August 1, 2024
Cigarette smoke can be difficult to remove from a car because it settles into upholstery, carpets, plastics and even the air conditioning system. But with the right cleaning steps, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the smell fully.
The most effective approach is a deep interior clean combined with odour neutralising products and HVAC treatment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help restore a fresher smell to your vehicle.
The first step to remove any lingering cigarette smells from your car is to remove all traces of cigarettes. This means cleaning out any old cigarette packets and butts that may be lurking in your vehicle. Remember to check under seats and down door and seat pockets where cigarette butts and other small bits of rubbish can get left behind.
You should also remove any clothes, loose items, or rubbish, like tissues or discarded food packets, that may harbor cigarette smells. Dispose of any rubbish and clean any other items before returning them to your vehicle.
The next step to get your car smelling fresh is to tackle the carpets and seats, as they retain the most odours, including cigarette smoke.
To ensure a thorough clean, follow this method :
1. Vacuum the upholstery throughout the vehicle, paying attention to nooks and crannies where cigarette ash may get trapped.
2. Sprinkle baking soda overall fabric surfaces in the vehicle, this is an important step as baking soda naturally neutralises odours.
3. Leave the baking soda to set in for several hours, ideally
4. At this point, you should notice an improvement in its smell.
5. Spray the interior, seats, carpets, floor mats, door panels, and rooflining with a fabric deodoriser containing enzymes, which will work to break down any remaining odours.
Once you have thoroughly removed the smell of cigarette smoke from your car’s upholstery, it’s time to tackle your windows.
When people smoke in cars, tar residue sticks to surfaces like the windows, which builds up over time, leaving a brown film. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also obstruct your view, so it’s important to clean your windows regularly.
To clean tar residue from car windows, you can either use a pre-mixed glass cleaning solution or make your own cleaner by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water.
Spray your chosen solution and leave it for a few minutes to get to work before wiping it clean with a soft microfibre cloth. For really tough tar residue, you may need to repeat this process a few times before the windows look pristine.
Not only does cigarette smoke infiltrate everything, but micro-sized spots of ash and tar residue get left on surfaces, so it is important to wipe them down.
It’s best to use warm, soapy water and a clean microfibre cloth to wipe overall your interior surfaces.
The HVAC ducts are one of the areas where cigarette smells can linger and seem impossible to remove. However, it’s relatively easy to get rid of any unpleasant odours from your HVAC ducts using a mould and mildew treatment spray specifically designed for heating systems.
Spray the treatment into the windscreen cowl, located at the base of the windscreen exterior, as this is where the cabin’s fresh air is drawn in, or turn the air conditioning system to recirculate and spray the vents in the foot well and centre console of the car.
The spray needs to sit for four to six hours before you get back into your vehicle, so it’s a good idea to do this overnight.
The final step to fully remove cigarette smells from your HVAC system is replacing your cabin air filter.
The best way to prevent cigarette smells from returning is to stop smoking in your vehicle. But if you do smoke in your car, make sure your windows are fully down before lighting your cigarette to help minimise odours.
To keep your car smelling fresher for longer, you can also :
How long does cigarette smell last in a car?
Cigarette smoke can linger for weeks or even months if not properly cleaned, as it embeds into fabrics and air systems.
What is the fastest way to remove smoke smell from a car?
A deep interior clean combined with baking soda treatment and HVAC system cleaning is the fastest effective method.
Does air freshener remove cigarette smell?
No, air fresheners only mask odours. You need to clean and neutralise the source of the smell.
Can professional car detailing remove smoke smell completely?
Yes, professional detailing is often the most effective way to fully remove deep-set smoke odours.
One of the best ways to rid your car of cigarette smoke smells is to let expert detailers methodically clean your vehicle. Having your car professionally serviced provides a more thorough clean as they have a range of specific tools and products that can help remove internal odours at the source and leave your car smelling like new.
As Australia’s leading 100% hand car wash & car detailing service provider, Star Car Wash can help you get lingering odours and unpleasant smells, like cigarette smoke, from your vehicle.
Since 2003, our expert team has cleaned and detailed thousands of cars, using industry-leading techniques to help restore them to like-new condition.
We have locations in all major shopping centres across Australia, meaning you can shop, catch up with friends, or even watch a movie while your vehicle is lovingly restored.
Book online today or visit your nearest Star Car Wash branch.
Contact any participating Star Car Wash today and experience the difference a professional detailing makes.
02 9700 7420
