How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell from a Car Interior

1. Clean the Ashtray 

Start by cleaning the ashtray with its empty contents and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Stagnant ashtray residue can trap tiny smoke particles that contribute to a persistent smell. Clean out all those little corners, as even the tiniest little bits of ash can affect your car’s overall air quality.

2. Vacuum the Interior

Cigarette ash particles can easily settle in your seats, carpet, and floor mats; use your vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to get right in there. Get everything along the cracks and corners, like those under the cushions and the seats where ash likes to hide.

3. Wipe Down Hard Surfaces 

Cigarette smoke also sticks to the fabric as well as hard surfaces such as your dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels. Therefore, take a microfiber cloth and a suitable cleaner, either a specialized car interior cleaner or a mild all-purpose cleaner, and wipe down all hard surfaces. Include gear shift, cup holders, and other surfaces in your cleanup.

4. Get Smoke Smell Out of Upholstery

Upholstery and carpets are the most affected by cigarette smoke. To clean start by vacuuming them well. After that, you can either shampoo them with a carpet cleaner or use a steam cleaner to remove deeper particles. At the end, add a fabric freshener deodorizing spray to eliminate residual odors.

5. Clean Leather Seats

Leather seats require special treatment because they can be easily damaged. If you want to remove cigarette smells, use a leather-specific odor-removing cleaner. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth and wipe the seats. Once cleaned, apply a high-quality leather conditioner to keep the fabric soft and hydrated. It will also prevent any residual smell caused by smoke.

6. Clean the Air Vents

The air vents in your car can trap smoke particles and spread the smell whenever you turn on the AC or heating. To clean the vents, you can use a small brush to gently sweep out any debris, then wipe the vents down with a wet cloth. For deeper cleaning, use an air vent cleaner spray, which is designed to neutralize odors inside the system.

7. Use of Fabric Fresheners 

After deep cleaning your upholstery, It is a routine practice to put a fabric freshener that removes odors. Take products that are specifically formulated for smoke smell removal. They can effectively neutralize any remaining traces and eliminate smoke odors from your car permanently.

8. Apply Best Smoke Eliminator Sprays and Powders

If you want to remove the cigarette smell permanently and are looking for authentic solutions, you can use professional-grade smoke eliminator sprays. These are enzyme-based sprays that kill smoke particles on a molecular level. Try the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the best results.

• Vinegar and Water Mixture for Smoke Smell

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer. Combine equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then lightly spray the interior of your car. Let it sit for a while, and the vinegar smell will dissipate along with the smoke odor.

• Citrus Peels and Coffee Grounds

Citrus peels and coffee grounds are also great natural odor absorbers. Simply place them in small bags or containers and leave them in the car for a few days to help neutralize the smoke smell.

• Sprinkle Baking Soda

As a natural deodorizer, baking soda absorbs unwanted smell. Sprinkle it generously on your car’s seats, carpets, and floor mats. Give it a few hours or leave overnight, if possible, to absorb the smoke smell. Then vacuum the baking soda for a fresh smell in the interior.

• Activated Charcoal

Another powerful solution for eliminating bad smells is activated charcoal. Place a few bags or small containers of activated charcoal in different areas of the car, like beneath the seats or inside the cup holders. It will help trap the smoke particles and neutralize the smell. Keep the charcoal in the car for a few days to get the desired results.

Professional Solutions 

• Use of Ozone Generators

An ozone generator is a tool for smoke odor removal. It produces ozone molecules that break down smoke particles. If you have a stubborn smell in your car, you should use an ozone generator for a few hours. 

Safety Note: Follow the recommended safety procedures, because ozone can be dangerous in high doses.

• Professional Detailing Services

If the smoke smell is still persistent, it might be time to seek expert help. Call us! for a full car detailing service that will deep clean your car’s interior.

• Avoid Smoking in the Car

Avoid smoking inside to maintain your car’s freshness. If you have to smoke in your car, use a portable air purifier. Otherwise, open all the car windows to circulate the fresh air. Regularly vacuuming and cleaning interior surfaces maintain good air quality in the car.

• Keep Your Car’s Air Fresh with Regular HVAC Maintenance

Regularly change the cabin air filter and clean the air vents to prevent smoke from building up in the first place. It’s also a good idea to run the air conditioning or heater periodically with the windows down to flush out trapped odors.