Get rid of smoking smell in car?
Posted by HawkLivesOn13@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 25 comments
Just bought a Mazda CX-5 and previous owner smoked in the car, anyone have tips on getting rid of the smell.
Going to try a car fogger first and see the results.
campmars6089@reddit
We bought a minivan two years ago that stunk bad of cigarettes. Covered every surface and heavily on the seats, carpet with baking soda. The headliner as well. Basically just throwing baking soda everywhere. Left it all closed up for a few days and then vacuumed it out. A year later, there is no smell.
Trypt2k@reddit
Have you considered just smoking in the car, then it wouldn't bother you.
TacitRonin20@reddit
I had a 91 Corvette that was destroyed in a flash flood.
Previous owner was a smoker on top of being a pos. Before the flood, I meticulously cleaned the carpets with fancy odor removing cleaner. All the plastics were cleaned. After the car was flooded, I removed the carpet and was able to dry it off. This whole process took place over a year. It still smelled like smoke.
Maybe ozium or other suggestions would work, but I'd recommend getting used to some level of smoke smell. Invest in the little blue or black tree scent things.
Equana@reddit
Remove the seats. Scrub the carpets and seats. Clean everything you can touch.
Now use an ozone generator and/or spray ozium into the air intake for the vents. Run the fan to spread it around. Let sit overnight.
Repeat as needed.
bcsublime@reddit
This is the only real answer. You can use an ozone machine, vinegar, Ozium etc. it will still have a lingering odor.
If you want it to be 100% smoke, smell free you need to take the seats out and truly wash the inside and then it may still have a lingering smell. It depends on how sensitive you are to that smell.
Blu_yello_husky@reddit
I've seen people have luck with ozone generators in the past. I just used little trees on mine back when I cared, but ive since lost that care since I hotbox the car all the time anyway
Mad_Scientist_420@reddit
Ozone generator.
Inevitable-Fix-3212@reddit
This. Get people and pets out while running and then open windows before letting pets onside.
birdpix@reddit
That is critical safety issue. These devices are easy to buy and use. Read the entire manual before use and be careful.
TeraTrad@reddit
Seconded, they're so affordable now too. A less than $100 one time purchase vs trying tons of chemical-scent cocktails that don't work.
Civil_Ride9221@reddit
I just buy them on Amazon, use them, and then return them
Dry-Discipline-2525@reddit
Ozone generator or Ozium is really the only way
_caraaaward@reddit
yeah this really works
ProfessionalFix9053@reddit
Use an ozone machine and after that buy a few sports odour pucks that go in hockey bags. That we help draw even more of the stench out.
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
Vinegar. Then get that smell out
rac1283@reddit
What’s the OP supposed to do with the vinegar?
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
Scrub it in . Dont know why it works. But it does.
Timely_Chicken_8789@reddit
Spray it on the upholstery. See my post. Also google/youtube for instructions. It works.
Timely_Chicken_8789@reddit
My used truck reeked of smoke. I washed everything down and sprayed the upholstery with a vinegar solution. After smelling like vinegar for a month it was good as new. Simmons car upholstery cleaner works well but it’s $20 a can and a car would prob use 3-4 cans.
Nice-Zombie356@reddit
Dealer used an ozone machine for about 2 days. That got rid of about 75%.
I then got some little charcoal filters (link) on Amazon. Used them plus also and left all my windows open in a sunny/breezy spot as much as possible over the course of a few weeks and the smell was totally gone.
SpaceCat72@reddit
Ozmium., also cat litter under the back seat works great for death cars. I Used to rebuild totals.
rac1283@reddit
I’d be a bit cautious about going DIY with an ozone generator. Not only can it be hazardous to your health, but it can also damage the plastics and fabric in your car if used improperly. Probably better to let a detailer do it.
youdidittoyouagain@reddit
Also new cabin-air filter
Inconsequentialish@reddit
Consider finding a good detail shop. They should have a heavy duty ozone generator and the experience to use it, plus they can thoroughly and safely clean the carpet and interior to get rid of most of the residue.
We're all about DIY here, but you'd spend a hell of a lot more on the right equipment and materials, and wouldn't get a great result.
In the end, be realistic about what you expect. You'll never ever get rid of all the stank. Hopefully you got a really good deal.
jrileyy229@reddit
Fogger? No, ozone generator