How to Get Rid of Smoke Smell in a Car

If you’re buying a used Jaguar vehicle, this can be a great model at a price that fits your existing budget. Unfortunately, in some cases, a prior owner might have been a smoker. The result is that cigarette smoke permeates soft surfaces, staying within the upholstery features for some time. As a result, Jaguar Manhattan Certified Pre-Owned & Service gets a lot of questions about how to get rid of smoke smells in a car.

Whether it’s “How to get smoke smell out of car?” or “How to get cigarette smell out of car?,” we’ve seen different versions of this question for years. So our service technicians have decided to put together a piece on how to get the smoke smell out of a car. Read on to learn more with Jaguar Manhattan Certified Pre-Owned & Service today!

How to Remove Smoke Smell From Car: Upholstery

As we indicated, how to get rid of the smoke smell in a car is one of the more prominent questions we’ve received over the years. So how to get that cigarette smell out of a car? First, you’ll need some baking soda and a vacuum. Afterward, follow these steps:

Removing the scent of smoke from carpet and upholstery requires different care from leather. To remove the smell of smoke, you are going to need baking soda and a vacuum. Then, follow these steps: 

1. Vacuum The Upholstery and Carpet: Make sure you thoroughly vacuum and get under those seats and in crevices, as old ash particles can be in these spots.
2. Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Carpet and Upholstery: Let the baking soda sit for a while. It is a great odor neutralizer that can absorb scents and help get the smoke smell out of cars.
3. Take Your Vacuum and Clean Up Baking Soda: Once the baking soda has sat for a while, vacuum it up. If you notice the smoke smell is still present, sprinkle smaller amounts of baking soda to completely eliminate the smell. You can also leave an open box of baking soda within your vehicle overnight to absorb the scent to remove a smoke smell from your car.

How to Remove Smoke Smell From Car: Leather and Trim

In focusing on how to get the smoke smell out of a car, we’ve focused on upholstery. What about leather car seats? Cigarette and Cigar smoke can penetrate into the leather, causing surface residue. To handle this, do the following: 

1. Find a Special Cleaner: You’ll need to use a special car cleaner that is formulated to treat the surface you intend on cleaning. For instance, for those planning to clean a car’s dashboard, you’ll need a cleanser for that.
2. Clean The Surface Several Times: Since this kind of smoke can permeate deeply along surfaces, be sure to clean it multiple times. Continuous cleanings will make sure you’ve removed the scent and any residue. 

What About Other Areas in Your Car?

Once you’ve cleaned up your upholstery, carpet, and trim, it’s time to turn to other areas within your vehicle. Make sure to wipe down your windows, the front and back windshield, and replace the car’s air filter. The latter is important because the continuous use of cigarettes and cigars can put this smell into your vehicle’s air vents. Lingerings on these surfaces can cause a very foul smell in general.

Find Your Perfect Vehicle at Jaguar Manhattan Certified Pre-Owned & Service

Now that we’ve summed up how to get the smoke smell out of a car, Jaguar Manhattan Certified Pre-Owned & Service is the place for all automotive needs. Check out our new and pre-owned inventory for the right Jaguar for your needs and budget. You can also save some money with our new and pre-owned vehicle specials. If you’re debating whether to buy or lease, we can assist with that as well. Jaguar Manhattan Certified Pre-Owned & Service is the place to be. See you shortly!