Like hotel rooms, smoking in a vehicle can downgrade its resale appealability. Smoke has an acrid odor that is repugnant to the noses of people who don’t smoke. Yet, if you are in the market for a used vehicle and you find a good deal from a smoker, all hope is not lost. You can remove the odor and take advantage of those deep smoker discounts. The odor can be a key point of negotiation if you play your cards right. Let’s consider a few methods for removing cigarette smell from your car, below.
#1: Remove All Ashtrays and Butts
No matter how hard you try to cover up or remove the odor, the scent will linger unless you completely remove the source. In fact, not only should you remove ashtrays and butts that are lying on the floor and elsewhere, but you should also wash them out. Most ashtrays are removable and can be washed in the sink with dishwashing soap just like a dirty cup. Because smoking leaves residues and carcinogenic tars on ashtrays, cleaning them goes a long way towards restoring a fresh smell.
#2: Use Baking Soda
You can sprinkle baking soda on your carpets and on your upholstery a few hours before vacuuming your car out. The baking soda that remains residually after you vacuum the bulk of it up will also absorb any odors that linger. It will also remove any musty or moldy smells from dampness. It is a good idea to keep a box of baking soda in the trunk and one open in the center console or near ashtrays every night to help eliminate the smell. Baking soda does an excellent job of removing odors in your refrigerator and works well in an automobile as well.
#3: Shampooing and Using Enzymes
If the cigarette smell in car interior parts has not yet dissipated, you should consider having the upholstery and carpets shampooed clean by professionals. A professional detailing shop may charge anywhere between $150 and $200 to clean out your automobile. The cigarette smell in car interior parts can also be eliminated with products like spray air fresheners that use special enzymes to break down odors. There are even industrial-strength products sold online that are often the last hope for eliminating pet odors from cat urine and other waste when bleach fails. These products make removing cigarette smell from your car look easy in comparison.
#4: Install New Seat Covers
If the odors are deeply set in and everything else has not fully removed the odor, you can trap the odor beneath layers of fabric by buying new seat covers. Neoprene seat covers are very effective because it is the same material used in diving wetsuits. It creates a waterproof barrier that inherently blocks any odors lingering in your upholstery. Neoprene also has the benefits of preventing burn holes in your upholstery and is a good investment if you are a smoker and would like to protect your car from fire and smoke damage.
For more information about protecting the seats of your car, visit our website or call us at 888-246-5653.