglym, Einszett & Meguiars have extensive ranges of products for cleaning and conditioning your cars' fabrics, seats and carpets. You can browse the range of products we offer here: Carpet & upholstery Cleaners All of these products will help to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke. Also Febreze could be well worth a try and can be bought in your local supermarket.
If you want a good multi-purpose disinfectant to kill germs and get rid of odours then Simoniz Interior Disinfectant is a good, value for money product.
Air Fresheners: Air fresheners wont get rid of the smell, they will just mask it, but untill the smell is gone you may well want to mask it! You can find our range of air fresheners here